9 speed campag for new touring build - madness?

MrBlond

As per title really - I am in possession of some 9 speed centaur shifters which are non-QS (and much nicer for it) and I know it's still possible to get things like Record triples, mechs, cassettes etc

Is 9 speed any more durable than 10? Can't help but feel it would be, but this is hardly scientific...

Rob Sallnow

A 9 speed chain lasts longer than a 10 based on most people's posts I've read on the subject. Other than that they are the same in terms of durability as they are mostly the same parts.

DavidBelcher

MrBlond wrote:

As per title really - I am in possession of some 9 speed centaur shifters which are non-QS (and much nicer for it) and I know it's still possible to get things like Record triples, mechs, cassettes etc

Is 9 speed any more durable than 10? Can't help but feel it would be, but this is hardly scientific...

As long as you can still get the cassettes - and it looks as though this will be the case for a few years yet, though they may well come from, say, BBB or Miche and not Campag - you should be OK. I'd expect sourcing 9sp chains to be a doddle for a long time to come. The rest of the kit is robust, whilst some 10sp parts (hubs, chainsets and possibly certain derailleurs) will work with 9sp set-ups. If your Ergos give up the ghost, you could try and get them repaired (Mercian) or explore the S/H and NOS markets. In short, Campag 9sp stuff isn't a museum piece just yet, it can be kept running without a shed-load of bother, and by and large it works as well as its successors. Mind you, I still race on 9sp Mirage stuff, so I'm biased!

David

MrBlond

Thanks gents

Rob Sallnow

DavidBelcher wrote:

MrBlond wrote:

As per title really - I am in possession of some 9 speed centaur shifters which are non-QS (and much nicer for it) and I know it's still possible to get things like Record triples, mechs, cassettes etc

Is 9 speed any more durable than 10? Can't help but feel it would be, but this is hardly scientific...

If your Ergos give up the ghost, you could try and get them repaired (Mercian) or explore the S/H and NOS markets.

The only 9 speed element of an Ergo is the ratchet and they don't wear out. So the only issue once you have the required parts, and you have the most important in the 9 speed Ergos(because they are not made anymore whereas the current mechs will work both 9 and 10 speed, as will the chainsets) is getting the cassettes though they are still made.