well i put the 34 tooth (9 speed) cassette on with the shimano XTR and all seems to be working except my chain.. as suspected.. is too short. If I go Bi-Big things are likely to explode... and as others have noted... sure one does not do that intentionally, but knowing me, id probably do it first ride out.

so longer chain is in the works but so far so good. I never would have thought I could run a 34 tooth with 53/39 up front but it seems like its going to work. check it: ill be able to go from 53-11 down to 39-34

at least I hope so. fast as heck and also able to climb climb! hopefully I am not speaking too soon.

edit: ps, sorry its not quite vintage im doing.. but its on an 88 ironman so its sort of vintage and in principle it should all be the same.