9 speed stuff?

[zerpy]

My newbie question of the day...

After this adventure with my rear derailleur, I got to thinking about what all is involved with upgrading components. As things wear out, I'll probably replace them with stuff that is better than the entry level junk that came with my bike, assuming that I finally will know enough about all this to appreciate the upgrade. Right now I wouldn't. I can't tell you why anyone would want XTR vs my alivio for example.

BUT... I've noticed that like the XT line is all 9 speed. So if I replaced the rear derailleur for example I'd need a new cassette and new shifter pods, and new brake levers since mine are currently integrated. How about the chainrings? Are there differences in your crankset for an 8 speed setup vs 9 speed? I guess I've seen things advertised as 9 speed compatible, but I've seen a lot with no designation.

I could really be an expensive proposition to go from my cheap stuff which is 8 speed and upgrade to XT or something when it looks like all shimano has in 9 speed in their "nicer" stuff (I don't know about XTR - don't even look at that). I'd have to replace just about everything.

[Rocky Mountain]

I think the 8-Speed crank will work but my memory is shot right now so do a search on mtbr.com MTBR Drivetrain Forum (http://forums13.consumerreview.com/crforum?14@@.ee7b970)

Look for MikeT's post for reliable info. I tried to find his site but had no luck.

Get you facts together before you order online or otherwise so you don't get screwed.

[GearDaddy]

Yep, you'll probably want to change the crankset too. The 9 speed chain is totally different than the 8 speed chain. If you are changing a chain, you'll probably want to think about changing the crank chainrings anyway.

For what it's worth, I've found that the 9 speed stuff does truly work better than the 8 speed stuff that I've used in the past. It seems to have better tolerances, thereby it shifts more smoothly. I know there was some debate when 9-speed was introduced concerning it being less tough, durable, and susceptable to getting gummed up in muddy conditions. However, I have found none of that to be true, as it works just as well.

A full upgrade might not be worth it, and it's probably the most expensive way to go. Look at the big picture of the whole bike. It may make more economic sense to get a whole new bike with a 9-speed setup. But, if you really love your frame/fork/wheels, then the upgrade may be justified.

[jkalla]

Shimano's web site used to have a technical page with info on what is cross compatible between 8 and 9 speed. I can't find it on their website now. Does anyone know where to find it? If I recall you can not use an 8 speed chain ring with a 9 speed chain because the teeth are too wide or the shifting ramps on the chain rings won't work or something like that.

You can still find 8 speed parts out there and they are usually cheaper than 9 speed. Mail order or internet shops may have iwhat you need or your LBS can order it. Freewheel ordered 8 speed parts for me last fall.

[zerpy]

Maybe I'd just keep my eyes out for 8 speed compatible stuff then.

And, yes I am in love with the frame. Right now I weigh almost 300 lbs. I have a specialized Hard Rock Comp and that frame is solid as a rock. I'm not by any means a good rider yet and can't do much technical stuff (I haven't even dared the X loop at lebanon, much less the XX loop). But I did bunny hop down a set of steps, was about 2 feet and the bike is totally solid with my 300 lb a$$ slamming it:)

In the future when I get a better bike, I can still forsee myself putting road tires on this thing for cruising around the neighborhood with my family or commuting. So I don't think it isn't worth the upgrades in the future, it is just that you would have to bite off everything all at once. If I can upgrade quality but still stay 8 speed as things wear, then I think it will be a little easier.

I'd like to replace the cranks sooner than later anyway, they go creak creak creak all the way down the trail and I have to re-tighten them every time I ride:)

Thanks for the info

[SilverAthlon]

If you need a new bike, many shops do a layaway. buy a bike at the end of the season, maybe a close out, and then pay for it over or extra long winters.... 5-6 months between $1000 is no more than $200 a month.

As for the cranks, if you're gonna get something, i recommend XT or race face. They both offer excellent stiffness, and value. keep in mind that you'll also need a new bottom bracket, as the new higher end cranks are splined. See your local dealer for prices and labor costs.

Depending on how many miles the chain has, once you start replacing something, another thing will need it at the same time. Chains stretch, and when that happens it wears the cassette. If you replace the chain or cassette, and wear has occurred, the part that was not replaced is still worn to old parts. AKA worn out. you can do drivetrains 2 ways:
1. MTB's change chain every 300-500 mi.
2. Replace everything at once.

Price averages out, so does performance... It just depends on how many times you wanna take your bike to the shop.

Quick note: the creak is most likely the bottom bracket is loose. be sure to get that to a shop and checked, to avoid unrepairable frame damage.

[denis-on-enduro]

Originally posted by jkalla
Shimano's web site used to have a technical page with info on what is cross compatible between 8 and 9 speed. I can't find it on their website now. Does anyone know where to find it? If I recall you can not use an 8 speed chain ring with a 9 speed chain because the teeth are too wide or the shifting ramps on the chain rings won't work or something like that.

You can still find 8 speed parts out there and they are usually cheaper than 9 speed. Mail order or internet shops may have iwhat you need or your LBS can order it. Freewheel ordered 8 speed parts for me last fall.


Their website has kinda broken down.

Half of it is foreign!

[zerpy]

Thanks for the good info. I'll bring the bike in and have that creak looked at. I've heard from others that have the same cranks that complain about the creaking so I haven't thought about that, of course I didn't now a loose bottom bracket could damage the frame either:) I also figured that it would help explain why truvativ doesn't make that crank anymore! Probably discontunued them and cleared out their inventory to the OEM's at a discount.

Good news is that from what I've been able to figure out, most cranksets are 9 speed compatible these days but also work for 8 speed. Doesn't really seem to be a difference for the chainrings. And that is a huge part of the expense of the whole upgrade.

As far as a new bike goes, I don't plan on getting a new bike for at least 3 to 4 years. I don't mind spending the money on this one as it needs it (as long as it isn't ridiculous like XTR :crazy: )

[manitouman84]

You can totally run 8 speed cranks with a 9 speed drive train. As far as cranks it all works the same in the end. What you should really do is get a new crank with a splined bottom bracket, splined is oodles stiffer. Personally I recommend Tru Vativ Cranks, they are great cranks for the money. My truvativ team crank is bomb stiff.

To give you and idea of money you are getting into this summer I upgraded my homegrown from 8 to 9 speed. I got a Truvativ team crank, Truvativ SL splined bottom bracket, then upgraded with an XT chain and cogset, and 9 speed XT shift pods. The bill for this one ran me up 300 bucks. Thats without replacing the derailluer and brake levers (mine were not integreated).

I really believe 8 speed is an all around better system, but I chose the upgrade because 8 speed available parts are harder to come by.