Shimano front mech question

[Gary E]

I currently have an 8 speed setup on my Giant Road bike but have had some problems with my front mech and front chainset. I'm looking to replace both and I'm concerned about compatibility issues.

I've already replaced the 2300 (8 speed) rear mech with a Sora 3500 (9 speed) and had no problems at all.

My question is can I replace the front mech - Shimano 440 (8 speed) with a Sora 3503 (9 speed)?

I also have a Sora FC 3403 Chainset (9 speed) that I'd like to put on in place of the FSA Vero (8 speed) that's currently fitted.

Just to give you the full picture, the shifters are Shimano 2300 (3x8) and the cassette is a SRAM PG850 (8 speed). All components are for a triple setup and the chain is an 8 speed.

I've Googled this questions and unfortunately got conflicting answers, some saying it's OK others saying there might be a problem. I get the distinct impression that the nay-sayers haven't actually tried it and are going simply on the fact that the numbers don't match.

So I've come back to CC in the hope that someone has actually tried this setup and can give me a definite answer rather than just an opinion???

 

[boydj]

No problem doing what you want to do, except that you may need a compatible Shimano bottom bracket to go with the chainset.

 

[Gary E]

Yep, should have said, I bought the Hollowtech BB with the chainset. thanks for the answer I'll get my spanners out lol.

Am I best to use an 8 speed or 9 speed chain? given that the front chainset and both mechs are 9 speed and the cassette is 8.

Basically, I know there's not a lot of difference, but what I'm asking is will a 8 speed cassette work with a 9 speed chain any differently to a 9 speed chainring with an 8 speed chain?

 

[Vapin' Joe]

A nine speed chain will be fine. The teeth on both chainrings and cassette are the same thickness, it's just that the spacing between the sprockets on the cassette are closer on the 9 speed hence the need for a narrower chain.

 

[Gary E]

Cheers guys. All done now apart from the chain (and that's a job for tomorrow). All I need now is some good weather to give it a decent test.

 

[Gary E]

Hmmm, well that didn't go as planned. The 2300 shifter won't budge the Sora 3503 front mech. Or it will but only with a lot of effort going up the rings and then the little thumb operated lever is solid (don't want to force it). I'm guessing that the lever on the Sora shifter (just behind the brake lever) has more leverage than the thumb lever on the 2300 (on the side of the hood).

Ah well, if you don't try these things you'll never know.