Upgrading rear mech from 8 to 9-10 speed

Joolius
Joolius Posts: 27
edited January 2008 in Workshop
Hello – first post here! A quick question:

My bike is currently equipped with 8-speed Campag gears. The ergos (mirage) are in good condition, but I’m thinking of replacing the aging rear mech.

Although I don’t have much experience fiddling with these things, I’m thinking that I won’t have any problems if I buy a new Campag 9 or 10 speed rear mech and make a simple swap. My reasoning is that the indexing comes from the shifters and not the mech.

Am I right?

Comments

  • aracer
    aracer Posts: 1,649
    Yes and no. Yes the indexing comes from the shifters. No, you can't swap the mech without having any issues, since Campag changed their mech geometry when they introduced 10-speed, and all modern mechs are slightly different geometry to old 8-speed ones.

    Having said that, I believe it is possible to use a modern mech with 8-speed, though the indexing will be slightly out. The other issue being that you'll probably have to run a 9-speed chain to fit through the mech.
  • Joolius
    Joolius Posts: 27
    Thanks for your help!

    If I could source an older 8-speed mech would it be a simpler swap? (Just checked on Ebay and there are a few 8-speed Record mechs available)
  • aracer
    aracer Posts: 1,649
    If you've no plans to go 9 or 10 and you can find a good condiition one, then yes that would be easier.
  • Joolius
    Joolius Posts: 27
    Off to find a decent old mech then! Thanks again

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