Convert 8-speed to 9-speed?

[dknapp]

I have the chance to buy an '05 Novara Randonee.  It comes with an 8-speed rear cassette.  The '06 has 9-speed.  Is it a simple matter to swap the 8-speed for a 9?  Would I need new shifters?  Both years come with Tiagra shifters.  It is quite a bit less expensive than the '06, so spending $50 to make a few changes still leaves me with a bargin.  Any advice?

[DaveB]

The change from 8-speed to 9-speed will require at a minimum a new cassette, a new chain and new shifters.  These will cost WAY more than the $50 difference so either be content with 8-speed or buy the 9-speed right off.

BTW, 8-speed components are getting hard to find since upgrading to 9-speed or 10-speed allows you to use the same wheels and rear derailleurs so when 8-speed stuff wears out, most riders do the upgrade.

My recommendation?  Pay the slight difference and go with 9-speed right off the bat.  

[dknapp]

Ok, thanks.  Turns out that the number of teeth on the front rings is also different for 06, more in line with what everyone says are the better ratios, so the 06 is looking better every day.  I was going to get new shifters anyway, but did not think the chain would also need to be changed.

But I also forgot to mention the horrible color of the '06.  An ugly dark brown.

[Peterpan]

For touring a lot of folks, the consensus I would have thought, prefer 8 speed to 9 speed, with some prefering 7 speed.