Bought Deore XT, what next?

[gwhunt23]

Hello,

I am new to this forum and also need some help with my bike.

So, I bought a Shimano Deore XT rear derailleur knowing nothing except that it would be better then my 8 speed Alivio. I discovered that I will need the following, but I am not sure:

- 9 speed cassette
- 9 speed chain
- 9 speed crankset (current crank is SR Suntour)
- 9 speed shifter

*Please note that all the compoonents on my bike are 8 speed.

So, am I right about the components that I will need? And just in case you're wondering, my bike is an '04 Trek 4300.

If I do need a new crank, would this (http://pricepoint.com/product1498.html) one be ok?

Thanks in advance!

[gwhunt23]

Found an answer on another forum, computer forum to my surpise. Set bike up as 8 speed and may upgrade to 9 speed later.