8 or 9 speed cassette

In some cases, there might be a wider gear range. Say going from a 12-32t 8-speed cassette to the 11-34t 9-speed cassette.

In the situations where the gear range is the same, that means there is slightly less of a jump between gears on the 9-speed cassette, which is a good thing to help you find just the perfect gear to maintain a comfortable cadence. But, cadence really is more of a on-road issue then an off-road one.

The downside to 9-speed is the chain is narrower, and can wear out a bit faster then a 8-speed chain. Not much faster mind you, call it 10% (give or take) faster.

Cheers,
Juba

i just switched from 8 speed (XT on my DBR) to 9 speed (SRAM x9 stuff on my XtC) with the same high and low teeth but i like it heaps better cause of the smaller difference between ratios

moparchris said:

i just switched from 8 speed (XT on my DBR) to 9 speed (SRAM x9 stuff on my XtC) with the same high and low teeth but i like it heaps better cause of the smaller difference between ratios

The advantage I found about 9 is that you can find all what you need, I have 8 and now it's becoming difficult to find a good chain or sprockets etc. I may go to 9 if I don't find a fine chain.