9 speed or 10 speed

[irnman2007]

Just wondering if their is an advantage to either one, if any.

[XC99TF00]

Just wondering if their is an advantage to either one, if any.

Is there an advantage, yes, if there you are on a hilly course, I suppose there would be. However, for most triathlons, I found that the cycling courses are relatively flat in comparison to some of the other cycling venues I have partaken in. Most peopel I know don't use all their gears as is in triathlons, so I doubt that the addition of another rear cog would really make a world of different in a Triathlon. Just my $.02...

[cjbruin]

My opinion is that there isn't much of an advantage. Typical cassettes are 11x23 or 12x25 regardless of whether they are 9 or 10. All that means is that you have one more in the middle somewhere...for instance:

12x25 9-speed = 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25
12x25 10-speed = 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25

[^*^BATMAN^*^]

well now the answer to this is dependent on you.

Shimano 10 speed uses an external bearing in the Bottem Bracket. so this allows for a stiffer BB, which in turn means more effective power transfer. It is also a little lighter then the 9 speed equivalent. So if you are powerful in the legs, and push big wattage then 10 is for you.

I am not sure about Campy, though I assume it would be close to the same. 10 Speed is also more expensive.

[audiojan]

If you only look at the cassette ratio, then no, there's really no advantage/disadvantage... not in real life at least... you may argue that a 10-spd cassette allows for a slightly straighter ratio, I doubt you will be able to tell the difference....

Shimano 10-spd does work much nicer than the 9-spd though.... not that 9-spd was bad, just that the new stuff is smoother and just feels better. Personal opinion of course...