Bicycle Mechanics - Shimano Crank Compatibility Q: 9sp DA --> 10sp DA

Shimano Crank Compatibility Q: 9sp DA --> 10sp DA

Upgrading a bike from 9 speed Dura-Ace to 10 speed Dura-Ace. Does the crankset w/chainrings need to be replaced? I know Shimano will probably tell you you need to replace the crankset, but I'm not buying anything extra unless I need to. So, anybody tried using a DA 9 speed crank on a 10 speed STI set-up?

Shimano Crank Compatibility Q: 9sp DA --> 10sp DA

Upgrading a bike from 9 speed Dura-Ace to 10 speed Dura-Ace. Does the crankset w/chainrings need to be replaced? I know Shimano will probably tell you you need to replace the crankset, but I'm not buying anything extra unless I need to. So, anybody tried using a DA 9 speed crank on a 10 speed STI set-up?
I don't blame you for not wanting to blow any more money. I would try it and see if it works. I know with Campy there is very little differences between 9 and 10 speed except the chain. Shimano should be similar.

Tim

The only thing I could see happening is the chain getting caught between the two rings, not likely, but possible. You could just change the rings and keep the crank, around $100 for the pair in Ultegra.

I've personally used a "9-speed" Dura Ace with 10-speed chain - works perfectly - no problem with chain falling between anything - Shifts as good as the 10-speed Campy Record I replaced it with. If there was any difference, I couldn't tell.

I have no experience, but based on FarHorizon experience and Sheldon Brown's (http://sheldonbrown.com/speeds) advice, you don't need to replace the crankset or chainrings.

In fact, unless you need a new rear wheel anyways, you could even install a 10-speed cassette on your current Dura Ace 9-speed wheel and freehub.

Then, the "only" things you need are :

- new 10-speed cassette
- new 10-speed STI rear shifter (or both for the looks)
- new 10-speed chain

All of Shimano's 8/9-speed freehubs will accept a 10-speed cassette. Dura Ace 10-speed hubs will ONLY accept 10-speed cassettes. Ultegra (and I assume the new 105) 10-speed hubs will accept 8 and 9-speed cassettes as well as 10.

If I recall sydney's advice, cranks are very tolerant of speed mis-matches. New 9 and 10-speed cranks won't take 7/8-speed chains but you can mix and match 9 and 10-speed cranks (and 8-speed for that matter) pretty much at will as long as the correct chain for the cassette is used.

Nah, there's no need to worry. The difference between 9s and 10s is so slight in the chain width that it could never make any difference.

Similarly, you can use 10s cranks with 9s cassettes and even 9s cranks wth 8s cassettes.

New 9 and 10-speed cranks won't take 7/8-speed chains but you can mix and match 9 and 10-speed cranks (and 8-speed for that matter) pretty much at will as long as the correct chain for the cassette is used.

They do. Otherwise, don't tell it to the cranks of my commuter bike ("9 speed" cranks with 7-speed cassette and 6-7-8-speed chain).