Bike mod 8 speed to 9

[convert]

Hey everyone

My spring project is to convert my Spesialize sirrus from an 8 speed to a 9 speed, the bike store tells me this is easy since I do not have to change my rear wheel.
So I was lucky enough to get from my wife for my b-day a 105 rear and front derailer, a 12-25 105 rear casset, and some beauty XT shifters (The bike store said I was the first guy in Canada to get a hold of these babys, true, I like to think so). So now I need a chain and away we go. Some tell me to go with a shram chain because they are more flexible and some tell me to stick to shimano. What do you think? Also is there anything I need to know to make this transition go as smooth as possible? Any insight is welcome.
Thanks in advance.

 

[boudreaux]

Hey everyone

My spring project is to convert my Spesialize sirrus from an 8 speed to a 9 speed, the bike store tells me this is easy since I do not have to change my rear wheel.
So I was lucky enough to get from my wife for my b-day a 105 rear and front derailer, a 12-25 105 rear casset, and some beauty XT shifters (The bike store said I was the first guy in Canada to get a hold of these babys, true, I like to think so). So now I need a chain and away we go. Some tell me to go with a shram chain because they are more flexible and some tell me to stick to shimano. What do you think? Also is there anything I need to know to make this transition go as smooth as possible? Any insight is welcome.
Thanks in advance.

Get a sram.It has a powerlink. Don't expect the XT front shifter to work with that 105 FD. Shimano does sell a R440 FD that will.

 

[PeterF]

Hey everyone

My spring project is to convert my Spesialize sirrus from an 8 speed to a 9 speed, the bike store tells me this is easy since I do not have to change my rear wheel.
So I was lucky enough to get from my wife for my b-day a 105 rear and front derailer, a 12-25 105 rear casset, and some beauty XT shifters (The bike store said I was the first guy in Canada to get a hold of these babys, true, I like to think so). So now I need a chain and away we go. Some tell me to go with a shram chain because they are more flexible and some tell me to stick to shimano. What do you think? Also is there anything I need to know to make this transition go as smooth as possible? Any insight is welcome.
Thanks in advance.

SRAM chains are nice, because of the powerlink function and it's good to give some business to other manufactures. It's an easy swap overall. I know Shimano recommends going with a 9 speed inner chain ring as well, but I'm not 100% sure that's necessary. (Boudreaux, thoughts?).

 

[convert]

Get a sram.It has a powerlink. Don't expect the XT front shifter to work with that 105 FD. Shimano does sell a R440 FD that will.

Would it be better to swap the front derailler to an XT then rather then the 105?

 

[boudreaux]

Would it be better to swap the front derailler to an XT then rather then the 105?

Depends on the ring sizes. the R440 is for road rings.

 

[boudreaux]

I know Shimano recommends going with a 9 speed inner chain ring as well, but I'm not 100% sure that's necessary. (Boudreaux, thoughts?).

Not......................

 

[convert]

Not......................

Thanks guys for all your input, I will try to work out the kinks

 

[PeterF]

Not......................

Just a hoax to get more of our money...