Mountain Biking - Will an 8 speed crank work with 9 speed drivetrain?

I have a RaceFace Next LP crank that's practically brand new on my F500. If at all possible, I'd like to put it on my new F900, but I'm running 9 speed on it. Is it really THAT much more narrow, or will I be able to get away with it? If not, I can always change just the rings on it to 9 speed, right?

You cant use the same rings, but the cranks will be fine.

Damn, there goes another 100 bucks!

I have to disagree BurlySurly. I've run 8 speed rings on a 9-speed drivetrain w/o any problems.

To be specific, I used 8 speed Race Face rings on LP Turbine (not NEXT) cranks, XT Shifters, Cassette, Chain, and both derailleurs. Now, before you start flaming me, I must clarify that the front derailleur was also 9 speed! This was on a Specialized FSR frame!

I did get chain rub on the front derailleur when cross chaining, but you shouldn't cross chain anyways.

I suggest try it before you spend the extra $$$$$.

L8R

depending on your chain line you may or maynot be able to get away with it, some frames have different chainlines than others. Also depending on bb lenght it could through it off and change the chainline. From what I've seen it wont work.....give it a shot though....you could get lucky!

Originally posted by a2psyklnut
I have to disagree BurlySurly. I've run 8 speed rings on a 9-speed drivetrain w/o any problems.

To be specific, I used 8 speed Race Face rings on LP Turbine (not NEXT) cranks, XT Shifters, Cassette, Chain, and both derailleurs. Now, before you start flaming me, I must clarify that the front derailleur was also 9 speed! This was on a Specialized FSR frame!

I did get chain rub on the front derailleur when cross chaining, but you shouldn't cross chain anyways.

I suggest try it before you spend the extra $$$$$.

L8R

You shouldnt do that,

The teeth on an eight speed are wider than that of a nine, which means damage to your chain. It will cause undue wear in your casette by having the links fit over badly. It will shorten the life of everything.

hey burlysurly.....I forgot about that...the nine speed chain is narrower so it wont even work on the 8 speed rings, duh what was I thinking, or if you use a 8 speed chain you're gonna trash everything.

I'm hitting myself in the head now, ouch.

Hey dude,

Which chicago suburb are you from?

I was born in midlothian, and lived all around there