Bicycle Mechanics - nine front/eight rear... how

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ncscott
09-11-10, 06:24 PM
So I want to add a compact crank to my 12 year old road bike. The problem is that the cranks will be 9 speed but my cassette is 8 speed. After doing some research (RIP Sheldon), it seems my solution is to use a 9sp chain to be compatible with the new cranks and the 9sp chain should be compatible with my 8 sp cassette.
What is everyone take on my situation?
thanks
scott

Kimmo
09-11-10, 06:34 PM
I was warned off buying a 9spd chain when I got a new 8spd cassette... I would've thought it should work fine, but apparently it doesn't.

Anyway, in order for your front derailleur to index properly, I'd suggest simply adding spacers (you could prolly just cut them from some plastic like a takeaway container) behind one or both chainrings.
TimeTravel_0
09-11-10, 07:30 PM
there is no such thing as a "9 speed crank" in reality.

use the chain that is compatible with the cassette -- 7, 8 speed.

duckforcover
09-11-10, 07:54 PM
^^ what he said...
Sixty Fiver
09-11-10, 09:16 PM
I was warned off buying a 9spd chain when I got a new 8spd cassette... I would've thought it should work fine, but apparently it doesn't.

Anyway, in order for your front derailleur to index properly, I'd suggest simply adding spacers (you could prolly just cut them from some plastic like a takeaway container) behind one or both chainrings.

9 speed chain works well with 8 speed drives.

The OP's bike will not need any spacers and he/she can run 8 or 9 speed chain with the new crank and chain rings... 8 speed chain will be less expensive so I'd go that way.