8 speed to 9 speed

[videmiro]

Dear Hubbers,

 

I would like to upgrade from 8 speed to 9 speed. I had initially bought an entry level bike, see link below for the specs. I am having great trouble identifying the compatibility of the components, i.e short cage, long cage, 36T, 42T, bottom pull front derailleur, front derailleur angles, etc.....

 

I initially bought this bike to ride on the weekends. I have now taken a keen interest in the sport and I would like to change the drivetrain to Shimano Deore XT. I am not doing any brake changes or suspension changes as yet. If the upgrade to 9 speed is successful I might buy a new bike after a year or so, or until this bike breaks.

 

The bike has all entry level components and I am hoping that the conversion will not only give me peace of mind in using high end components, but also a marked improvement in the shifting and climbing etc.....

 

http://www.cyclelab.com/products/MERIDA%20MATTS%20TFS%20100%20%282011%29.aspx

 

Appreciate any help or advice.

 

Many thanks

[Mike Bike]

how far do you want to go with the upgrade? wheels, derailleurs, shifters, crankset,bb, chain would all need to be replaced. IMHO, rather try sell the bike and buy something better. upgrading drivetrain is probably over capitalising. youll get something second hand for not a lot more money.

[Tankman]

Why go through all the trouble of upgrading to 9 speed, go 10 and get it over with.

 

 

You are basically going to have to buy a complete new goupset if you want to go XT - R8K

 

Or you can save you R8k for now and buy a R15k bike with XT with Fox or Reba suspension a year or two later.

[Tankman]

  On 5/10/2012 at 2:36 PM, videmiro said:

 

The bike has all entry level components and I am hoping that the conversion will not only give me peace of mind in using high end components, but also a marked improvement in the shifting and climbing etc.....

 

 

Upgrading the groupset might give you piece of mind and it will improve shifting but not so much climbing. If you want to improve climbing, change the wheelset (R3). And if you really want to improve ride quality get a better fork (R5K) That is another R8K

 

Your better of buying that complete R15k bike I mentioned earlier

[gogo@]

Not sure I agree with all the above...

I costed 8 to 9spd upgrade using Deore and it came in round R2600. Might be a bit more now but I doubt by much. Haven't done it yet cos I just don't have the cash. Not everyone is in a position to spend 15k on a bike and you won't get much back on the bike you already have. Plus I prefer to upgrade as you get exactly what you want. Deore components are great, wear well and don't cost the earth to maintain or replace.

And there's a helluva difference between 8spd and 9. I ride both regularly and the extra gears at both ends make the 9spd more fun, more competitive. For me the big question is if you are happy with your frame or not. If so, then stay with it. Just be careful about the geometry if you do upgrade your fork.

Also, you can keep your 8spd crank if it's in reasonable shape- I looked at those specs and it should be compatible with a 9spd chain. And no way do you need to change your wheels! You'll need new shifters, front and rear derailleurs (I think both), rear cassette, chain.

Buy a new bike if you can afford it, and really want to do that, but think about doing the conversion as a fun project. You learn so much more about bikes. I started by looking at specs on 9spd bikes to figure out all the technical stuff. Put a list together and then get someone who knows their stuff to give their opinion on it if you're still not sure.

You can get trapped by all this bling-is-best, if-it-weighs-more-than-a-matchstick-dump-it nonsense. Go for it and enjoy!

[Christopher Brunsdon]

I went from 8sp to 9sp for R700 - shifters, cassette, chain, rear derailurer (needed replacement)