9 Speed 856 - Can it be done?

[willem]

I put a 9 speed Shi*mano cassette on my "Big" 856 this weekend as part of my latest project.

Surprisingly, the chain hits the swingarm before it can seat on the smallest cog. Is this normal, or do I have an unusually ugly weld on the inside of the swingarm?

Anyone else ever try this?  Help...

(Can't wait to fly this bird; I got a smokin' deal on a superlight Zoke Marathon fork and a decent wheelset with BB5 brakes!)

[Mr752]

Willem,

When I built up my XP-8(essentially a 856) I specced it out with 9speed XT, been running it for about 8 months now no problems! I also put a FSA V-speed crankset with external BB bearings on it and I've had no probs with the front mech which is also latest XT.
Might just be that ugly blob of weld!

Mr752

[jeffhop]

9 speed cassettes are the same width as 8 speed so there shouldnt be a problem, i had 9 speed on my xpx with no problems like mr752 in fact i couldnt tell you the last time i used 8 speed anything! maybe you could try a 12 small cog if your trying to run an 11 thats all i can think of.

[willem]

Thanks guys.
I did some more digging and it's a combination of a big weld and the hub not being spaced just right. The combination creates some ugly crunching! I think I can get it squared away.

One more part coming from ebay and this thing will be ready to go on it's 3rd reincarnation.

[shovelon]

Could be a bad small cog. I just had the same problem with a Tioga Ti cassette. I changed with a shimano 11 tooth cog and problem solved.

[willem]

...and the verdict is... YES.
There was a lot of paint on an unusually large weld that added up to an interference with the lowest cog. This was made worse because I somehow managed to put on a single speed chain. Duh!

Anyhow, it's all sweetness now. I'm back Proflexing on a snow white 856 with a 1x9 drive train, dual discos, and a plushalicious Zoke air fork.

Pics to follow if I can get through all the electronics!