x8 vs x9

[RogM]

Hi guys

 

Some advice please..

 

I have bought a bike from a guy here on the hub, which was advertised as a 3x9. I assumed 34 tooth, although I did not ask him specifically, and it was not mentioned in our discussions.

 

The bike was couriered to me and when it arrived, I found it to have a 8 speed shifter and cassette, and an 11/32t cassette.

 

One of the things I had been considering on the bike  is a 2x conversion. With 2x chainrings, 24/36. would I notice any difference, with the x8, or from 2 teeth less on the larger cog?

 

Apart from that I am happy with the purchase..

 

Any input appreciated, thanks..

 

 

 

 

[RogM]

Also, when the seller was packing the bike, he noticed that the FD was not XT, as advertised. He included this derrailleur,  

https://www.paul-lange.de/tradepro/shop/artikel/docs/Explosionszeichnungen/SHIMANO/FD_M660_10_3055A.pdf

 

Will this FD work on the 9x chain?

The width of the chain is 7.25mm, derr gap is about 10.

 

Thanks in advance..

[Paddaman]

Eight speed is a bit arcane, but if you buy your chains and clusters from overseas, you should not have a problem staying in spares.  The good thing is that 8 speed is much cheaper and lasts longer than 10/11/12 speed.

 

I would personally stay 3x8 partially because the range of gears is less, but also the "jump" between gears is larger, so having an granny gear up front can be a blessing on hills when you run out of legs in the 32 tooth gear.

 

Obviously the set up is not going to set you up to win the XCO season, but for general trails and gravel travel 8x3 is still solid.

 

Enjoy your purchase

[sampras]

9 speed chain should work on 8 speed parts just fine too climbs in 24 x 32 not hard either you should be fine and a very hard wearing drive train just keep it clean to not accelerate wear, applies to all drive trains clean is better.

[AdamA]

Buying a bike with 8spd components indicates an entry level bike... No Problem, it is cheaper to maintain and will not hamper any performance

8spd Chain is R100 - R160

9spd Chain is R200- R300 

 

Stay with the 3x8 and put the money towards an Air Shock.

[David Marshall]

8 speed Shimano drive trains are rock solid and parts are readily available.  I would not recommend changing anything from 8 speed and would not use the SLX 10 speed FD or change to a 2X.  The FD's are paired with chain ring and chain combinations and while you can work around just about anything it is never quite right. I would ride as is until time to replace the cassette and chain and then upgrade the whole groupset - at least to a 10 speed.