[Closed] SLX 9 speed - phased out?

chainsets are identical in all but ring size (fnarr) so just buy the cheep one if you can live with the ratios.

You won't get a problem with chainrings as ten speed have the same BCD and other manufacturers are still making eight speed chains so expect that they will keep making nine speed. Swap to ten speed when you need to replace your shifters and/or cassette.

You should also worry about cables being phased out. Everything will be electric in 2 years.

Shimano still make stuff for 6 and 7 speed, I wouldn't worry just yet.

Yes they still accomodate most drivetrain speeds.
BUT they don't accommodate all drive-speeds with quality components.
eg, No deore range gets made for anything less than 10 speed now.

Is the spacing of the crank rings the same on 10 speed (as in the distance in the plane 90 degress to the longest axis of the bike) as nine? I figured that since the chain was a tad thinner they might not be.

I (without thinking) brought some SLX cranks last week (new ones) and now i'm concerned they won't work well with 9 speed kit.

i wouldent worry about replacing parts unless its just shimano u want
there are loads of companys still making 6-7-8-9 speed chains/rings/cassets/freewheels ect
and on teh other end of the scale as simon mentiond will all be electronic anyway

best thing is they will still be making singlespeed stuff for the next 50 years without need to change 8)

i think the front mech and cranks/rings on 10 speed are the same and it is just the rear shifter, derailleur and cassette which differ. The chain is a bit thinner too.

Thanks for putting my mind at ease guys. Electronic gears sounds pretty tastey! bound to cost a fortune though. I've also read somewhere that Hope are developing a hydraulic gear system to go with their new guuci cassette. If so, I shall be wanting that!