Chainset spacing - 8 vs 9 speed ?

[DaveReading]

I've worn out the middle chainring of my triple chainset, and I'm having trouble finding a replacement. I have an 8-speed cassette on my tourer, but all i can find are ads for chainrings and sets described as "9-speed".

Is there any actual difference between a triple chainsets and individual rings designed to work with a 9-speed cassette and those for an 8-speed?

Front derailleur is a Shimano FD-2303, if that makes any difference.

 

[Smokin Joe]

Been there. done that, no problem.

 

[fossyant]

Fine, I run 8,9,10 speed chainrings on my best bike, 8 speed cassete and a 9 speed chain.

 

[DaveReading]

Thanks for the reassuring responses.

 

[si_c]

Yep it'll work fine. I run a 9 speed inner chainring on an 11 speed road bike no problem at all - the internal width of an 8/9 speed chain is the same so there is no incompatibility.

 

[fossyant]

I use a 9 speed DA chain on my 8 speed DA - couldn't buy the 8 speed at the time, but as it's slightly narrower externally, you get less front mech rub.

 

[fossyant]

I run these chain rings - really nicely finished - they certainly match my Dura Ace rings for quality.

https://www.spacycles.co.uk/m8b0s149p398/STRONGLIGHT-130-BCD-Zicral-Outer