Campag 9s and 10s systems.

[rick617]

I have just returned to cycling after a 20 year break, to say I am a little confused with regards current component technology would be an understatement! I have bought a old gazelle road bike from the 1990s, I have also bought some components namely campag Centura front and rear hubs 9/10s 2006 versions, a campag record double chainset 10s 2006 version. I also purchased a Centura 10s cassette 2009 version 13 to 26t. When I put the cassette on the hub the locking ring was practically flush with the hub nut which I feel cannot be corrected. Would a 9s cassette be narrower? If I were to run a nine speed system could I still use my 10s chainset? Also I was thinking of using a indexed gear system presumably I would need 9s leavers if I was going with a 9s system. Failing that could I just use friction down tube leavers? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Mick F]

The 9sp and 10sp cassettes are as near as dammit the same width, and the 2006 Centaur hub should be fine with them. I run a 2006 Chorus hub with a 10sp and it fits ok although there is only about 1mm of lock-nut beyond the lock-ring.

9sp cassettes and a 9sp chain work fine with a 10sp chainset.

Right hand Ergos need to be matched to the cassette - 9sp for 9sp and 10sp for 10sp. Left hand Ergos are happy either way for 9 or 10, and also for triple or double.

I have no experience of using 10sp with friction DT levers, though I have with 9sp. 10sp is very close together, 9sp is bad enough(!), so it will take some accuracy of use, but it should be possible.

I hope that helps, and by the way, welcome to the forum!

[ian]

I am using Campagnolo 10 speed system with downtube shifters and it is absolutely fine. Obviously the type of shifter you have/get will make a difference to how this works.

9 and 10 speed cassette should be fine on the same Campagnolo hub body.

[PW]

9 speed is certainly possible with D/T friction levers. I'm doing just that until I get round to repairing my ergopowers on the tourer. It does take practice, as Mick said the cogs are a bit closer than they used to be, but I don't miss many shifts.