9 spd vs 10 spd

[rick_ys_ho]

I am planning to build my first TT bike, and already bought the frame.

For the drivertrain, I would like to pick 9 spd shimano set, mainly because my road bike is 9 spd, and 9 spd is cheaper.

I know that shimano is phasing out 9 spd and producing only 10 spd stuff. I always have this question to myself: Does it really make a lot of difference when you have one more speed?

What do you think?

Thank,
Rick

[jdtschida]

I'm going through a similar situation. Just bought a new road bike frame and plan to move all my Ultegra 9 stuff to the new frame, but then need to re-build the old frame as a TT/Tri bike.

Most online retailers don't have any 9sp Shimano stuff anymore. Just old stock. I've resorted to searching EBay, and in the process am considering getting some Dura Ace derailleurs for my road bike and move the Ultegra derailleurs back to the TT frame. May also see about upgrading other parts on the new road frame and moving the old ones back the original frame which will be the TT frame.

I dunno if 9sp vs 10sp will make any difference though. As it is I only really use 5 or so gears on my 11-23 casette. I'm seriously considering switching to a 12-25 casette in the rear just because I rarely use those bottom gears.

I think the big issue will be the ability to get new parts in the future. Since it's hard to get new replacements right now, just think in two years. It might be best to get 10sp stuff now just to avoid those issues in the future.

[^*^BATMAN^*^]

Well I dont find it much of a differenece with an extra gear between my TT, and road bike(TT=10spd, road=9)

The bigest thing is I find I have a better power transfer due to the new BB design. It is alot stiffer, so there is less power lost in flex. Now I know people that are very small and light that this wont really make a difference. But for someone like me(6'5", 204lbs), it is a a nice difference.

[rick_ys_ho]

Great information.

Serveral reasons I would like to go for 9 spd instead of 10:
1. Cheaper. I have to watch my budget.
2. Same spd as my road bike. I have two extra sets of good wheels for my road bike (9spd). I would like my future TT bike to share those wheels with my current road bike.
3. TT bike does not need expensive shifters like what road bike needs, so 10 spd upgrade will cost less for TT, if I have to do the upgrade because of availability of 9 spd component in the future.
4. Bottom line is I don't need to that much speed, 9 is enough for me.

Thanks,
Rick

[^*^BATMAN^*^]

Just for info of whoever, any hub that will use a 9 speed, will use a 10 speed with the spacer that comes with the 10speed cassets.

All you need is a chain whip, and a casset nut to swap them out.

[suzyultra]

Maybe 9speed is cheaper than 10 speed , but I would not go back to my 9 speed set up. with the new parts being lighter and better designed .. and I use campy record which i bought various pieces at different times! As regards to speed with all the fancy technology over the past 13 years I have been competing in iron triathlons times do not seem to be getting any faster (and I started out on 8 speed! )So get the 10speed who knows the 9 speed might be a collectors item by the end of 2006! And train wisely to improve your times!

[astr033]

I'm new to cycling so I don't get what you guys are saying about the 9 spd being phased out. Is it being phased out completely or just at the Ultegra and D-A levels? Aren't 10 spd bikes really expensive? I'm looking to possibly get a $1000 road bike in the spring, which I expect would be a 9 spd.

Thanks in advance for the clarification.

[jdtschida]

I'm new to cycling so I don't get what you guys are saying about the 9 spd being phased out. Is it being phased out completely or just at the Ultegra and D-A levels? Aren't 10 spd bikes really expensive? I'm looking to possibly get a $1000 road bike in the spring, which I expect would be a 9 spd.

Thanks in advance for the clarification.

Shimano's Ultegra 6500 and Dura Ace 7700 I think are the 9 speed groupsets. They pretty much stopped making them as far as I can tell. They now have the Ultegra 6600 and Dura Ace 7800 sets which are 10 speed. I am not sure what their lower end stuff is, wouldn't be suprised if anything under 105 is 9 speed for road bikes.

[^*^BATMAN^*^]

Shimano is slowly changing all their groupsets over to the 10-speed system, thus forcing the 9-speeds to be obsolete, so they wont make them.

Nexy year they are doing a 10-speed 105 groupo.

[racergirl]

Does the extra speed make a difference. Nope. I just bought a new bike so I've used both in the last couple months. It really doesn't matter, unless you plan to keep the bike forever in which case you may eventually have trouble finding parts. (Actually, in Denmark I had trouble finding a 10spd chain).

[^*^BATMAN^*^]

Racergirl, like I have siad before, there are significant differences between the 9 speed and 10 speed drivetrains that is not limited to having an extra sproket on the cassette. With the new BB desing you have way better porwer transfer with out the flex you used to get in the speed(only really a factor when you are big and powerfull). It is also lighter........

Oh, and it makes you atleast 2 km/h faster just because it makes you think you are faster for having something brand new

[jdtschida]

Oh, and it makes you atleast 2 km/h faster just because it makes you think you are faster for having something brand new


Definately! ;)

[astr033]

What about us poor 8-spd people? Will Shimano still show us some love?

Kidding, I'm sure this is just about the road bike components.

[rick_ys_ho]

I wouldn't worry about 9 speed parts too much myself. They are still plentiful. In additioon, there are online retailers like Sheldon Brown/Harris Cyclery that make getting older stuff pretty easy. I don't see a real 9 speed parts crisis on the immediate horizon.

You can always upgrade later once you've worn the 9 speed stuff out...

Exactly.

[merlinextraligh]

I've had bikes with Dura Ace groups in 7,8,9, and 10 speed. Each new group has been a little lighter, and a little smoother. I'm not any faster however with the 10 speed group than with the 7 speed group. For the vast majority of Triathlons, and tt's, the tiny weight advantage, the slightly closer gear spacing and slightly smoother shifting will make nex to no difference. If the money is not significant to you, buy 10 speed, and enjoy. If the money matters, you're really not giving anything up by buying the 9 speed group

[^*^BATMAN^*^]

Or if you really want 10 speed, buy an Ultegra 10 speed.

[Triguy]

Shimano 105 10 speed will probably be released in the next 3 months (a british site had it labeled for Nov. 05). If you go to the Shimano Europe site you can check it out. I haven't decided whether or not to go 9 or 10 speed but I'm at least waiting until the new 105 comes out.