Freerojo

Background:

We were given the Cannondale RT2000 which is in remarkable shape but I want to make some upgrades.
Even though the bike serial number indicates 1995 and the dark grape color is from that year, all of the components are from 96, including the Suiguino 500 crank, XT rear derailleur, hubs, stem and stokers spring loaded seat post. My guess is they had a leftover frame with the grape color and put on the newer components.

Question: I want to replace the rear cassette from a 8 speed 11-28 to a 9 speed 11-32. At the same time I am removing the bar end shifters and dia compe brakes levers with a 9 speed set of 105 (5500 series) brifters that I have. I know the XT M739 SGS derailleur can handle the 32 cog, however I will end up exceeding the 38 capacity by 3. Is this workable? Will it cause shifting issues?

bwebel

I doubt seriously that you will have any issues, aside from not being able to use the smallest ring/smaller cog combinations that you probably would not be using anyway. If I were you, I would keep the left bar end shifter and use it instead of the indexed STI front shifting. It often is pretty finicky.