105-SLX/XT compatability

ned_wills

Hi Folks
Does anyone know if the new Shimano SLX/XT( HG-X) 10-speed mountain drivetrain is compatable with Shimano 105 5600 shiters. I was thinking of kitting a Specialized Tricross frame out with a compact chainset and the above for heavy touring.

cheers

Ned

nicklouse

some parts are.

9spd and 10spd compatibility

1. Road 10 speed dérailleurs and shifters are completely incompatible with mountain (dyna sys) 10 speed dérailleurs and shifters. The cable pull by the shifters is different for both front and rear.

2. Nine speed rear dérailleurs will not work with 10 speed mountain rear shifters. They will however work with road “flat bar” 10 speed rear shifters. Dyna speed shifters pull twice as much cable per shift as 9 speed shifters, so if you use a 9 speed dérailleur it shifts two gears for every one push.

3. Dyna sys 10 speed rear dérailleurs cannot be used with 9 speed shifters. Road 10 speed dérailleurs can be used with 9 speed shifters.

4. Nine speed front dérailleurs can be used with 10 speed front shifters, but do not work optimally if used with a 10 speed crankset. Nine speed front dérailleurs and cranksets can be used with 10 speed chains and front shifters. A nine speed shifter can be used to shift a 10 speed dyna sys front dérailleur.

5. 10 speed road chains are different from 10 speed mountain (dyna sys) chains. The dyna sys chain is a directional chain that is made to shift better with 10 speed mountain drivetrains.

6. 10 speed road cassettes and 10 speed mountain cassette use the same sprocket spacing

ned_wills

Thanks Nick
Am I right in thinking that I can use my 10speed 105 shifters and a chain and cassette from the new 10speed HG-X system but would have to use a 9 speed rear mech to make it work?

regards

Ned

PeterBL

Yes. That reasoning is correct.

ned_wills

Much obliged.

Ned