Shimano 9 and 10 speed drivetrain compatibility

symanoy

So currently running a 3x9 Shimano setup but would like to go 2x10, however to do that all in one go would cost £200-£300 which I don't really have lying around right now!

I understand that 7/8/9 speed shimano stuff is pretty interchangeable, but 10 speed is all dyna sys branded stuff.

From previous research I understand that a dyna sys crankset is not essential to running a 10 speed setup and a 9 speed crankset will work, however what about other parts namely the mechs? Can you run a 10 speed mech with 9 speed shifters without issues?

The reason I ask is that I could then begin to upgrade over a larger period of time, i.e. use a 10 speed rear mech, then later on whack on a double crankset with a 2x10 mech, then when the 9 speed casette and chain wear out replace them with 10 speed versions and get some new shifters, this would help spread the cost over time which would help me.
But would it work??

nicklouse

viewtopic.php?f=40073&t=12733834

all there. all needs changing at the same time.

symanoy

Thank you Nicklouse very helpful!!

cooldad

Just go 2x9. Free.

symanoy

that does make sense! been using the Sheldon brown gear calculator gizmo, and looks like i can probably get the spread of gears i want with a 2x9 over a 2x10.

In terms of cranksets, Im want to run shimano, the only doubles they seem to do in the SLX 9 sp, and XT 10 sp, (ignoring the too expensive XTR)

going back to original opening topic, would it be ok to run 10 sp XT crankset with otherwise 9sp setup? i can't find a 9 sp XT, and the SLX is a 22/36 whereas i probably want a 24/38

nicklouse

what is wrong with your current cranks?

what do you think we did before they started making 2 ring set ups again?

symanoy

haha fair point! simply drop off a ring, much cheaper. and i guess allows to use the existing front mech and shifter just remembering not to shift into third gear! though I guess limit screws could sort this?
if I did opt for a proper double, does that require a specific 2x9 front mech and a different shifter?

Chunkers1980

Yes, no and no.

The Northern Monkey

Take outer ring off, replace with bash (if needed), set limit screws to only move to middle ring..

the only 'double specific' front mech i can think of is the SLX one, which isn't needed as you can set any mech to work with a double setup

njee20

I did it the other way: took granny ring off, adjusted stop screws, then eventually bought TA Chinook rings in sizes that best suited what I did. Have had a couple of 'proper' double chainsets, and they bring nothing to the table compared to a converted triple.

symanoy

Does a proper double have any benefits in terms of chain line? i.e. the two rings being set on either side of where the middle ring would be normally as opposed to one being central and one to the side?

njee20

Yes, but IME that has no real world benefit!

bails87

The Northern Monkey wrote:

Take outer ring off, replace with bash (if needed), set limit screws to only move to middle ring..

the only 'double specific' front mech i can think of is the SLX one, which isn't needed as you can set any mech to work with a double setup

I've got an XT one on the 456 which is loads better than the triple one that was on before. The cage is shorter, so it can sit lower down without hitting the chainstay, meaning the chain stays on the rings much better.