Shimano 9 speed/10 speed compatibility

[simoni]

Hello, the situation is that my 11 yr old 9 speed tiagra levers and derailleur are getting a bit old and aren't shifting as well as I'd like so I'm trying to work out what to do for the best to replace them.

I want to keep my chainset though - an ultegra double thats also about 10 yrs old and designed for 9 speed.

I think its worthwhile upgrading to 10 speed now. So the questions are:

1 - Will my existing 9 speed chain run OK on a 10 speed casette?

2 - If it won't, will a 10 speed chain run OK on my 9 speed chainrings?

3 - Therefore, as well as new levers, casette, derailleur do I need a new chain and chainrings?

4 - Shall I just buy a new bike?!

I get the impression that the 10spd chain/9 speed chainrings combo will be generally OK but less sure about the casette.

Any advice appreciated, cheers in advance.

 

[Bustedknuckle]

Hello, the situation is that my 11 yr old 9 speed tiagra levers and derailleur are getting a bit old and aren't shifting as well as I'd like so I'm trying to work out what to do for the best to replace them.

I want to keep my chainset though - an ultegra double thats also about 10 yrs old and designed for 9 speed.

I think its worthwhile upgrading to 10 speed now. So the questions are:

1 - Will my existing 9 speed chain run OK on a 10 speed casette?

2 - If it won't, will a 10 speed chain run OK on my 9 speed chainrings?

3 - Therefore, as well as new levers, casette, derailleur do I need a new chain and chainrings?

4 - Shall I just buy a new bike?!

I get the impression that the 10spd chain/9 speed chainrings combo will be generally OK but less sure about the casette.

Any advice appreciated, cheers in advance.

1-no, use a 10s chain

2-yes, the chain doesn't care about chainrings

3-Just levers, cogset and chain. The rear der will work as long as it's not worn out. If it isn't it IS compatible, front der. also.

4-No, if you like the ride of the bike, keep it.

 

[richwagmn]

When I made this switch, I found that the 10spd front derailleurs do feel better with the new 10spd levers. The 9spd derailleur did work but the effort is definitely different.

It will require more lever pull when braking with the older calipers. Again, the 9 spd calipers will work, but it doesn't feel the same as with 10spd calipers.

 

[ustabe]

If you're using old 10-speed levers (5600, 6600, 7800), your old front derailleur should work OK. If you're using new 10-speed (5700, 6700, 7900), get a new front derailleur.

 

[Bustedknuckle]

If you're using old 10-speed levers (5600, 6600, 7800), your old front derailleur should work OK. If you're using new 10-speed (5700, 6700, 7900), get a new front derailleur.

Not really. The only lever that requires a matching FD is 7900.