Cyclocross - 1x9 or 1x10

I just ran accross a fantastic deal on a ultegra 6600 10sp group and was wondering if I should keep my bike a 1x9 or go 1x10? I am not even sure if the 6600 shifter can be set up for a 9sp. Any thoughts?

Your 6600 shifter will not shift a 9 speed cassette. Your 9-speed RD & Crankset will work with a ten speed brifter & ten speed cassette combo, you will need a ten speed chain.

Throw on the needed parts and sell the rest of the 6600 Group?

I figured I might need a new chain. Are the 10sp set ups weaker? I know the chain in thinner, but not sure if stronger

I've raced both 9 and 10 speed and found little difference. I went to 10 due to the availability of parts if I broke something.

10 sp can be set up for 9sp via alternate cable clamping. All Shimano shifters can be set up for their rating - 1 this way.

Well the Shifter ended up being a brand new ultegra 9sp shifter, and the 6600 ultegra derailluer will work with it so I will keep it 1x9.

Ironically, I just went from a 1x9 to a 1x8 because I found an almost free 8 speed setup and the parts/maintenance are/is much less expensive. I use mine for cross-commuting and do not miss the extra teeth at all.

EDIT: If I didn't like my Microshift stuff so much, I'd ask ya about the Tiagra group. Seems like there has been a lot of buzz recently about these Microshift guys...

+1, ... build another bike, 1 to ride 1 to hose off ..

We get lots of mud here in PDX. Lots of mud.

The nine speed setups seems to last longer both through the season and hold adjustment better during the race.

I ran a 1x9 with a barend last year. This year I went with a 6500 shifter.

As much as I hate to say it, SRAM seems to keep adjustment longer in the sloppy stuff.

-Z

Well after a riding a sram double tap set up and having a friend have his bike stolen, I decided to sell him my 1x9 and going to build a sram bike. So if anyone needs a new 6500 ultegra shifter or 6600 rear derailleur let me know!

I say stick with your 1x9. It's a cross bike. Things are going to break. Weight is not as important as on a road bike. Save money. 9 speed parts are super cheap in comparison (chains, shifters, ect.)