I have a 3x9 set up but need a new front mech.
I've read differing reports on whether 10 speed and 9 speed front mechs are interchangeable / backwards compatible. Any first hand experience.
One thing I did read was that 10 speed front mechs work with 2x9. If that's true (and they don't with 3x9), then I would go for a double + bash... perhaps...
The full set up is; 9 speed and 3 speed X0 shifters, 9 speed X0 rear mech, XTR 3 x 9 crankset.
Thanks a lot
You could just try it, then you'd know?
Could be a waste of money...
Edit: I've sold my frame and with it the front mech. It was a direct mount and I didn't think about direct mount to clamp adapters. The new frame needs a regular clamp.
I've got a 2x10 front mech on a 9 speed setup on my commuter road bike, and it seems fine. But it's got bar-end shifters, so I can tweak the position of the front mech if it rubs (which for the most part it doesn't).
Probably not much help....
Haven't tried that exact combo but IME of 7/8/9 mix and match the front mech will shift fine but getting it setup perfectly with absolutely zero rubbing at either end of the cassette on all rings may prove tricky. Getting it into an [i]acceptable[/i]* state is fairly easy tho.
*ie rubbing at cross over big/big small/small
3 replies and some speculation... If it helps; I own a nylon bristled yard broom and a friend has a giraffe. Neither change 10 or 9 speed but I'm not sure if that's any help to you or not? 🙂
Just remembered I did briefly run a 10spd front mech on a 9 spd system, pretty much as I described works fine but I didn't get it setup rub free in [i]every [/i]gear - it was direct mount mech so not much manipulation available to get it spot on.
so 😛 to boblo
If your mech rubs slighty, apply gentle persuasion to slightly widen the opening in the front mech.
I do this by putting the handle of my large adjustable spanner in the opening and twisting to bend the outer plate outwards just enough to stop the rubbing .
Thanks for the replies esp. boblo.
Sounds like it works, and no one should be running big cross-overs on their gearing anyway 😉