9 speed -vs- 10 speed ??

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2007-04-13 9:34 AM

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Subject: 9 speed -vs- 10 speed ??
So I'm definately a rookie out here in the world of bike building, repairs, ect...but for whatever odd reason it is, I find it fun. Yes I know many of us find this task tedious but it's definately a new challenge for me.

I bought a Felt S25 frame and am looking to build it up. I understand that this won't be a fast process, or an easy one by any means. My question would be is there a huge difference between 9 speed components and 10 speed components? Obviously it has to be one or the other and I know that 10 speed is a step up from 9 speed, but how much?

Any advice, or spare parts for that matter, I would appreciate. This is going to be the fun project with a projected completion date being 2008? I plan on using this as a training bike, I'm saving up for the fun expensive carbon tri bike next year.

2007-04-13 10:27 AM
in reply to: #759897

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, Texas
Subject: RE: 9 speed -vs- 10 speed ??
The short answer is the obvious one. A 10 speed setup will have one more gear than a 9 speed setup. I'd expect quality/operation of components to be about the same for the same level (ie Ultegra).

The other 1% difference is a 10 speed setup will have a narrower chain with narrower cassette cogs (narrower chainrings too??). This, in theory, will be less durable and may make the setup a bit more "finikey" requiring more maintenance (like I said, "in theory"). Since you like to tinker, I don't see this as a downside at all for you.
2007-04-13 11:20 AM
in reply to: #759897

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Elite
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Subject: RE: 9 speed -vs- 10 speed ??

In Shimano's current line, the only model with 9 speed is Tiagra.  The higher price/quality lines: Dura-ace, Ultegra, and 105 are all 10 speed.  The difference in gearing is pretty trivial.  The big differnce is the component quality.  I have an older model of Ultegra 9 speed that is pretty similar to the current Tiagra and I have another bike with the current 10 speed Ultegra.  The shifts are different but both are good.   Shimano claims to have worked on the shift ramps on the cogs to make shifts faster and more precise.  I think they are right.  The Shimano components work really well, but I haven't ridden a Tiagra-equipped bike.  TW

2007-04-13 11:57 AM
in reply to: #759897

Extreme Veteran
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Chicago, IL
Subject: RE: 9 speed -vs- 10 speed ??
Thanks! I was going to get a bike off of craigslist to swap out the components, but I'm thinking otherwise now. I can get a full ultegra 10 speed "aero" group for $650. Probably a price that i don't think i can pass up. The groupset includes the following (all ultegra mind you):

Front derailler
rear derailler
chain
cassette
crank
bottom bracket
brakes

also,
brake levers for bullhorns
dura ace bar end shifters

not too shabby if you ask me...there is also one that is a step up which includes a wheelset, bullhorns, aerobars, for like 1400...i'm debating that one.
2007-04-13 12:07 PM
in reply to: #759897

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Elite
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Subject: RE: 9 speed -vs- 10 speed ??

This is something that seems to be universally true about component pricing.  You can get a much better deal on components when you buy a complete bike than when you buy the same components alone.  

Looks like a new bike is in your near future.

TW

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