grolby

You are still just making suppositions out of ignorance, not actual knowledge of the materials science or engineering of newer components. You think thinner plates on the newer chains "surely take more stress," but do you actually know? No, of course not, but why let that stop you from having an opinion? There's not a heck of a lot of actual data out there on actual differences in chain life between 9 and 10 speed components. In fact, there's basically none. Shimano claims that the newer stuff is actually stronger and longer lasting. There's no real reason to suppose that they would lie, because it actually is possible to achieve it. And the only actual test that I am aware of backs them up on this: Bikerumor Shimano Chainwear Challenge: The Results. That's mountain biking, rather than touring, but I would say MTBing is a lot harder on a chain.

I know it's hard to accept, because it is received wisdom around these parts that newer = more delicate, but it's not true, at least when it comes to 9 vs. 10 speed. Whether it's appropriate for touring is really up to the individual, but the argument that it's going to wear out sooner isn't a very good one. I would say if someone is equipping their touring bike with tech as new as 9 or 10 speed shifting that they shouldn't worry about it and just go with whichever one is easier or cheaper to get their hands on. If I were planning a trip for next week, I wouldn't hesitate to use the 10-speed gear I have on my current bikes. It's going to work great and last as long as anything else out there.

TL;DR: a modern chain is a highly engineered component like any other, and a 10 speed chain is a not a shrunk-down 9-speed chain is not a shrunk-down 8-speed chain. Wear life is affected by materials, engineering and manufacturing process improvements, not number of speeds.

pacificcyclist

Unless you need 36T from the 11-36 for an even lower gear, 9 speed is fine. I run a 2x10 speed Dynasys on my road STI equipped Masi with a 11-36T rear and a 36/26T front. 10 speed cassette is more expensive than 9 speed. 10 speed chain can be more expensive; although you can use SRAM 10 speed with your 10 speed Dynasys. Durability is the same if you kept a good maintenance schedule (clean chain, check chain length and lube only the chain links). I just came back from a tour that caused my drive train to be infested by mud and grit and the chain was squeaking like hell. Cleaned it thoroughly and lubed it again. Works like new now. It should. Durability compared with my 29er off-road tourer which is a 9speed system is the same.

veganbikes

Ahhh I see. Well hope you do OK out there and have some good trips and stay safe. I must apologize for my earlier coarseness, though you still shouldn't have gone after them.

Biketouringhobo

thanks and I maybe Staying with 9 Speed and Stock up on some 9 Speed Bike Parts and
Sram Cassette and Chain and I do have 2 Spare Sram pC-971 and PC-951 and 1 Cassette PG-970
and mt my Crankset is Shimano Deore 24-32-42t 10/9 Speed running 9 Speed Chain

Biketouringhobo

gregjones

You seem to have all of the specifics figured out to model numbers this shifter and this cassette paired with that chain.

What are you bothering us?
10 speed? I guess everyone has opinions. I tried the exact stuff you listed. Don't use it now. No since listing what I use because:
1: I don't know the exact numerical designations of the parts.
2: It works for me, I know---I use it not.
3: I don't need you disagreeing. I really don't care what you use.

Have fun and ride safe.

Biketouringhobo

Surly LHT and Disc Trucker 2016 is now 10 Speed bike parts

Biketouringhobo

I found the Shimano CS-HG400 12-36t 9 Speed Cassette and I also would need the
Shimano XT M772 Shadow RD

mobile_simon

Considered switching over to 10-speed because the new clutch design eliminates chain-suck. However I could be screwing myself on finding a replacement if it broke. 10 speed is 1:1 actuation. ****ing Shimano.

robow

Good luck finding new Ultegra 9 speed triple brifters for a reasonable price, that is if you can find them. A touring buddy lost his left Ultegra brifter on our tour in northern Michigan this summer and had to settle for replacing with Microshift 9 speed shifters. I bought an extra set of Ultegra 10 speed triple brifters for later on when my 9's finally puke as that won't be a big deal to switch over vs. 11's.

Biketouringhobo

you can Still find Dura Ace bar end 9 speed Shifters and I am not using bar end shifters 9 speed and I am using Shimano XT SL-M770 Thumb Shifters 9 speed and if I go to 10 speed I need Shimano XT SL-M780 Thumb Shifter Right pod

fietsbob

Range of gear gear ratios, touring, matters more than how many cogs that got packed into the space available on your back hub.

