Had any problems with Shimano 9 speed?
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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.
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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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
I didn't heed the warnings and ordered a 9 speed system
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Originally Posted by jiiiim
do you have 9speed chain or 8speed
because 8speed chain is thicker than 9speed.
because 8speed chain is thicker than 9speed.
EDIT: I have a PC-68 chain.
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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.
Last edited by brad06ag; 02-27-07 at 07:33 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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sorry but... what kind of adjustments do you need for the SS?
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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...
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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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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).
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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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.
Go with a 9 speed.
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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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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
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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Originally Posted by jiiiim
sorry but... what kind of adjustments do you need for the SS?
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9 speed LX, with deore shifters and shimano chain....no issues.
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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
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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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
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