Originally Posted by
doco
yes, the hub can take either a 8 or 9 speed casstte,
what i need to know will the rear 9 speed derailleur work with a 8 speed shifter?
Without a doubt it will work.
Think of it this way. A rear derailleur guides the chain by the middle of the chain. It doesn't care if the outside of the chain is a little wider or a little narrower.