Monkey Face

I'm building a VO Campeur that was going to be completely Campagnolo, but it makes more sense for me to use 9-speed Shimano, at least at the rear end, since it has a 135mm spaced rear hub (for Deore on Mavic A319s).

I have the parts for a Veloce 10 speed front end and wonder if I can mix and match.

If I get Dura-Ace 9-speed down-tube or bar-end shifters (I might put them on the bars), I'm assuming I can run Veloce at the front, on friction. And run the rear as indexed Shimano.

Assuming that'll work, the question is... will a 9-speed chain be okay on a Veloce 10 speed Power Torque chainset?

I've read elsewhere that it'll run fine - since there isn't a world of difference between a 9 and 10 speed chain - but this is a more expert forum, so I'd appreciate your help.

Thanks folks.

Slash5

I'd say it will work fine. I've mixed and matched 8, 9, and 10 speed and it's all worked without issue. The friction front shifting seems to make just about anything work.
Also, 10 speed chains will work fine on a 9 speed. I bought a bunch of 10 speed chains on sale and use them on both.

FastJake

+1 especially with friction front shifting you'll be totally fine. I hate to guarantee things I haven't specifically tried, but I'm 99% sure this will work perfectly.

CafeVelo

I went temporarily 8 speed shimano on my normally 11 speed campy bike while I waited on a part, I left the 11 speed FD in place and it was fine. Currently, that same bike has an 8 speed sh*tmano rear derailer and cassette routed differently with 11 speed ergo shifters and works perfectly. I also ran a campy 11 FD on an otherwise 10 speed 105 drivetrain without issue. With friction shifters you can get away with anything. I regularly mix even 6 speed cranks with 10 and 11 speed systems, and this works too if the FD is adjusted well

Monkey Face

Thanks guys. I'm on with the first build and have just installed the 9-speed Dura-Ace DT shifter levers.

Can anyone reassure me that the right/rear lever is quite stiff in indexed mode? When I say stiff, I mean there's a fair bit of resistance to each click... it's a lot stiffer/more resistant than the Dura-Ace bar end shifters - is this normal?

Thanks.

FastJake

Yeah, Shimano indexed DT/bar end shifters can be quite stiff sometimes. Usually when they're new, I think. It's not a problem but can be an annoyance.

Slash5

I just installed 10 speed Dura Ace downtube shifters and I'm very surprised how stiff they are. I guess it's normal. Don't seem to notice it much when actually riding.

Al1943

Do you plan to run 9-speed Shimano rear derailleur? I believe that would be the best choice.