I have a Trek 4900. My Rear Derailleur is a Shimano LX. I currently have an 8 speed configuration. I want to upgrade it to a 9 speed setup. Is it possible to do it on the same hub? What are the things that I need to change on my bike in order to switch to a nine speed config? Thanks.
upgrading 8speed to 9speed
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It should not support it. Unless you purchased a 9 speed derailleur (by Mistake) after you purchased the bike. It is also wise to get the new front derailleur.
Do lots of research on how much it will cost. Then see if it would be a better deal to just by last years model of 4900.
When you just buy the "drivetrain" it is kind of expensive. When you buy last years model bike it can be a better deal sort of.
Do lots of research on how much it will cost. Then see if it would be a better deal to just by last years model of 4900.
When you just buy the "drivetrain" it is kind of expensive. When you buy last years model bike it can be a better deal sort of.
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I did some (very little) checking. If you paid full retail for each piece that you need seperately you'd pay over $350 ( a guess). You may be able to get a "groupo" for $250.
A new 4900 is about $620. If you can find a shop needing to make space for the next model year, 07, you may be able to get last years model, 06, $450 (not likely). More like $500. An 05 for maybe less.
A new 4900 is about $620. If you can find a shop needing to make space for the next model year, 07, you may be able to get last years model, 06, $450 (not likely). More like $500. An 05 for maybe less.
Thats a good point you made. I am a beginner to mountain biking, and I have been having a pretty good time with my 8 speed bike. I thought that having a 9speed gearing will give me more control and speed over my present configuration. Thats why I asked you guys for advice regarding this... now I know. I might put off the idea for sometime now as it wont really make a big difference.
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I've just upgraded my 2005 Trek 4300 to a 27-speed as well. It had the brake/shifter combo so I had to change the brake levers as well. Right now I'm running a SRAM-PG970 rear cassette, Deore Front/Rear Deraillers, Deore Shifters/Brake Levers, and Deore Hubs on Ryno Lites.
make sure you have a 32 big cog in back
The reason I like my 8 speed better is because the cassette has a 32-28-24 etc gear ratio in back. My 9 speed has a 34-30-26 etc and I never use the 34 (more spinning than forward motion) and the 30 is just not quite tall enough for the trails I ride. Sure I could get a 32 top cog 9 speed but what's the point? Make sure you have a 32 big cog in back--that'd be the only "upgrade" I'd suggest.anirban said:
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I've heard some complaints about 9 speed. The cassette is alot tighter as far as the width in gears which would require a skinnier chain. I've had 9 speed for about 3 years. Slowly upgrading to full xtr. This is on my 8500 and I don't think I will be jumping to 9 speed unless 8 speed stuff just disapears.
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