Bicycle Mechanics - Drivetrain compatibility issues? 8/9 speed

I'm re-doing my old hardtail's drivetrain. The crank, both deraillers, and the chain are all 9 sreed XT. I want to add some 8 speed stuff into the mix, namely: circa '98 8 speed shifter pods, hub, and cluster.

Am I in for any difficulties with this mix of components? I figured the 9 speed chain was necessary as dictated by deraillers' cage size.

This is my first posted thread, I've been mostly a lurker, with a comment posted now and then. Thanks for any replies!


Ken Hill :>o

As long as you use the correct chain and cassette, no problems at all. Why may I ask do you want to go backwards? 8 speed works great but parts are becoming very hard to get. Campy and Shimano both used 8 speed in their upper end groups for a short time. Shimano with Sora for a little bit longer than Campy. Good luck

Tim

As long as you use the correct chain and cassette, no problems at all. Why may I ask do you want to go backwards? 8 speed works great but parts are becoming very hard to get. Campy and Shimano both used 8 speed in their upper end groups for a short time. Shimano with Sora for a little bit longer than Campy. Good luck

Tim
Tim, thanks for the reply. I have some new old stock that I'd like to use here. Are you saying that I need to use 8 speed chain with this 8 speed cassette? How well would the 9 sp chain work with this group, not as well as the 8 sp ? My LBS trusted mechanic says 9 sp chain because of deraillers' cage width.

Not as well. the 9 speed will wear faster. But I think you are in this case regulated by the rear der to run 9.