I’ve searched the forum and found information about the compatibility of 9-speed and 10-speed parts, but I could not find anything directly on point. Here’s my issue:
I currently have a road bike with 9-speed ultegra parts. I ride a lot on the trainer, so to save my tires, I have a spare wheel that I use, also with a 9-speed cassette. I plan on buying a tri bike in the next few months and I will also use it on the trainer. Ideally I’d like to be able to use the spare wheel I currently have when I’m on the trainer. Obviously I can just get a bike with 9-speed ultegra so that its compatible, but many bikes come stock with ultegra 10 speed. Here’s the question - can a 9-speed cassette be used on a bike where all the other components are 10-speed parts? What about the opposite scenario? Would a 10-speed cassette work on bike with 9-speed parts? Since this wheel is not for racing but just for training, I’m not worried about ideal performance. Thanks.
With bar end shifters in friction mode, it works (no indexing). STI, no way Jose…
derailleur is identical, difference is in the shifters. I think the 10-sp chain goes both ways, but not the 9.
The OP’s question has me thinking of doing the same thing. I have a road bike (9-sp). The tri bike is 10-sp full DA.
Can a wheel with a 9-sp cassette (fine for road bike) work on the tri bike (has 10-sp chain) and the rear shifter in friction mode?
Yes, but you have to adjust the rear derailleur stops on each wheel switch, so it is not really worthwhile.
I switch between Shimano 8 and Shimano 10 (friction) without need to adjust RD stop screws. I think one would be ok especially if using the 9 speed on a trainer and just checking before hand to make sure chain/DR don’t hit frame or spokes.
Note to OP: Shimano bar end shifters allow choice between indexed and friction shifting, but Campy does not and Sram may not as well. So if you get a Shimano equipped tri bike, you should be fine.
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Ok, that’s something I’ll need to keep in mind. I don’t necessarily need to adjust the stops. But, maybe just be aware that I won’t be able to use the top and bottom end cogs. I think a 9-sp cassette is wider than a 10-sp (thus the need for the spacer) so in this scenario the RD stops would keep me from dropping the chain with the friction shifting. Road bike 9-sp on 9-sp will be ok.
Yes, the 9spd cassette is slightly wider. Thus if your RD is adjusted for the 10spd, you might get a bit of rattling on the big cog. Especially if you adjust it “tight” to keep the der out of the spokes. The small cog is pretty much at the same offset. I think it’s like 1 turn different. I had mixed 9/10 about a year ago, but I’m all 10 now.
Good to hear. Looks like it will work so I only need one trainer-specific wheel. I don’t want to spend much on this set up since I hate riding the trainer.
sorry to go OT but just a thought. for probably less than the cost of an extra wheel, tire, cogs and the wear and tear on them and the rest of the bike and the hassle of changing wheels you could consider a used (gym selling old stock) or refurbished (stores) spin bike. you can beat the crap out of it and it will last forever. you can also try different set ups and positions on it before making changes to your race bike. really should be considered as an option. JMHO
Your thread got a bit hijacked. The other guy has shifters that will work in friction mode, but you do not.
So you cannot use your 10speed wheel on your 9speed road bike.
Good to hear. Looks like it will work so I only need one trainer-specific wheel. I don’t want to spend much on this set up since I hate riding the trainer.
Thanks.
The initial thread was based on the premise that you’re saving your rear tire with the separate wheel. If you hate riding the trainer (I certainly do) and you only train on it once in a while, I don’t think you’re going to wear out your rear tire that fast…so maybe just use your regular (training) wheel?
Alternatively, low end Shimano or SRAM 10s cassettes are around $60 new, or less slightly used. So maybe just convert the current 9s wheel to 10 that way and be all 10. If you’re Campy, perhaps a Veloce level or a Miche cassette?
That post of mine is misleading. I have a wheel (the original Alex AT400) with the 9-sp cassette. This should work for both bikes. The only money I would spend is for the Conti trainer tire. That yellow one made for the rigors of using a trainer and is supposedly quieter.