Shimano 8 speed to Shimano 9 speed- what costs

synthasandwich

+Hi Folks,

I want to just confirm my understanding on this as I am new to mountain biking.

I want to fit Deore shifters on my 8 speed Gary Fischer but everywhere only sells 9 speed deore shifters......... so can anyone confirm:

1) That the 9 speed cassette will fit on my 8 speed hub. I assume the cassette is thinner?
2) I will need a new 9 speed chain to go on the new 9 speed cassette ( because it is thinner? )
3) That the new 9 speed chain will still engage with my front chain rings...

what an "iceburg" , all for the sake of crisper indexing hey?

thanks in advance people,

Mark

cooldad

Yes

Or look on Ebay for some 8 speed. I use old STX RC's, better than anything new up to XT.

nicklouse

there is loads of 8 spd stuff out there as new.

but back to your list, just add the shifters.

synthasandwich

Hello again,

cheers for the quick response both. I will do some research on the STX shifters as I have not encountered them.... had my heart set on Deores as I have tried them on a couple of bikes now but will keep an open mind.

Did Deore ever do an 8 speed pod without brake levers ( I am buying seperate Avid speed dial levers, thing is. )

glad to have some help and learn more.

Mark.

welshkev

years ago i used to run 8 speed shifters with a 7 speed set up and it worked fine, so i guess that 9 speed shifters will work fine with an 8 speed set up

nicklouse

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=38697
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=13206

a couple of shimano compatible 8spd shifters

what are you actually wanting to do?

cooldad

9 speed shifters won't work with 8 speed cassette.
I have Speedials on my hardtail with stx shifters. the RC bit just means they were made with thinner plastic I think - lighter for racing - bit of a joke.
Old LX shifters are really nice if you can find a pair - aluminium bodies instead of plastic.
Both types have small thin levers with short throws and positive action.
Ebay is a good place to look, or the classifieds on Retrobike

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Retro-STX-RC-8-Sp ... 20b5374f77

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Shimano-STX-RC-8- ... 3362d25921

or XT

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Deore-XT-shifters ... 4cf36308f0

or MC18 which I think was Alivio equivalent

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Shimano-8-Spd-Shi ... 20b558da79

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Shimano-Front-Rea ... 4aa6a0dd0b

At the prices worth a try. The STX 's sell easily too if you don't like them. I used to buy in case I needed spares, but my original ones just keep going.

synthasandwich

Hello All,

Thanks to the three of you for further input.

My aim is to improve the index quality of shifting gear, currently the shifters the bike came with don't spring into gear quickly and as firmly as I have experienced with the Deores.... I also want to fit the speed dials to match my Avid brakes I've fitted as I am currently running them with original V brake, shifter combo levers ( which kind of work, but I'm a perfectionist, I want better. )

Cooldad- I've since read some reviews of your shifters and I am impressed by the feedback, they seems worth investigating and as you say they seem to sell. Appreciate the recommendation.

It's a slow process upgrading but more satisfying isn't it.... although probably not as cost efficient. However, the learning curve is a bonus.

Cheers again,

Mark

supersonic

Deore did do 8 speed pods in 2000. Alivio 8 speed pods work well.

synthasandwich

Hi Supersonic,

They sound more of a rarity... to be honest, I like the sound of these STXs. They have a numbered gauge as well rather that a paddle with the Deore. I will be scouting ebay as soon as I have paid for Christmas for sure.

thanks.

Mark.

AndyOgy

Can I just clarify - will a 9spd cassette fit on a freehub that previously played host to an 8spd cassette?

Sorry for the thread hijack.

cooldad

AndyOgy wrote:

Can I just clarify - will a 9spd cassette fit on a freehub that previously played host to an 8spd cassette?

Sorry for the thread hijack.

Yes.

diy

Have a look at SRAM Attack 8ps too, there are still a few places selling these new.

Also if you have run your front chain rings on 8speed for a long time, then they will suck when you put your 9sp chain on. Which unfortunately can double you conversion budget.

Personally I think 8-9 speed is a good upgrade, it can turn a bugger to climb on in to a mountain goat, simply by added 2 teach on the rear. e.g. going 32-11 to 34-11.

.blitz

As above, SRAM Attack is most excellent with Shimano 8-speed. Together with a new mech and clean cables the shifting is crisper than a crate of Pringles.