How are 10 sprocket cassettes possible?

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by lawrenpx
I am in the process of buying a new bike and was wondering how 10 sprocket cassettes are possible with all the additional stresses and friction involved when the chain is engaging the largest chainring and smallest sprocket, and vice versa, compared to older 5 or 6 sprocket cassettes? Aren't these newer cassettes pushing these stresses to the limit.

Are there some newer technologies I am unaware of, e.g. thinner chains or thinner spockets, or maybe even derailleurs, from what existed 10 years ago? Maybe todays cyclers are not bothered by all that racket coming from the drive train.

Lawrenpx,

The new sprockets and chain are thinner. My 9 speed cassette is the same width as my old 5 speed. Also, my new one is MUCH quieter than the old one. Indexed gear changes also provide the accuracy to change these gears considering the smaller deraileur movement necessary to change gear.

Regards,
Harrow.

Thanks, that solves the mystery for me. So, ordering even a 10 speed cassette with my new bike it no problem and totally capable of being dealt with by the Campy Record, or other, 10 speed derailleurs?

Do you know what the, what must be subtle, differences are between the Campy Record, or Shimano, 9 speed and 10 speed derailleurs? Also, I presume either of these rear derailleurs can handle 3 sproket chainwheels?

Thanks to all from a naive born-again cycler.

I use a Campy 10 spd with triple crank on the front. Works very well, shifts precisely, chain has come off the crank only once. I tend to stay out of the big/big or small/small gears, but can use those combos if the need arises. Shimano says their 10 spd cassettes won't work with campy, the indexing is a little different. We'll see.

For a triple, you need a long cage derailleur to take up the extra slack of the longer chain.