Bicycles Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for people who build and repair bicycles, people who train cycling, or commute on bicycles. It only takes a minute to sign up.
Sign up to join this community
I'm trying to buy a new wheel for my mountain bike and I went online and was lost in the different specs of the wheels.
I currently have a 1×9 on the bike. I don't know anything else about the cassette or wheel because I bought the bike used.
I plan on getting a new groupset as well, do I need to buy both the wheel and set at the same time?
To answer the other part of your question, No you can upgrade the groupset later.
Assuming you buy a wheel with an 11 speed hub, then your existing 9 speed cassette should fit it, and an 11 speed cassette is the same width but with thinner chain. You'll need a new chain of course, and a right-hand shifter that has 11 positions not 9.
You should be able to use the front chainring as-is, subject to wear.
I can't say whether you will need a new rear derailleur or not - you should get away with the current one, but its not guaranteed.
New shift cable and housing too because why not?
Since you've mentioned Tubeless in a comment, probably best to add new tyres and sealant. Add a spare tube to your pack as well, for bad punctures. If your front wheel is not tubeless compatible, you're up for a new wheel there too unless you only want tubeless on the rear.
