Should be ok just try and keep everything as clean as poss to avoid early grave.

i wouldn't worry about it, Nige. It is important for the cassette/chain combo to be right, but not really critical on the chainset. You may get a little rub at the extremes. Bear in mind lots of rings are labeled "8/9 speed compatible". cheers, G.

Thanks chaps: that's that sorted then.

Nigel