8-Speed Compatibility?

[McGRP01]

Can any crankset/chainring combo be used with an 8-speed cassette and shifters, or do you have to use something specifically designed for 8 speed components?

[JRogers]

Well, it probably depends on what you mean by "any." You can use 9 speed rings with 8 speed stuff without problems (I did that w/Race Face rings and Shimano XT 8speed stuff) but I don't know about anything besides that.

[BigStonz]

I've used Smimano,Truvativ, and RaceFace chain rings with 8 speed set up. No Prob. 9 speed rear deraileur works fine as 8 speed too..
Shifters,chain, cassette are only components unique to 9 speed.
Don't get me started...why do we need 9 speeds...where does it end? 20 cog cassettes next year?? Long live the 8 speed!!

[ioscope]

Just make sure you don't use a 9 speed chain on 8 speed cogs as it is narrower. Ideally you would want your cogs to match your chain, but chainrings aren't a big deal as compatability goes.