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Had any problems with Shimano 9 speed?

Old 02-27-07, 06:52 PM
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Had any problems with Shimano 9 speed?

I'm debating whether or not to convert my 05 Rockhopper from 8 speed to 9 speed and I need input from BF MTBers. I picked up a 9 speed Deore shifter/brake combo in great shape for cheap locally and my 8 speed SRAM cassette is starting to show signs of wear, probably won't make it through this season. Soooo, if I'm going to make a change, it will happen this season.
The only thing holding me back from changing is the perception I've read that 9 speed isn't as rugged as 8 speed. So my question is, has anyone had problems with their 9 speed? Please share your experience so that I can make a good decision.
BTW, My 18 year old son and I both use this bike on technical trails. Our other bike has all Shimano 9-speed and we've not experienced any problems, but that's only one bike used for one season.
Thanks for any responses.
EDIT: If you have Shimano 9-speed and have not had problems, knowing that would help too.
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Old 02-27-07, 06:57 PM
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Don't worry. 9 spd is not an experiment. It will last and be able to withstand punishment. Is an 8 speed chain stronger? Maybe.
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Old 02-27-07, 07:14 PM
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do you have 9speed chain or 8speed
because 8speed chain is thicker than 9speed.
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Old 02-27-07, 07:17 PM
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I have been warned by many to use a 8speed system on my build because the 9 speeds are suppose to be a lot more finicky during muddy or difficult situations....


I didn't heed the warnings and ordered a 9 speed system
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Old 02-27-07, 07:24 PM
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Originally Posted by jiiiim
do you have 9speed chain or 8speed
because 8speed chain is thicker than 9speed.
Right, I know I will have to replace the chain. But if I have to replace the cassette, I'll be replacing the chain anyway.
EDIT: I have a PC-68 chain.
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Old 02-27-07, 07:27 PM
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9 speed is supposed to be a little more finicky, but no major problems. By finicky, i mean not staying in adjustment, but thats not a real issue. Strenght should not be a concern at all. My old roommate had some problems with it and then switched to sram 9 speed and said it was alot better, no problems. I personally have kept 8 speed only because I just continuely upgrade and never entirely replace my drivetrain at one time and i can find some killer deals on some 8 speed stuff. I also never had any of the adjustment/getting out of adjustment problems that he had.

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Old 02-27-07, 07:28 PM
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No reason you shouldn't be good to go with 9.
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Old 02-27-07, 08:21 PM
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Honestly I never touch my 9spd drivetrains.
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Old 02-27-07, 08:46 PM
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no problems with my 9 speed either
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Old 02-27-07, 08:58 PM
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My 9spd stuff requires more adjustment than my SS, but that's it. 9 spd will work fine, although don't expect those Deore shifters to last forever.
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Old 02-27-07, 09:03 PM
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sorry but... what kind of adjustments do you need for the SS?
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Old 02-27-07, 10:03 PM
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sorry but... what kind of adjustments do you need for the SS?
The half inch connuter bearings are hard to keep in adjustment on the single speeds...
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Old 02-27-07, 10:22 PM
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Originally Posted by brad06ag
9 speed is supposed to be a little more finicky, but no major problems. By finicky, i mean not staying in adjustment...
I had 9 spd. Shimano XT and it was terrible. Needed frequent adjustment and the RD broke at 300 miles (while riding at less than 10 mph on a level fire road in dry conditions!). I switched the whole drivetrain over to SRAM X-9 and not only is it more durable and shifts consistently in difficult, muddy conditions, but has not needed any adjustment. Surprisingly, it didn't even need adjustment for cable stretch! My first SRAM X9 RD broke after 1800 miles, 6 times what the Shimano XT lasted. Personally, I would not waste my money on any Shimano product, unless it is for road use only (where conditions are more predictable and less stressful on the equipment). Just because they're the market leader doesn't mean they're the best product. Think about it.
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Old 02-27-07, 10:27 PM
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Originally Posted by hopperja
I had 9 spd. Shimano XT and it was terrible. Needed frequent adjustment and the RD broke at 300 miles (while riding at less than 10 mph on a level fire road in dry conditions!).
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Old 02-27-07, 11:13 PM
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Originally Posted by hopperja
Personally, I would not waste my money on any Shimano product, unless it is for road use only (where conditions are more predictable and less stressful on the equipment).
Yeah, right on!

Finally someone speaks the truth about Shimano! Their crap can't handle stressful MTB use. No way!

For example, just look at these crappy Shimano cranks. They can't even take hitting a few rocks over the past three years.



Think about it.
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Old 02-27-07, 11:29 PM
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My 9 speed LX shifter and XT RD setup is going strong, but I would still much prefer a SRAM setup.

Go with a 9 speed.
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Old 02-28-07, 06:23 PM
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Thanks for all the great responses. I'm going to ride out the 8 speed until the cassette problems interfere with riding. I'm not sure if that will be next week or end of this season, but I'm not going to buy another 8-speed cassette. I'm going to upgrade to 9 speed with a new chain and I'll use the shifter I just purchased. Thanks again.
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Old 02-28-07, 06:38 PM
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GET SRAM....

I fiddled with my Sh@tmano crap for ever, then I picked up a new bike that came with SRAM... MAJOR difference, SRAM rapid fire shifters dont use your trigger finger, so you can keep your fingers on the brake or grip. The ONLY time I have to tune my deraileur is after a new cable, or if I whack it on something.

SRAM will treat you better in the long run, better cust. service and better product.

the only shimano product I use is an old deore deraileur turned into a chain tensioner.... only thing that thing is worth IMO

thats how i roll
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Old 02-28-07, 07:02 PM
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Originally Posted by jiiiim
sorry but... what kind of adjustments do you need for the SS?
What the?! Oh, I see the problem. You have your sarcasm detector turned off.
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Old 02-28-07, 07:16 PM
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9 speed LX, with deore shifters and shimano chain....no issues.
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Old 02-28-07, 07:31 PM
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Originally Posted by snakehunter
GET SRAM....

I fiddled with my Sh@tmano crap for ever, then I picked up a new bike that came with SRAM... MAJOR difference, SRAM rapid fire shifters dont use your trigger finger, so you can keep your fingers on the brake or grip. The ONLY time I have to tune my deraileur is after a new cable, or if I whack it on something.

SRAM will treat you better in the long run, better cust. service and better product.

the only shimano product I use is an old deore deraileur turned into a chain tensioner.... only thing that thing is worth IMO

thats how i roll

Wow, I would have never suspected
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Old 02-28-07, 08:28 PM
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Originally Posted by snakehunter
GET SRAM....

I fiddled with my Sh@tmano crap for ever, then I picked up a new bike that came with SRAM... MAJOR difference, SRAM rapid fire shifters dont use your trigger finger, so you can keep your fingers on the brake or grip. The ONLY time I have to tune my deraileur is after a new cable, or if I whack it on something.

SRAM will treat you better in the long run, better cust. service and better product.

the only shimano product I use is an old deore deraileur turned into a chain tensioner.... only thing that thing is worth IMO

thats how i roll
Not only that, but it makes you better looking, adds 8 years to your lifespan, and boosts your sperm count (even with briefs)!!!
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