going compact chainset

pipsqueak

Can anyone just confirm that i can replace my Sora 8 speed chainset double with a 9 speed compact chainset?

Thanks

Smokin Joe

No problem.

pipsqueak

thanks

Slow Downcp

Remember to shorten the chain though.

thexvw

I have just done this, why do you need to shorten the chain and by how much ?

Slow Downcp

thexvw wrote:

I have just done this, why do you need to shorten the chain and by how much ?

The smaller chainrings will mean that the chain has to be shorter to keep at the correct tension (assuming it was correct beforehand). I switched two bikes from 53/39 to 50/34 recently and one link less works for me.

John.T

If the rear mech will take up all the slack on the chain when you are on small / small then I would not bother shortening the chain. Shimano works best with the chain as long as possible. 50/34 with 12/27 is pushing the mech close to its limits and care is needed with chain length. If running a 25 or less you can take more liberties with chain length.

cougie

You will need to drop your front shifter down a bit though and re-tension.

I forgot to do this once and lost a race because of it. D'oh !

Mettan

pipsqueak wrote:

Can anyone just confirm that i can replace my Sora 8 speed chainset double with a 9 speed compact chainset?

Thanks

And just a note on compatibility (if unsure) - essentially, I started off with an:

8-speed Double chainset
8-speed chain
8-speed cassette

and have now got:

9-speed Compact chainset
8-speed chain
8-speed cassette

Works perfectly.