Subject: Re: XT shifter/ Hayes Mag Posted by: Robert on December 31, 2002 at 07:02:35: In Reply to: XT shifter/ Hayes Mag posted by Jamie S on December 30, 2002 at 21:17:02:

Message: >I'd prefer to use 8 speed on my DH bikes, but It seems that XT 8 speed shifters don't fit properly under a Hayes Mag Lever (Non HD) It's the M-740 shifter. Does anybody know if they make an 8speed shifter that isn't as tall? I guess for now Its it 9 speed. You can run 8 speeds with a 9 speed shifter. The hub is the same, the difference is the spacers between the cogs on the cluster. If you can't get loose cogs and cog spacers locally you can try to get them through Loose Screws (www.loosescrews.com) or Harris Cyclery (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/index.html). Or you can dissasemble a rear cluster, or two, (9-speed units) to get the cog set you want and the spacers. Put a couple 9 speed spacers, or bottom bracket spacers, on the freehub before putting on the 8 speed gearing useing 9 speed spacers between the cogs. It can also help to use 9 speed versions of your smallest cog or two, but if you have older 8 speed units they will probably work fine, the differnce is very small and having only one or two cogs spaced for an 8 speed setup with a 9 speed shifter should not matter.