Hi folks, currently riding a 9 speed and considering moving up to a 10 speed.
Other than the casette, i need new 10 speed shifters.
Question is, do i need a new chain and a new rear derailer?
Please let me know what I parts I need to make the switch. Thanks Laird Lidster
First up, I’m not an expert in this but investigated this when I got my first road bike a couple of years ago. I was told you need to change the chain and shifters - not cheap! To be honest I don’t think it’s worth it. I’ve now got a 9spd training bike and a 10spd Cervelo for races and serious training. I hardly notice the difference in having 10 speeds. I find I don’t use the mid range gears much on either bike and that’s where the difference is. In fact I’d say my Simnao 105 9spd shifts nicer than my 10spd durace set up. A cheaper option if you’re not happy with your gearing is to change some of the sprockets on your cassette.
Yes you will need a new chain to fit the 10 spd cog spacing. I used my 9spd bar end shifters but in friction mode. 9spd rear derailleur works fine. At the bare minimum, all you need to change from 9 to 10 speed are cogs & chain.
New chain, new shifters, new cassette. Everything else will work. The 9spd ft/rr der’s will work.
EDiT: I was referring to STI shifters. Barend shifters will work in friction mode. I have my TT bike set with 9spd shifters(bar-end)/drivetrain with 10spd chain and cassette
I switched my old tri bike to 10 speed a couple years ago for the sole perpose of being able to swap out different training wheels with my 10 speed road bike. (I have a lot of wheels I guess) All you need is the 10 speed Dura Ace bar end shifters (assuming your talking Shimano), cassette and chain. Your rear Der. knows no different, so it works.
Now I have 10 speed on my road bike and honestly I liked 9 speed more. The 10 speed chain needs more frequent replacement and is more expensive. The 10 speed cassettes cost more as well. My biggest reason for not liking the 10 speed is it’s crap! The 9 speed shifted better, more crisp I think. The 10 speed feels soggy, and less sure of what it’s doing. None of this applies to the bar end shifters and you will have the old 9 speed der. on so my rant won’t apply to the tri bike with exception of the chain. I just felt like bitching about the 10 speed I guess.
Thanks for all the feedback, the consensus is that people prefer 9 to 10 speed.
What about for the hills of IMOO. Does anyone feel that a 10 speed would be better?
What about the use of a compact crank at IMOO?
Thanks for all the insight.
go with a 9 speed 12-27 and a 54 front…
I was told to go with a 9 speed casset by a mechanic at a LBS because of the same reasons mentioned. Durability/ compatibility/ price