Mountain Biking - Gear ratios and shifting efficiency

Will an 11-32 cassette shift "cleaner" than a 12-34 cassette?

I've heard the retro grouch crowd say that 8-speed shifted better. I'm wondering if different ratios can be tuned to shift cleaner than others?

8 speed does shift better and is also a lot better about not dropping off the cassette

I can't say I've heard of the 11-32T shifting better than a 12-34T. As for the 8 speed argument, my personal experience (both with my bikes, our other shop guys' bikes, and our customers) has been that 9 speed shifts at least as well as 8 speed. No one is having problems with dropping the chain either. Everyone has different experiences and opinions, though.

I have never heard of "8 speed not dropping off the cassette as much" I have run a 9 spd for 1 year and have never had a problem. I would chalk it up to "retro grouch crowd" ;)

I wonder how many will be too many in Shimano's eyes? I don't really see the need for 27 gears on my bike. Being a big rider (225 lbs +) I tend to break things. My 8-speed stuff was easy to set-up and adjust and after the initial cable stretch, were maintenance free. Now that I've been forced (through limited inventory of 8-spd stuff) to switch to 9-speed. I really prefer the 8-speed. It's more durable, less finicky, and less prone to chain suck (which sucks). It's more difficult to adjust to get noise free performance.

If I could have it my way, I'd go back to 8-speed, hands down!

L8R

I didn't want to start a big argument, but my 8-speed stx drivetrain shifts better than my 9-speed XT/XTR drivetrain. Both tuned by the same mechanic.

Wow...I never realized there was such a difference. I have the exact same problems on my 9 speed as my 8 speed commuter used to have...hmmm :)

I make it with a 7 speed:crash: