8 spd der on 9 spd cassette

[Dave]

Anyone know if the limit screws on an 8 speed derailler can be adjusted far enough to work as a 9 speed? I'm wondering since 9 speed deraillers work on 8 speeds that the actuation must be the same, but I'm curious if anyone has tried this setup since it seems backwards, like my thinking is sometimes ;)

[splat]

It should work

[Dave]

Thanks Splat, I'll give it a shot and see how it works out.

[TheHeckler]

It is the shifter pod that dictates the throw during a gear change. I would think if you have a 9 speed shifter pod, 9 speed cassette, 9 speed chain (thinner than an 8), then the 8 speed deraileuer would work.

If you have an 8 speed shifter pod it will probably have to much throw to work with a 9 speed cassette.

[AA]

the distance from the small cog to the big cog on 8 & 9 speed is the same, the spacing is just smaller on the 9 speed.

[Slider]

Should work fine.

The more recent Shimano specs say no, but that is marketing BS. The chains are different, but I swap deraillers between my eight-speed Dean and nine-speed NRS whenever ncessary. Now, this is for a relatively recent derailler. Older ones - can't say.

Slider

[Quo Fan]

Since the spacing between the smallest and largest cogs on the cassette are the same, then there is no difference between 8 and 9 speed derailers. It is all a marketing ploy by the big S to get you to buy more derailers.

[Dave]

Thanks all, sounds like my setup should work then, the derailler I have is a 1998 XT, shifter is a 2003 XT 9 spd, an 11-34 cassette and obviously a 9 spd chain.

[splat]

Thanks all, sounds like my setup should work then, the derailler I have is a 1998 XT, shifter is a 2003 XT 9 spd, an 11-34 cassette and obviously a 9 spd chain.


that should definatly work no problem

[slapheadmofo]

Might not appy in this case - but I'd much rather keep an 8 speed drivetrain than 'upgrade' to a 9 speed. I find them less finicky, tougher and cheaper.
My $.02 anway.