8Sp to 9Sp

[ratbane]

I've got some essential upgrades to do to my Kona. She currently has an 8Sp XT setup, with tapered BB. She needs new chainset (XT) and chain.

Everything at end of the quality spectrum is 9Sp it seems, and thus to get XT/XTR, it looks like I'll need to go 9Sp.(?).

My rear hub is Hope, with 8Sp XT cassette.

My question is this - I'm presuming that 8Sp/9Sp chains/chainsets/cassettes are not happy with each other, thus, how straightforward is it to go 9Sp. Can a 9Sp cassette fit on my Hope 8Sp freewheel etc, etc.

[Moose.]

I've done it on my GT. You will need the following:

- New shifters
- New 9sp cassette
- New chain

that's it! I believe 8sp and 9sp cassette are the same width. Also, no need to change the cranks unless you want/need to (i.e. worn chainrings)

[ratbane]

Moose. said:

I've done it on my GT. You will need the following:

- New shifters
- New 9sp cassette
- New chain

that's it! I believe 8sp and 9sp cassette are the same width. Also, no need to change the cranks unless you want/need to (i.e. worn chainrings)

OK. I just assumed that the drive side spokes would be dished more, and require a new freewheel. Thanks.

[mk1fan]

cogs on the 9-spd cassette are more compactly spaced.

[pdV6]

ratbane said:

I've got some essential upgrades to do to my Kona. She currently has an 8Sp XT setup, with tapered BB. She needs new chainset (XT) and chain.

If you want to do the minimum, then you can just swap the chainset for a new 9sp one and continue with 8sp at the rear.

As you're needing to get a new chain, you'll probably need to go for Sram to get a decent quality 8sp one. And then you'd be 99% likely need to change the cassette anyway. Again, you can still get decent quality Sram 8sp cassettes.

Having said all that, if you're determined to go 9sp, then seeing as you're already buying a chainset, chain and cassette - just add a shifter and spec 9sp parts throughout.


As an aside, I hope you're prepared for the current price of XT-level kit. Shimano's stuff is eye-wateringly expensive at the moment.