Chain width

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KM2
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Joined: 23 Oct 2008, 5:38pm

Chain width

Post by KM2 »

Are there any problems that might be encountered when using a 9 width chain on an eight cassette? Both ShImano.
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gregoryoftours
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Joined: 22 May 2011, 7:14pm

Re: Chain width

Post by gregoryoftours »

I've never had any problems using a 9 speed chain on an otherwise 8 speed drivetrain, or, for that matter a 10 speed chain on a 9 speed drivetrain. The other way around causes problems.
KM2
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Joined: 23 Oct 2008, 5:38pm

Re: Chain width

Post by KM2 »

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bluespeeder
Posts: 101
Joined: 9 Nov 2021, 3:40pm

Re: Chain width

Post by bluespeeder »

I found a 9spd chain a bit smoother on a 8spd cassette during shifts but caused problems on the front shifts. Occasionally it would drop between the rings for half a revolution before engaging so I have gone back to 8spd chains. This may be due to the fact I have a biopace inner ring, and may have been curable by changing the spacing between the rings. Best to try it and see.
KM2
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Re: Chain width

Post by KM2 »

Thanks,
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531colin
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Location: North Yorkshire

Re: Chain width

Post by 531colin »

gregoryoftours wrote: 6 Feb 2023, 10:42pm I've never had any problems using a 9 speed chain on an otherwise 8 speed drivetrain, or, for that matter a 10 speed chain on a 9 speed drivetrain. The other way around causes problems.
I routinely use 8 speed chain on my only 9 speed bike; because it works, and all the others are 8 speed so I only keep 8 speed chain!
It is however friction front shift. The cassette is made up from 2, one being a cassette designed for junior (restricted gear) racing, so it starts with something sensible like 12 or 13 rather than 11, which is pointless for me, and the other end is an MTB cassette for big sprockets.
gregoryoftours
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Joined: 22 May 2011, 7:14pm

Re: Chain width

Post by gregoryoftours »

531colin wrote: 7 Feb 2023, 4:47pm
gregoryoftours wrote: 6 Feb 2023, 10:42pm I've never had any problems using a 9 speed chain on an otherwise 8 speed drivetrain, or, for that matter a 10 speed chain on a 9 speed drivetrain. The other way around causes problems.
I routinely use 8 speed chain on my only 9 speed bike; because it works, and all the others are 8 speed so I only keep 8 speed chain!
It is however friction front shift. The cassette is made up from 2, one being a cassette designed for junior (restricted gear) racing, so it starts with something sensible like 12 or 13 rather than 11, which is pointless for me, and the other end is an MTB cassette for big sprockets.
That's interesting, I've seen 8 speed chains running on 9 speed cassettes. The slightly too wide chain will catch on the next biggest sprockets no matter how well lined up everything is. I've never seen it work without issues, but maybe certain combinations of chain and cassette allow it.
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531colin
Posts: 16083
Joined: 4 Dec 2009, 6:56pm
Location: North Yorkshire

Re: Chain width

Post by 531colin »

9 speed cassette built from 2 Shimano ones; currently running KMC 8 speed chain.
....somewhat surprised to see the cassette has been going since 2011, so I might have had Connex on it as well.
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