8 To 9 Speed With Existing Cranks

jedi_master
jedi_master Posts: 888
edited August 2009 in MTB buying advice
Just a quick one, my dad has a set of Acera FC-M361 cranks, Shimano's site states that the Acera group offers an 8-Speed drive chain but I'm looking to fit a 9 speed chain and cassette. Now the tech doc for the cranks shows two models M361 and M361-8 now from this I assume the -8 is 8 speed only and the ones on my dads bit will fit a 9 speed fine. I also have some 9 speed off cuts which seem to fit onto the chainrings sweet as a nut.

I have probably just answered my own question but I thought I would just check before ordering.

Thanks.

Oh 1 last thing the front mech will be fine with a 9 speed chain? don't believe I have seen 8 or 9 speed specific.

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    the chain rings are the same thickness but the spacing between the rings can be a bit different.

    if yours are 8spd they will work but front changing may not be as good as it could be.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • jedi_master
    jedi_master Posts: 888
    nicklouse wrote:
    if yours are 8spd they will work but front changing may not be as good as it could be.
    The crankset or mech? As I say I assume it's not 8 speed as the ones I have are M361(i checked the number one the back of the crank arm) and not 361-8 (i'm assuming the -8 means 8 speed)
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    both.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • jedi_master
    jedi_master Posts: 888
    The front mech is a Shimano Altus FD-M310, but I have new SLX 9 speed shifters to replace the Sti units that are on the bike at the mo and the cranks I pretty sure are not the 8 speed specific as there's no -8 after the model number. Did look on Shimanos site but could find if -8 after the model stood for 8 speed.

    The front mech will probably get upgraded later in the year.

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