Sora 3500 with a 8 speed cassette

tubbs_214
tubbs_214 Posts: 185
edited August 2013 in Workshop
Right so I need to replace my worn out drivetrain. I need to do all the front chain rings as well as the cassette and chain. It was cheaper to get a new chainset than to place the chain rings. I ended up with a sora chain set now this is supposed to be for a 9 speed setup. But mine is 8 speed am I right in thinking that for it to work properly I need a 9 speed chain as well

All help appreciated.

Mark

Comments

  • bradzin
    bradzin Posts: 33
    I'm in the same situation. I need to replace an 8 speed drivetrain and the cheapest option is to buy a 9 speed chainset.

    From what I've read it is possible to run a 9 speed chainset with an 8 sp chain and cassette.

    I haven't actually done this yet so would appreciate it if someone with more experience could confirm this.
  • craker
    craker Posts: 1,739
    As far as the chainset is concerned you could get away with a 8 speed chain on those chainrings; 9 speed cassettes and rear mechs are the bits that will give you problems on an 8 speed chain; however they're happy enough the other way round (9 speed chain on 8 speed cassette etc)
  • tubbs_214
    tubbs_214 Posts: 185
    well ive ordered a 9 speed chain ill report back when ive fitted it all and gave it a test
  • desweller
    desweller Posts: 5,175
    The only difference between an 8 speed chain and a 9 speed chain is the external width. This is because the sprockets on a 9 speed cassette are closer together than on a 8 speed cassette, so the chain must be externally narrower to avoid rubbing on adjacent sprockets. The internal width is the same.

    At the front, the gap between chainrings is always huge by comparison, so it doesn't care what chain you use.
    - - - - - - - - - -
    On Strava.{/url}
  • bradzin
    bradzin Posts: 33
    So - on a setup with an 8sp cassette and 9sp chainset - would it be better to run an 8sp chain to match the cassette or a 9 sp chain to match the chainset?

    I understand you could run either speed chain on this set up, I'm asking what you would say would be the best one to use or even if there would be any difference at all.

    My instinct would be to use an 8 sp chain as its thicker therefore should last longer and less likely to snap.
  • desweller
    desweller Posts: 5,175
    You have to use the chain that the cassette requires.

    ETA: If you use a chain that's too narrow, then you run the risk of wedging the chain between sprockets on the cassette, apparently. I've never done it though.
    - - - - - - - - - -
    On Strava.{/url}
  • bradzin
    bradzin Posts: 33
    Ok - I could see how a narrower chain could slip between the space between the sprockets.

    Thanks.

Categories