Has anyone got old 7 speed thumbs to work with a 9 speed block? I know they work with 8 but just wondered if anyone had tried?

They won’t work with 9 speed because (speaking for the XT version) it only has 8 clicks. The answer is either a set of modern roadie 9 speed down-tube shifters attached with a pair of Paul’s mounts or for a real niche look …. pair of Mavic 825 wishbone shifters which have about 15 clicks! Good luck trying to get hold of a set. Try ebay or retro bike.

But would they work in friction mode? Wondered if they pull enough cable. Will have a look at another idea then…

They should work in friction mode as a 9 speed cassette is the same width as an 8, just more squished in.

Ah, I hadn’t really considered friction mode. Guess you’re right, it just depends on whether they will pull enough cable.

Cheers – I wasn’t sure if 9 speed cassettes were the same width.

Im using DX thumbshfters in friction mode with a 9 speed block on my commuter (1×9), works just fine.