MTB 8spd to 9spd upgrade options??

[gogo@]

Advice/experience requested on this?

I want to replace wheels & 8spd drivetrain with robust long-life components so thought to go for Deore. Not sure +- wheelset. Considering Mavic crossride but want to stay with v-brakes. Any suggestions for a value wheelset and where's best to buy? I would prefer to do this thru LBS but they still use 3-in-1 'lube'... plus next closest BS told me as my frame won't take disk brakes i can't use Deore shifters cos they're being made for disk now??? Doesn't look that way to me from specs online.

 

How difficult is it to do this upgrade yourself? or should I find a mechanic?

 

how much difference is there between 22:32:44 and 26:36:48 chainrings? and if you go for the higher gearing what for the cassette? 11-32 or 34? I'm going to use the bike for L(S)D on dirt roads and jeeptrack mainly and for touring.

 

Finally, where's the best source for parts, and what's the etiquette for working with a mechanic on this (assuming I don't do the LBS thing)?

 

Thanks to anyone who can share advice

 

Gogo@

[Eugene]

I was going to go through a similar exercise to you and I can probably answer most of your questions from the research that I have done.

 

I cannot see how the shifters and disc brakes are related. You can run Deore shifters irrespective of whether you have disc brakes or not. Deore shifters are stand alone and are connected via cables to the derailleur’s and not the wheels or brakes. You may have the cheaper Dual Control levers (where the brake and shift lever are one unit). Therefore if you buy 9 speed shifters, then you may need to buy separate brake levers as well.

 

To convert to 9speed, all you need is the 9 speed shifters, a 9 speed cassette, brakes levers (if not already separate) and maybe a 9 speed rear derailleur. I’ve heard that Alivio derailleurs will run both 8 and 9 speed.

 

If you want to go the whole Deore route, you can get a V-brake option set.

 

I’m not an expert on MTB wheels or their prices, so maybe someone else here can comment on that and the same with regard to the gear ratios. I personally would go the “higher gear” combination as I find that I never use the small ring/largest sprocket combination. I cannot spin so fast. I prefer a higher gear and just “power” my way up the steeper hill. You may be different.

 

Price wise, Chris Willemse Cycles (www.cwcycles.co.za) seem to be the cheapest if you want to go new. The Hub is probably the best second hand wise. Cwc is selling Sram Attack shifters slighter cheaper than Deore. This could be an option for you (Sram Attack use the same pull ratio as Shimano so they are compatible)

 

The job is pretty simple, assuming you have the basic tools (allan keys, spanners etc). The only difficulty you may experience is changing cassette (a specific tool is needed) and setting the gears. A bike shop will probably charge about R50 to do both. Having said that, my LBS has changed a couple of cassette's for me at no charge and has set gears for me at no charge.

[gogo@]

Thanks - useful advice! I've found with the 9 spd cassette I hardly use gears in the lower range for same reason but wondered just how much I'd lose. But easy enough to correct later.

I'm really not sure where the 'disk only' issue comes from - I get cynical & wonder if these guys think you're a sucker until you prove otherwise!

 

Will buy local if price is reasonable but have found online shops seem to be targeting high-end gear at related prices. Looking at CWC now.

 

Would support LBS more but have had too many problems there.

[Christopher Brunsdon]

Hi

 

I'm still on 8spd with Vs and can tell you that changing my cassette and chainset was all I needed to do to improve my bike, I still went for 8spd though.

 

I went from a 28:38:48 to a 22:32:42 and can say that it was a bit extreme, granny gear is now super cool but keeps me unfit Keep your 24:34:44 as its a nice ratio for when you need speed.

 

My cassette was original a 30 but its now a 32 and a better quality one than what I had on before, what a difference. Also you can read my long post about the Avid Rollamjig to improve your shifting, cheap little device but makes a massive improvement.

 

Personally I've seen no reason in moving onto 9spd, sure 8spd parts are not easy to source anymore but they are still around. Also my 8spd chain is much cheaper and more durable than the 9spd so my cost of ownership is lower.

 

On the Vees, get some good pads like Shimanos, I got just put some Shimanos on again (got 4 sets from Chainreaction Cycles for dirt cheap) and its so nice to have good brakes again. I'm only running cheap Alex rims and now that I'm back on Shimano, I see no value in me getting a so called better set.

 

EDIT: I want to do touring and would love to change my 42 chainring to a 44. Having a 32 cassette is OK for those hills. I also have a hectic morning commute to work each day and get to use my full range of gears in 6,5km and its just my large chainring that currently dissapoints me.

[gogo@]

Envy your commute!

 

Thanks for advice - I hadn't thought of keeping to 8 speed because the shifters (integrated) is where the problem begins. Bike is 10 and even though well looked after, it's time for a change. Will reconsider but do like the cruising possibilities on Deore along with the rep for durability.

 

What wheels work well with your Vs? Is there anything special about the braking surface on Mavics??

[Christopher Brunsdon]

I've never bother to look at other rims but you can ask Johan B for advice on this.