Bicycle Mechanics - 8 and 9 speed compatability

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Basurablanca

09-19-01, 09:45 AM

Hi all,

This has probably been asked before, but I didn't see an obvious thread in my quick look through...

I have a mountain bike set up with a Shimano 8 speed grupo. I need to replace the rear derailer. Can I buy the current XTR rear (RD-M952) and get it to work with 8 speed shifters and cassette? I'd like to do this in the interest of saving some cash. If not, what do I NEED to replace. Thanks in advance for the help.

Rgds,
BP

SteveF

09-19-01, 10:16 AM

Should work without problems.

More problematic would be going the other way, i.e. trying to use an 8- speed (or older) derailer with 9-speed cassette & shifters.

Buddy Hayden

09-22-01, 08:34 AM

It's the shifters that are indexed..the rear der movement is set by the "L" and "h" screws.. and just for the record 8 speed chains are 7.1 mm and 9 speed are 6.5 mm..9 speed deraileur cages will be narrower !!