As I said before, I've covered all other bases in terms of 9 speed compatibility. Specifically I'm going to be running DA 7700 Bar End shifters with Deore XT derailleurs.

My question about the cassette was to simply see if I could bodge compatibility out of the rather lovely, newish 8 speed cassette. I am now however just going to banish the cassette to the parts drawer for use in later years!