9 Speed front trigger shifter on 8 speed cassette.

[Milkfloat]

I am 99.9% sure that I will be ok, but I just wanted to check with you all.

I have a ropey front Shimano LX trigger shifter on my old Trek that I use as a commuter. It is a triple with 8 speed cassette. I need to replace the shifter and have found the following http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-deore-m530-9-speed-tripletrigger-shifter/rp-prod87287

This is described as a 9 speed front shifter. I was under the impression that there should be no difference on a front shifter between 8 and 9 speed. Am I right?

 

[Yellow Saddle]

No. It won't work.

 

[Milkfloat]

No. It won't work.

Could you expand and let me know why?

 

[Yellow Saddle]

The spacing between 9 and 9-speed cassettes is different. 6/7/8 was all the same but when it got to 9 they ran out of space and squeezed the sprockets closer. Indirectly, the clicks for 8 and 9 speed shifters create less pull per click.

 

[Deleted member 35268]

Its a pain but he is 100% right.

 

[Milkfloat]

The spacing between 9 and 9-speed cassettes is different. 6/7/8 was all the same but when it got to 9 they ran out of space and squeezed the sprockets closer. Indirectly, the clicks for 8 and 9 speed shifters create less pull per click.

I am talking about a front shifter only.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

I am talking about a front shifter only.

This is confusing. I see now that you did say "front". Sorry. That shifter will work. Spacing is not the same but it will work.

 

[Milkfloat]

This is confusing. I see now that you did say "front". Sorry. That shifter will work. Spacing is not the same but it will work.

OK great. I was pretty sure it would work, but was confused as to why it was called 9 speed front shifter. I thought the pull was the same on the front shifter, it was only the front derailleur that was slightly different and would likely to cause rub.

 

[raleighnut]

If it's a triple you may need to be a bit more precise with the cable tension to 'index' the middle cog as the cage could be a touch narrower.