Bicycle Mechanics - Need a little help...

Hi everyone. Am finally building up my touring bike, have been searching for a frame forever, and have some questions on drivetrain compatibility. I am going to install 9 speed STI 105 levers, with an 8 speed XT crankset, and a xt 9spd cassette, and I'm trying to figure out what to be wary of. Will I be able to get 9 spd rings for the XT crankset, or will the 8spds be okay? And, can anyone recommend a front der? I have heard about potential issues between STI shifters and MTB front ders...
Thanks for the help. Zach

Originally posted by zlj75
Hi everyone. Am finally building up my touring bike, have been searching for a frame forever, and have some questions on drivetrain compatibility. I am going to install 9 speed STI 105 levers, with an 8 speed XT crankset, and a xt 9spd cassette, and I'm trying to figure out what to be wary of. Will I be able to get 9 spd rings for the XT crankset, or will the 8spds be okay? And, can anyone recommend a front der? I have heard about potential issues between STI shifters and MTB front ders...
Thanks for the help. Zach despite what shimano says about using 8 speed rings with 9 speed chains,I bet an 8 speed ring will work.I tried a new shimano 9 speed cahin on a 7 speed RSX crank yesterday with no apparent issues. I use 8 speed shimano rings with campy 10 speed and no issues.Alot of what they and other makers say is CYA.But you can get 9 speed rings for the xt crank.There are issues with STI and MTB front derailers.A road front derailer might hae issues with the small rings on the xt crank.If I just had to have STI on a touring bike, I would use it for the rear and a barend or downtube shifter for the front.

Thanks for the reply. What about using a road triple derailer up front?

The 8-speed crank should work great with the nine-speed rear just be sure to use a 9-speed chain or the rear will be hard to smooth out. As far as the front derailleur goes a road triple could work but it will still be meant for a larger road crankset. Your mountain size rings will perform optimally with a mountain front derailleur and although some people claim they do not work together I have used the setup on many bikes. Any mechanic worth his beans can make the setup work smooth and clean. Your derailleur choice will also depend on your frame and how the cables are routed. If they are routed along the top tube then a road derailleur is out all together and the bottom pull mountain is your only choice. Good Luck.

-Ryan

Originally posted by BikerRyan
Your derailleur choice will also depend on your frame and how the cables are routed. If they are routed along the top tube then a road derailleur is out all together and the bottom pull mountain is your only choice. Good Luck.

-Ryan Not really,there are ways around that issue.I think Branfordbike sells one of them.And,FWIW,I think a top pull MTB derailer is the answer.Road derailer are bottom pull.