10 speed crankset, 9 speed hub, 9 or 10 speed chain?

keith1200rs

Hi,

I tried the FAQ & searched the forum but couldn't find the answer to this.

I have a 9 speed bike and need a new crankset. Most are now 10 speed. I will be keeping my 9 speed hub & gears. All are Shimano. Assuming I use a 10 speed crankset, should I use a 10 speed or 9 speed chain, or doesn't it matter? Plannned parts are M660 SLX crankset with my 9 speed XT hub.

Thanks.

Keith.

nicklouse

9spd but 10 would work but you would have poor shifting on the front-

keith1200rs

Thanks. Will 9 speed give good shifting on the front or is there a better way round the problem of mixing 9/10 speed?

Keith.

njee20

Why would you have poor shifting with a 10 speed chain?

Plenty of people have been running 10 speed road chains on 9 speed transmissions for years, they're lighter. I don't know of any who've had noticed any detrimental performance, just slightly quicker wear. I'd use a 9 speed one in your shoes.

keith1200rs

Yes, I would have guessed that 9 speed chain would have been the best option provided that there weren't any issues running the slightly fatter chain on the 10 speed chainrings.

Thank you.

Keith.

supersonic

Some combos, with some '9' front mechs and '10' chains can be a bit slow to shift at the front I find. There is a lot of variance though.

mossylucky7

Hi,

To save posting a different thread I thought I would ask on this one!

I have recently aquired a 10 speed X9 front mech and I'm hoping to make a frankendrivetrain...

Would the following be possible:

x9 10spd front mech
Truvatic Stylo 9spd crankset
deore front shifter
xt 10spd rear shifter
xt/slx (havent decided yet!) 10spd rear mech
10spd cassette
10spd chain

Possibly also going to run a 2x10 by swapping the top ring out for a bash on the 9 speed crankset as well.

if anyone can help that would be great!

supersonic

It should work fine, but the chainrimngs are a little further apart than 10 speed set ups so may be a little rubbing in some combos.

mossylucky7

spot on, thanks mate!