Chainset compatibility

[ma2man]

Can I use my mid-nineties Shimano 600 chainset (39/52) with a more modern 9 or 10 speed chain?

 

[stringfellow1946]

No the chain rings would be too thick i.e. 9/10 speed use a narrower chain & I think (99% sure) that the space between the inner & outer chainrings is also narrower.

 

[mattsccm]

The above answer is theoretical not real. I have used many elderly chainsets with new 10 speed chains. In fact until last week I didn't possess a 10 speed chainset yet I bought my first 10 speed shifters in about 2001. The internal sizes are fine. The space between rings may be wider but that doesn't matter either. It's said that the narrower chain can drop between them. not if the mech is set up properly.

 

[drøn]

generally it's safe to run a n+1 speed chain on a n speed chainring. I don't know how it will affect shifting, but it's worth a try.
you could swap the chainrings for modern ones though.

 

[pigman]

I,m running an 80s biopace chain set with 10 speed 6600 ultegra stis and mechs no problem. You should have no probs

 

[foz]

In theory no, it won't work, but in practice, it's quite likely it will. If it does work, then with ergo or STI levers shifting might not be quite as good as with the correct combination of rings and chain, you might suffer the odd dropped chain, or need to take a bit mire care when shifting. With DT friction shifters you should have no problem. Try it and see...

 

[ma2man]

Thanks everyone for that. The response is positive enough for me to take a chance on a 10 speed mech, cassette and chain.