Top-pull derailleurs

[TheD245]

Hi guys,
I fear i'm going to be 'one of those idiots' here who annoy you on a daily basis, and i'm just going to blindly ask for help. I should say that i'm pretty savvy on road components, but i'm clueless when it comes to MTB in general.

I've got a TREK Singletrack 920 which i'm going to build up, but i need to get a reasonably decent groupset for it. The only thing is that it takesa top-pull derailleur which, up until i picked up the frame, i didn't even know was a thing!

I'm not wedded to any particular style, but silver would be better than black i think. I've read up as much as i could and i just feel so bloody lost with all of it.
I'm not loyal to SRAM or Shimano, so it could be either, but any guidance for a mid-range 3x8/9 setup with silver bits would be so greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,
P.

 

[raidan73]

STX would be the around the mid range Shimano offering and is silver. Measure the seat tube for clamp size, maybe 28.6mm on that Trek. easiest to put up an ad in the wanted section and I'm sure someone will be able to help you out

 

[FluffyChicken]

Top pull came circa 1992 depending on company.

STX or XT is a nice silver as are most the 500LX/Alivio iirc.
SRAM who are they? they only had shifters.
Suntour is nice, but really stops at 1993/4
Sachs silvery too or Campag, but they're a but more niche.

9speed, you'll be looking in the 98+ section. XTR M900 is perfect...

 

[ishaw]

Top pull mechs are more common than bottom pull, as they keep the cable out of harms way. Even before they were a thing, bikes came with rollers and other gizmos to allow a top tube cable routing with a bottom pull mech. You are really spoiled for choice.

If you want silver, depending on whether you are looking for period correct or not, you might want to consider the XT m750 (I think) range for 9sp.

Only xtr above it in the range, great stuff functionally and looks decent imho, though some may disagree as the rear mech is chunky looking compared to most. Because of this it's not as coveted and can be found at decent prices.

Other options have been covered, there was a similar period LX range that came in silver, and a later xt model too (I forget the number but have some on a bike).

Are you planning on v or csnti brakes?

 

[TheD245]

Brilliant responses guys, thank you. I now now exactly what to be lokoing for. I knew there'd be people on here who'd know exactly what to recommend.
I'm shocked to see the prices of used and battered M900 groupsets though! Christ.