9 speed upgrades

[wylyman]

Is it worth it to upgrade from 8 to 9speed drivetrain?  My crankset is due for replacement, would a 9 speed crankset work with an 8 speed chain?  Not sure if it would be worth it to change the whole drivetrain.

[shovelon]

No!

Current wisdom is that 8 speed is more durable and shifts better. The chain is a bit beefier, and wider.

There is nothing wrong with 9 speed in my opinion, just t hat  8 speed is hard to beat.

I have both and like  the 8 speed better, All xtr of course.

Terry

[jazclrint]

I have full SRAM 9-speed X.0 and where I am so out of shape the lower gear is really useful in the tight, steep, and technical riding here in Maine.  The SRAM 9 speed rear cassette seemed a little flexy and clunky when I first got it now it is fine and smooth.  I am wondering if there was a "break in" period.  I am having issues with the shifting being affected by the suspension movement.  And I have to set the rear derailure tension while I sit on the bike.  It cannot be done off the bike.  But there are few of use that have these issues from what I can tell.  
Rich

[jeffhop]

a nine speed crankset will be fine with an eight speed chain, i used to use a nine speed chain on an eight speed set up and that was fine also

[Matno]

On most cranksets, there is no difference between 8 and 9 speed. There are a few that have a hair's breadth difference in how thick the teeth are, but the spacing is the same either way.

Now, using a 9 speed chain with an 8 speed front derailleur (or vice versa) can be problematic and will definitely affect your shifting. I have a 9 speed derailleur with an 8 speed chain on one bike, and it definitely rubs in more gear combinations...

[jimbo]

9 speed stuff are now cheaper and easier to get.  OEM blowouts from Jensonusa and Ebay make it easier to put together a cheap build kit.

I did score a brand new 8 speed SRAM X7 trigger finger at Ebay for like $10.00.  I bought it for my my old Rocky HT which is basically my loaner bike.  Not really interested in upgrading that bike.

SRAM 9 speed is reliable and low (no) maintenance.  Once I set the rear derailleur I never have to adjust it again.  I prefer low end stuff like X7s or the new SX-5s (really older X7s).  The cheaper stuff don't get you upset when it breaks.  I've already broken 2 shifters (crashes) and one rear derailluer (sucked into the wheel) in the last 6 months.

[Ziggy]

Not that impressed with 9sp to be honest... I've got it on my 856, but I won't bother upgrading any of my other bikes.

The cheaper stuff don't get you upset when it breaks.

It also doesn't break as often...  Expensive bits come with rock-attractors, I reckon.

[Matno]

I've never had a problem with reliability of either the 8 or 9 speed systems. However, the 9 speed has a big advantage (in my opinion) in that you can get a 12-34 tooth rear cog. The extra large big-cog in the back comes in handy if you ride really steep, technical climbs... Whenever I'm riding with my 8 speed bike, I really miss that. (Then again, my 8-speed XTR setup only goes up to 28 teeth - definitely not enough for me!)

[jimbo]

Actually you can get an 8 speed that goes up to 34.  It's a very low product that weighs a ton.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Shimano-8-speed-cassette-CS-HG40-8-11-34-teeth_W0QQitemZ110049258757QQcmdZViewItem

I hear you on on not having the 34 tooth gearing.  My Planet X HT is setup with a 9 speed components.  Because of the extra thickness of of the dropout the derailluer will not shift into the 9th gear.  The 8th gear is a 28 so it's a bear as the frame weighs as much as a FS.  I finally couldn't stand it so I put a spacer between the cog and wheel and pulled the 11 tooth out.  That moved the 34 tooth out so that the derailluer could engage it.

Technically my bike is an 8 speed but it is fully equipped with 9 speed components.  I just have an extra number on my shifter that does not work.

[jeffhop]

jimbo, why didnt you split the cassette and alter the position of the cogs on the cassette to customise your ratios?

[jimbo]

jimbo, why didnt you split the cassette and alter the position of the cogs on the cassette to customise your ratios?

That actually was my original thought.  The 9 speed cassette had 7 gears bolted together with the last 2 including the 11 tooth loose.  It just seemed easier to to what I did.  Ironically my 8 speed cassette gears is loose with spacers and that's where I got the spacer for my 9 speed.

I'm a constant fiddller.  I already had to butcher the Sram front derailluer with a dremel tool.  This bike is becoming a FrankenBike.  But then I get great satisfaction when I get it to work.  I just wish I had more time to ride

[Colin]

I've got an 11-34 8 speed cassette on my 4000se, I'm  sure it's XT, maybe they don't make them anymore, is that it?

You can get an HG-60 8 speed 11-34
http://www.parker-international.co.uk/ProductDetails/mcs/productID/5619/
A bit low end, Alivio/Deore maybe? but dirt cheap!

Uh Oh! looks like I'm going to have the same problem when the current Cassette wears out!

On the same subject is it possible/economic to just replace the first couple of cogs on an XT cassette? i.e. the 11 and 13 that have become worn?

would SRAM sprockets be interchangeable on an XT cassette? I can see spares for their cassettes at very reasonable prices!

Col.