I’m in the process of upgrading a Shimano 9 speed to 10. Since the cassette width is the same, can a 9 speed rear derailleur be used with a 10 speed chain?
To further the discussion; are the pulleys narrower on the 10 drive train? If so by swapping them I see no reason that I can’t use the 9 speed derailleur for a 10 speed setup. N.B. I do plan to change the shifters.
Next is the front derailleur. Is it necessary to use a 10 speed in the front. I think the cage is narrower and will not work well using a 9 speed for 10 speed chain.
I should measure everything instead of posting, but what fun would that be. Thanks.
I don’t think so. The parrallelogram that makes up the cage should be different, since a 9 speed derailleur will move a different combination of up/out or down/in than a 10spd.
Yes, you can use a 10spd chain on a 9spd set-up (since it is skinnier), but not vice versa. However, it likely will not shift nearly as well as the appropriate width chain.
But it is the parrallelogram of the RD that is likely to give you a problem, not chain width.
I thought you could use a 9 rear, because it has the same amount of movement from inside to outside, the pulleys are close and the shifter will control the spacing.
Alright. So in theory I could put a 9 speed wheel on a 10 speed drive train, switch to friction and should be able to shift through the gears but not a smoothly. If I adjust the b-tension out would it help to allow the parrallelogram that makes up the cage engage the chain to the proper cog? Just theortical. I really wanted to convert a 9 speed to 10 so I can use a wheelset on both bikes without changing the cassette back and forth.
FWIW, for a while I was running a 9 speed derailleur and cassette in the rear and 10 speed cranks and derailleur in front. I had to use a 9 spd chain for this to work. Otherwise, the rear shifting was not smooth due to the differnt widths of the chain. I honestly don’t recall if the issue was the cassette or the derailleur.
Just for the record we are talking Shimano. To convert from 9 speed to 10 speed you will only need a 10 speed cassette, 10 speed chain and, the right shifter - be it bar end or STI. That’s it!
Okay, my brain hurts a lot now. My advice - select the option that requires the least purchasing of parts. Then test that option. If said option fails, then purchase a 10spd rer-der. But, yes, theoretically, you can put a 9spd wheel in a 10spd drivetrain and it will work ok. Just be careful about overshifting into your stays or wheel.
My honest advice – 105 10spd is very good. Ultegra 10spd is fantastic. Just upgrade cassette/shifters/rear-der/chain and be happy. THAT will work properly with no need to mess around with friction shifting and that nonsense.
theoretically I posed the question…, as I do have an ultegra 6600 enroute. It’s just a downgrade to the Dura Ace 9 speed on there now.
I stated “got me thinking” now brains are hurting. I could try the Dura Ace, but then I’d be pinching the cable more often then I’d like after running new cables with the shifters. And the friction thing was just going the other direction and wouldn’t even have thought of doing that just to use the 9 speed wheels on the 10 speed bike. I can and have swapped the cassettes. Not a big deal, but will be much nicer to swap wheels between bikes. One is a road and the other a tri. I wanted to use the race wheels on the road bike to train on, wait wrong thread. Actually to use the race wheels to race on the road bike every once in a while.
Has anybody used the 9s drivetrain with 10s cassette, chain and shifters? I have 10s cranks, chain, shifter, and can downgrade rear der. to ultegra 10s. So mostly the question is just to satisfy my curiosity. The ultegra really isn’t a downgrade as it’s way newer. Again just curious.
Has anybody used the 9s drivetrain with 10s cassette, chain and shifters?
I have. I rode all season with a 9S DA rear der and 10s cass, chain, and right hand shifter. Served me well at LP as well as all the training up to it. FWIW, I think the 10s Ultegra rear der is equal to the 9S DA in just about every aspect. Not a downgrade at all!
Has anybody used the 9s drivetrain with 10s cassette, chain and shifters?
I have. I rode all season with a 9S DA rear der and 10s cass, chain, and right hand shifter. Served me well at LP as well as all the training up to it. FWIW, I think the 10s Ultegra rear der is equal to the 9S DA in just about every aspect. Not a downgrade at all!
Thanks Wayne. I thought it would work. Agree that ultegra 6600 should be like the DA. I need to start save more and spending less. I’m going to be happy with ultegra. Dura Ace just way to costly, for a few grams. Damn 105 9 speed on the cross bike is great still.