9 speed vs 10 speed
08-09-11, 12:20 PM
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9 speed vs 10 speed
So what are everyones opinions about 9 speed vs 10 speed?
I'm upgrading an old MTB piecemeal, and I'm down to the last change I want to make: upgrading from 7 speed. I had originally settled on 9 speed because I figured that's the current standard for MTB/Hybrid parts, so they'd be cheaper and around for a long time. However, talking to a guy at one local LBS, he kept trying to convince me that 9 speed was going to go the way of the dinosaur relatively soon, and that parts would start to become very scarce, like how 8 speed is now.
On the other hand, 10 speed parts are more expensive right now, and I have heard concerns from some people that since the chains are smaller they are weaker and will need to be replaced more often. I'm not really interested in increased maintenance.
But I am interested in the extra gear combinations I'll be able to use, as well as future-proofing my upgrade. So what does everyone think? Will 9 speed be good enough and around long enough that it won't matter too much? Or is going 10 speed worth it?
I'm upgrading an old MTB piecemeal, and I'm down to the last change I want to make: upgrading from 7 speed. I had originally settled on 9 speed because I figured that's the current standard for MTB/Hybrid parts, so they'd be cheaper and around for a long time. However, talking to a guy at one local LBS, he kept trying to convince me that 9 speed was going to go the way of the dinosaur relatively soon, and that parts would start to become very scarce, like how 8 speed is now.
On the other hand, 10 speed parts are more expensive right now, and I have heard concerns from some people that since the chains are smaller they are weaker and will need to be replaced more often. I'm not really interested in increased maintenance.
But I am interested in the extra gear combinations I'll be able to use, as well as future-proofing my upgrade. So what does everyone think? Will 9 speed be good enough and around long enough that it won't matter too much? Or is going 10 speed worth it?
08-09-11, 12:31 PM
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Nine-speed will be around for quite a while, there are still plenty of bikes being sold with 9-speed as standard. The extra gear is relatively trivial in my view. As for the chains, in theory 10-speed are just as strong and durable. Which means it must just be dumb luck that has caused me to snap two chains since getting a 10-speed road bike, having never snapped one before in well over thirty years of cycling...
If I were you I'd save my money and get the 9-speed.
If I were you I'd save my money and get the 9-speed.
08-09-11, 01:39 PM
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I don't think you'll notice the extra gear on 10-speed, though your wallet certainly will. If it was me changing the gear system I'd go for a good hub gear, particularly on a mountain bike as it removes the need for derailleurs hanging off the bike and getting knocked.
08-09-11, 01:56 PM
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I like the idea of 2x10 but the XX is outta my price range. Around the turn of the century I became worried about future 8 speed availability but ten years after no big problem. Have to eBay for high end shifters but nice cassettes and chains are everywhere
