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My workhorse bike needed a bit of TLC. The drive train was shot and the wheels had seen better days.
In the old days I'd have boldly singlespeeded it to save on costs and to make myself look more grrr. And consequently would have walked up more hills when taking it offroad.
This time I replaced by fairly knackered (but high end) 10 speed with less than £50 worth of microshift 8 speed. And I got a new set of wheels from Superstar for £65.
It's basically a new bike. I weighed it before and after and less than 100g difference, which on a Singular Rooster with 29+ tyres is not a great deal.
Feels like the way ahead. New chains are less than a fiver too.
8 speed is the peak of drivetrain longevity/usability. It's just indestructable. 9 and 10 speed were smoother/lighter action, nd more "clicky", but 8 speed just works. I've got it in CLaris guise on a 2014 road bike i use for commuting, and all I do is chuck a bit of oil on the chain when it starts squeaking.... The barrel adjucter on the rear mech is seized, but it doesnt matter as it neveer needs adjusting!
This time I replaced by fairly knackered (but high end) 10 speed with less than £50 worth of microshift 8 speed.
I am replacing worn Shimano 8sp with Microshift 9sp + my old 9sp shifters on mrs_oab's hybrid. I just need a 3x 155-160mm crank set and it will all go on the bike. The Microshift 9sp seems as good quality, if not better, than the Altus it is replacing.
I missed the wheel offer - and they are the last thing I would like at some point to replace because the Giant OE ones they are are quite heavy...
That was kinda the way I viewed my old Alfine hub… Perfect for the minimal maintenance approach, but enough gears to bail out those of us with knee issues if required.
I went from an Alfine (it died after some pretty heavy abuse 🙁 ) to Microshift 8 Speed. It's been great 🙂
8 speed is the peak of drivetrain longevity/usability.
I'm not convinced, plenty of people seem to have demonstrated that modern chains outlast the older ones. That's not to say that Shimano couldn't go back and make some 8s chains on the new 12s production line, but they're probably not going to.
It's a bit like singlespeed chains don't actually last that much longer either, it's just academic measuring stretch if you never intend to change the cassette/sprocket and just let it wear down together.
Still running 7sp on my Kona - does have the benefit of a triple up front though.
8 speed is the peak of drivetrain longevity/usability.
Still running 7sp on my Kona
I ditched the singlespeed for 8 speed Microshift reasonably recently. I've been very impressed with it. A bit clunky compared to the SLX on my mountain bike, but still decent enough.
I've been wanting to turn the commuter into a shop bike for a while. Now have some panniers, just need to get my sh*t together and actually do the shopping on it.
I built up a hardtail from old bits during lockdown I ended up going 1x8 and it's been great for my local trails.
8 speed is the peak of drivetrain
agreed. its only downside is difficulty in getting hold of reasonable quality bits, rather than basic deore/acera cassettes etc.
I went 1x8 for my town/commute/daily driver about 10 years ago. Still using a 1993 LX rear mech. It's been great, can't fault it.
8 speed is the peak of drivetrain
nah, XTR of 2007/2008 age in 9sp is even better. And the cherry was RapidRise rear mech with Shadow layout to tuck mech in from rock strikes, standard shifter pod and disc brakes on separate mount....
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I am replacing worn Shimano 8sp with Microshift 9sp + my old 9sp shifters on mrs_oab’s hybrid
Don't think those shifters are compatible. I do have an XT RapidRise though if you're interested.