Bicycle Mechanics - Ultegra level triple with rear 8-speed?

Hey Everyone,

I'm finishing building up a cyclocross bike for a friend. The current setup has a rear 8-speed cassette. He wants a triple ultegra setup in the front. The problem is, it seems, they're only selling ultegra triples in 10 speed now? I was hoping I could simply run a 9 speed triple in the front and get away with using a 9-speed chain with the 8-speed rear cassette. Can I run a 10 speed chain on an 8speed cassette? If not, what is a good option for a new/newer 8 or 9 speed front triple setup, other than hunting on ebay? I prefer it be shimano and use the Hollowtech 2 bb interface. Let me know what you think. I am limited to the current 8-speed setup in the rear given that he has 8-speed sora sti shifters. Sincere, FTU

Other than hunting on eBay?

Nope.

10 should be fine, the shifting might not be the best, but I had a 10 with a 9 in back, before going full 10. It was *slightly* easier to cross and get chain rub, but other than that it worked fine. There seems to be no standardization with chainring spacing, and the old 9 triple, had approximately the same spacing as my current 10 double compact.

Best thing to do is give it a shot, if it doesn't work, resell it or keep it in the parts bin.

It will work fine, I am using a 8 speed casette with a 10 speed chainset and a 8 speed chain for about 5 years without any problem.

You'll be fine with the 10 speed crank and an 8 speed chain. I'm running a 10 speed Campy veloce with a 7 speed shimano cassette and 7 speed chain. Works fine. Sheldon Brown has a section about the whole speed compatibility scam.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/speeds.html

A cheap alternative is a Sugino triple crankset...

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b90/compost_bin/bicycle/IMG_3051.jpg

It's 8 speed compatable.


Greg