All else equal, which is better, an 8-speed or 9-speed cassette?

Question

This question is a bit of a follow-up to a previous question regarding what I needed to do to convert my bike to 9 speed from 8 speed. One respondant mentioned something that piqued my interest: "The 8 speed chain is stronger, you have less chances of ghost shifting". I wasn't aware of that, and had actually heard that a 9-speed setup shifts smoother. However, shifting aside, my primary motivation for switching over to 9-speed is the greater availability of replacement parts for future repair (it's really hard to find 8 speed shifters or derailleurs these days!). Anyway, I'm wondering what other pros/cons there are out there regarding the switch to 9-speed. Has anyone switched to 9 from 8 and regretted it? Besides greater chain strength (how much greater?), are there other good reasons to stay with an 8-speed? What other advantages are there to an upgrade (term used acknowledging it's possible relativity) to 9-speed? Thanks very much in advance.

Answer 1

9 is definitely a better set up hands down as far as the "ghost shifting" thing don't sweat it as long as your chain is the proper length and tension and your pulley wheels on your rear derailleur aren't worn out and all over the place and the cable tension is set correctly this is a non issue shifting is definitely much better on a 9 spd set up of all the 9 speed conversions I've done I've never had someone come back and want to change it. As far as chain strength don't buy into the rumors a good quality chain is just that. As far as advantages i can only speak from experience for Free-ride set ups its great running a single ring up front and a 9 rear gives you that extra option ....in short more gears ain't a bad thing.

Answer 2

All things equal, I don't believe one is any better than the other and as far as the 8 speed chain being stronger, I don't believe that. The chains are made the same, the only difference being the width of the rollers on the 9 speed chain are (Narrower ) to accommodate the spacing of the 9 speed cassette.

Just a bit of information I didn't mention before, you don't have to replace your 8 speed cassette if you want to convert to a 9 speed just buy the additional gear and spacer and add it to the 8 speed, it's just a matter of removing three small bolts in the cassette and installing the spacer and the gear you want and slide them back on the hub-set, I didn't even put the bolts back, you don't need to the gears are notched and they can't slip, just tighten up the lock ring on the outside, that's the theory behind the cassette. Saves a lot of money.

Answer 3

There really is no good reason or advantage to go from 8 gears to 9. 8 speed stuff will be readily available for a long time to come, although admittedly a lot of shops are loathe to stock "old" technology preferring instead to spend their inventory dollars on 9 and 10 gear stuff.

Answer 4

ive never heard of an 8speed being stronger, but ive never had a problem with 9speed. (actually, my derailleur hanger broke and twisted my chain around the cassette, but any chain would do that!) i think the 9speeds shift smoother b/c the cogs are slightly closer together. but any well adjusted drivetrain will work great. the 9spd cassettes and components are very easy to find these days and provide a wide range of power. plus they make climbing steeper hills a bit easier.

Answer 5

9 speed, you got 1 more sprocket to make your ride more enjoyable! I went from 8 to 10 spd. and not looking back. I'm taking advantage of technology!

Answer 6

9 speed you have a greater range of power to choose from.

Answer 7

"But this one goes to eleven."