Will Friction Shifter Work With 9 Speed Cassette?
 

Hello,

I currently run a 8 speed cassette with an old friction shifter and the system works fine. I am overhauling my bicycle and was thinking of getting a 9 speed cassette, I think I have read something saying that 8 speed and 9 speed cassettes are the same size overall and that I will need a specific chain which is fine.

The point is I would like to keep the old shifter as I like it's simplicity.

Any information/advice would be great thanks!

Why not? An indexed shifter just has pre-set clicks to move the derailleur to the next cog.

If you wanted to use bar end shifters you'd lose those presets. You will need that thinner chain, as you note. BTW, I've had really good luck with the KMC chains and I really like the master link that comes with 'em.

Says who? I have bar end shifters on my tandem and they have the presets. ;)...Actually has the ring (key?) that allows the rider to switch from index to friction.

I did go from 8 to 9 speed on one of my bikes and didn't notice much of a difference. I'd guess the OP would get the same benefit just switching the rear cluster from a 12/27 type to a 13/26 or 25 if steep climbs aren't a big issue.

Yeah, I had some old down tube shifters that supposedly were indexed. I cut that off too cuz it didn't work real well...