hollowtech 2 chainset 9/10 speed ??

whoof

I've two queries.
I've got a 53/39 10 speed Ultregra hollowtech 2 chainset and I might do an odd sportif and am looking to buy a Shimano compact 50/34. As I will only be using this once or twice a year I don't want to spend a £100+ on a chainset. I've seen shimano 4550 compact for £31.
My questions are
1. Firstly has anyone run a 9 speed chainset with a 10 speed chain.
2. How easy are these chainsets to swop over (I've done tappered bb and octilink chainsets before), I would be grateful for any links "How to" sites. I've looked at Sheldon Brown and there is nothing there.

Many thanks.

robbarker

It will probably work but gear change quality may not be too clever. Shimano compact chainsets have a particular tooth profile to allow the use of conventional front mechs and performance is already compromised a bit by this.

It is clearly sold as only compatible with 9 speed, so why bodge it? For the sake of an extra 20 quid you canget the FC-R600 which is designed for 10 speed chains.

Shimano also specify that compact chainsets require a medium (gs) cage rear mech. In practice, I've yet to hear of a disaster from any of the many people who don't know this and run short cage rear mechs with the compact chainset they fitted. I would hate you to be the first though!

The easiest solution for you will be to fit a 12/27 rear cassette, assuming you're not running one already. You get a low gear to (very nearly) match 34/25 and much nicer shhifting at the front, with much less need to constantly change chainrings as you will find you do with a compact. I went with the fashion last year and ran 50/34 with 12/25, but have gone back to 53/39 and 12/27 this year because it's much nicer to live with.

The chainsets are a doddle to change over assuming you have the right tools. A light touch is needed on the preload cap, and a torque wrench is advisable on the pinch bolts.

SDP

get a 12/27 cassette & if you want a pair of 50/38 chain rings ....

if not as rob says spend a bit extra on a 600 series....

you may need to play araound with chain links if you drop the compact in ...

Pirahna

I've run 8 speed chainsets with 10 speed chains and not had any problems, so I don't think you'll have any issues with the 9 speed chainset.

maddog 2

it'll be fine

just unbolt your Ultegra and swap the c/set over.

You'll need the bearing preload tool (round plastic thing)

and follow the intructions re. the tightening of the crank arm pinch bolts. But it's an easy job basically.

You may need to drop the front mech a tad but suck it and see first.

Flambes

I run a 10 speed chain on a 1990's Mavic 631 chainset. Nay probs.

whoof

Thanks for all the replies.