Gear mech's, shifters, etc

[drb5]

With me being new to all the possible upgrades and with there having been an issue with rear mech, shifter and chain, I'm wondering if anyone can give me the lowdown on what to look for in replacing these items?

Ok, I ride the road most, but don't want to rule out some off road fun.

Would like fast, but smooth shifts and not TOO many gears. I have 27 ATM and feel that's more than enough.

 

[cyfa2809]

Im sorry, what are you aiming to do?

 

[drb5]

I'm simply considering changing the groupset really, but as I have no idea what is good or bad, especially if I go the secondhand route, I was after some advice on them.

For example, Merlin have an SLX groupset for around £230 after cashback from TCB, but maybe secondhand is worth considering, as I'm after fast and smooth changes...?

 

[cyfa2809]

Anything that isnt bottom of the range does the job pretty well.
Mid range should suit you prefectly i reckon.
x9 or xt or similar.

Depends on your budget and what is available second hand.

Be careful of fairly worn chains as they dont always take to new(er) stuff so well.

 

[drb5]

Thanks for your help.

I take it most Shimano X** are mid to top, whereas SLX is closer to bottom?

 

[gavinda]

Ill throw in my tuppence here. I'm a longtime rider 25+ years and due to budget I've never strayed beyond 'deore' level gear. I've always fond it to be pretty good stuff as long as its cared for and maintained well. I only ride cross county these days, no big jumps or anything to hardcore and find that what I'm using does quiet nicely.

I've only just upgraded in the last couple of months from the 1x8 I've used for ten years to a new 1x9 driveline. It's nice and quiet and certainly has no shift issues. The only problem I have is rubbing my chainguide when on the smallest couple of cogs. It in sure a different guide may sort this.

 

[cyfa2809]

xt and xtr are at the top yes. SLX is in the middle and very affordable and very good quality.
Low end is tourney/acera but i have had that stuff working well anyway but obviously its nto as strong/light as the higer end stuff.

Same for sram.

 

[Mindmap3]

Although I'm a bit of a tart and tend to buy X9 / XT level stuff, components are so good these days that even the 'lesser' stuff is a good buy. For example, the current Sram X5 stuff is the same as the X9 stuff that I forked out on a few years ago.

You wouldn't go wrong with SLX. It has had some really good reviews.

I'd be careful buying second hand chains and cassettes due to wear, not so much mechs and shifters. Also, look at the German websites like Rose Bikes and Bike Discount.de; I saved loads on my cassette, chain and BB compared to the UK. Delivery isnt that much and is pretty damn quick.

 

[drb5]

Thanks for all the help guys.

I take it the bearings for the cranks are all the same size?

 

[poweredbypies]

If you mean the bottom bracket they do differ but its easy to find the right one, unless its something really obscure