Im looking to buy the Sugino XD600 for a Surly LHT Im going to build but on the Bikeman website it says that the crank is 7/8 speed compatible but I want to put on a 9 speed cassette. Is that ok? why are they saying the crank is 7/8 speed compatible but not 9?

Thanks!!!

From what Sheldon Brown says, it don't matter with the Crank - I have my XD600 on an 8 speed though, so I don't know for sure - but he seems to know his stuf. (that's my understatement of the day )

I'm pretty sure I used mine with 9 speed for awhile with no problems (have 8 now, though)

Surly specs the XD600 with a 9-speed on the LHT complete.

https://www.surlybikes.com/lht_comp.html

It shouldn't make a difference. It will for a cassette but not for the crank.

However before you go buying the XD600, take a look at the Shimano Trekking crank at Nashbar. It's a killer deal and it has a better range than the Suginos I've seen. With the Sugino, you'll be limited to a 24 tooth inner chainring, while the Shimano takes as low as a 22 tooth inner. If you ever had dreams of crossing the Rockies, that low will come in handy. Heck if you ever want to climb out of the Columbia River Gorge, it comes in handy

The XD600 will work with just about anything including 10-speed. No worries.

Using one on my 9 speed right now.

I'm a big fan of Sugino cranks--- but $50 for a Deore LX crankset at Nashbar is a darn good deal. Both work fine with 7-8-9 speeds, and STI shifting.

I agree that is a very good deal. I have the LX with a 22 on my bike, and paid almost that for a lightly used one.