105 11-speed chainset compatible with 8-speed?

craigus89
craigus89 Posts: 887
edited September 2016 in Workshop
I will eventually upgrade my winter bike to full 105 5800 when I have the money available, I'm pretty sure my BB is on it's way out and my chainset is a bit worn and only a cheapo FSA job, rather than replace like for like (BB is a FSA square taper 68 x 110 sealed cartridge) I'm wondering if I should get a 105 chainset and compatible hollowtech BB, but...

Question is, will an 11-speed Shimano 105 chainset work with an 8-speed Claris groupset? If not, why? I'm assuming that the distance between the rings could be smaller or larger? Couldn't seem to find from a search.

I don't really want to commit to spending out on the full groupset at the moment, as my hubs also either need servicing or the wheels replacing, so groupset plus wheels and tyres I'm getting into new bike territory....

Comments

  • paul_the_pedaller
    paul_the_pedaller Posts: 135
    I was searching for info on this recently and found this in my history:

    "Chains for 11-speed systems are around 5.4mm wide on the outside, vs. around 5.9mm wide for 10-speed ones, so that’s 0.25mm narrower from the center of the cog tooth to the end of the chain pin on each side. That’s not enough to likely even be noticeable in any difference in how it passes through the jockey wheel cage. It will be slightly slower getting over to the next cog or chainring during a shift, but the difference in width is so small that it’s also likely not to be noticeable. If you were to run an 11-speed chain on a 9-speed or 8-speed system, however, you would likely start noticing some decreases in shifting performance.


    Full article here: Tech FAQ: Chain width explained, compatibility queries answered
  • craigus89
    craigus89 Posts: 887
    Thanks for the link. That is mainly talking about actual chains though, I'd still be running an 8-speed chain, it's just whether that would work with an 11-speed chainset/crankset
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    It's POSSIBLE than the chain will foul the larger gear when on the smaller one as the rings will be closer together to allow for the narrower 11 speed chain, as a 9 speed chain will work perfectly on an 8 speed cassette that may steal back just enough if there is an issue.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • drlodge
    drlodge Posts: 4,826
    It should work OK, would match it with a 9 speed chain though.

    I've got an Ultegra 11 speed chainset on the Condor, with an old Uniglide 7 speed freehub/cassette on the rear and pair this with a 9 speed chain. Works fine.
    WyndyMilla Massive Attack | Rourke 953 | Condor Italia 531 Pro | Boardman CX Pro | DT Swiss RR440 Tubeless Wheels
    Find me on Strava

Categories