Chris Pringle

BikeTouringHobo: Fietsbob is absolutely right on this. You are not going to notice any major difference whatsoever by going to 10 spd drivetrain. Your 9-spd 11-34 cassette along with triple mtn crankset are plenty OK for your touring purposes. Range of gear is what matters the most here. You've done a great job with that aspect already. It's easy to fall in the trap of upgrading parts especially when people in the industry (e.g., bike shops) tell you that you better upgrade soon or you won't find parts. First, it sounds like you wouldn't make the mistake of starting your dream tour with worn out parts. Then it is simply a matter of planning when to replace things like chains, cassettes, chainrings to keep everything running smoothly. All of these things can be ordered easily over the internet and have them shipped to a particular location quickly.

I vote for keeping your drivetrain as is. Try a few short weekend tours to a mountain locale near you. Save your hard earned money for your west coast dream tours starting next year. You'll have a lot more fun doing that than worrying about upgrades.

Biketouringhobo

I am staying with 3X9 9 Speed with 24-32-42t Deore crankset going to 22t 22-32-42t and
Sram PG970 11-34t 9 speed cassette on my Surly LHT and I also push my bike uphills

MassiveD

Doesn't Nashbar sell a 9 speed chain that is highly rated and costs about 12 bucks?

I'm still sourcing parts for my 7 speed freewheel system. People keep saying you can't get stuff, but it is always out there somewhere a few clicks away.

There are diminishing returns with every step up. 5-6 increased options 20%, 10-11 only 10%.

fietsbob

High, 95 gi, low 18 gi has been fine for a range .. In cassettes the Shimano 7 Speed K cassette I though was sufficient ..

But the marketing wanted more parts so pushed 8,9, and onward..

14~34 .. 50-40-24 . (K is 13~34 )

Soody

9 speed downtube shifters have a friction setting. 10 speed is index only. 9, 8 & 7 speed road & mtb have the same cable pull. 10 speed mtb derailleurs do not. 9 speed is way more compatible.

Bike hobo, you push your bike up hills??

That is shameful! You need to get good mate. Maybe snort less glue or whatever hobos get up to.

MassiveD

Pushing is classic cycling at it's best, from the hills of Ireland to Cyclocross.

Maelochs

I believe you can buy a Shiftmate 6 to coordinate the cable pull for 10-speed Shimano road to MTB derailleurs, so you can use the ultra-wide-range long-cage Deore stuff with brifters. Compatibility regained.

fietsbob

in British lingo if it does not have a Motor ... It's a 'Push Bike'

Biketouringhobo

to let you know I have High Blood pressure and my knees are bad and most people push there bike up hills!
and I am Not Racing to go from A to B! and I am not going to kill my legs and muscles hurt when I ride hills in
Southern California

Soody

Yeah yea, most people are lazy and most people don't even ride bikes. Well, that's just wrong man. I am always racing and you should always be racing. Push yourself until you reach the top or die. My dream, like all proper cyclists, is to win the Tour De France, Giro, Vuelta back to back. I will play you a sad song on my tiny violin for your hurty muscles.

Biketouringhobo

cool but I am running 3X9 9 Speed 24-32-42t deore crankset and Sram PG970 11-34t 9 speed cassette
XT RD m771 9 speed, XT FD m771 9speed, Shifters XT m770 thumb pods 9 speed

I was asking about 10 speed

Biketouringhobo

in the 1980's I used 42-52 and 12-19t 7speed up hills and I am not young anymore and not lazy and you bloody moron and grow up

2manybikes

9 speed rear MTB deraileur works with 10 speed road group. Extremely well.

Maelochs

I had forgotten in the original post that you were using a flat bar and thumbshifters. I was thinking brifters, which were cross-platform compatible for 9-speed but not for 10.

You cannot use 10-speed Shimano road shifters with 10-speed Shimano MTB derailleurs--different cable pull. If you wanted to switch to 10-speed and use road shifters with MTB derailleurs (to match your MTB chainrings and cogs), you would need an adapter.

Since you run flat bars and MTB thumbshifters, no problem.

All you would need to change would be the cassette, shifters, rear derailleur, and chain. FD and chainrings are fine. (You don’t mention what rear derailleur you have in the first post, but obviously it is 9-speed.)

Sorry to provide info you don’t need.