Originally Posted by HillRider
9-speed appears to be adequately durable. Witness the fact that 9-speed MTB components survive ghastly conditions routinely.
+1.......I hear the talk about how much more durable 8 speed chains are than 9 speed, then I think about how many hard off-road miles I've put on both 8 and 9 speed drivetrains without any noticeable difference in durability, and I can only conclude that for real world riding, it really doesn't make any difference-