Originally Posted by
slopvehicle
I'd like to build up an old mountain frame into a 1x8 or 1x9 commuter from parts I've got lying around. Which setup would be more reliable?
...Will the 9-speed be any more likely to throw a chain, given the wider range cassette and more flexible / narrow links?
No. 9-speed cassettes are no wider than 8-speeds, so the chain angle won't be any worse.
Sheldon "Hope It Has Nice Long Chainstays" Brown