Converting 8 spd MTB to 9 spd

[TЯΞB]

Hi,

I recently upgraded my Full Suss to XT and now have LX 9 spd Dual control Levers & Brakes available to put on my Hardtail, which is an 8 spd Alivio with Hayes MX2 mechanical brakes that are poo.

 

I thought I would get away with just putting on a new 9 spd chain and cluster, but my LBS told me that I will probably have shifting issues on the chainring, since the 9 spd chain is narrower and might get stuck between the blades. I would have to replace the whole crank and chainwheels.

 

The other concern is that I pull my lightie in a trailer, and not being light myself (115kg) I think that the 8 spd chain may be a better option by virtue of it being wider.

 

Is there any way of changing the indexing on the Dual control shifters from 9spd to 8spd (front and rear)?

 

At the moment I posted an ad to swap my Dual Control Levers for plain brake levers, so that I would stick with the Alivio Shifters and LX Calipers.

 

Any advice would be welcome.

 

Chrz,

 

Treb

 

 

TЯΞB2009-04-20 08:01:27

[RodTi]

Good question - and good luck.

 

That being said - if there is an answer out there - someone on the Hub will be bound to have it!

 

 

[Jules]

I thought I would get away with just putting on a new 9 spd chain and cluster' date=' but my LBS told me that I will probably have shifting issues on the chainring, since the 9 spd chain is narrower and might get stuck between the blades. I would have to replace the whole crank and chainwheels.[/quote']

 

 

 

There should be no problem using a 9spd chain on 8spd cranks. I speak from personal experience. I'm sure more knowledgeable hubbers will back me up on this one too.

 

 

 

I don't think you'll be able to change the indexing mechanism on your shifters easily.

[Dun Man]

Bought a 8 speed chain from LBS and turned out to be 9sp chain wrongly packed, chain is only longer, too far back to sh*tty store so shortened chain and no problemo