Originally Posted by Trouble

Well, I'm thinking I might keep the bike for a while. ???
What I don't want to happen is; get the 8 spd cassette, and new chainrings, 8spd chain, cables and housing and have it not perform...

Ok, so the economic choice is freshen up the 8spd, the money's not an issue choice is go with 9spd.

Would a newer LX crank work well with the 8spd set up? Are the chainrings narrower?
Should I try and find 8spd specific chainrings? The Strongarm crank seems to be ok...haven't checked the condition of the BB yet.


Thanks

Originally Posted by blueneon

Get 9 speed. It doesn't work out that much more expensive at all.
I dont think you will need to replace your current XTR Deraillure. It should work with both 8 and 9 speed (the shifter is what determines how much cable pulls on the derailuure to change the gears.) Your upgrading your cranks anyway, but they dont have an any effect on whether you choose 8speed or 9speed. Your getting a new cassette anyway, get a nine speed. The only thing you need are new 9speed shifters.

Get 9 speed