buying rear mech, which one?

johnnypipe85

Hi there,
I've decided to build my first full suss but I'm having a couple of problems so I think you'll see a lot of me on this forum for a few months!

My first question regards my rear mech. Would I need a long or medium cage for my Specialized Epic? I'm planning to use it with a 9sp XT cassette and XT crankset with 26,36,48 chainrings. I'm looking to get a SRAM x9, what do you think about that?

Also I'm planning to get a Chris King headset, do I need another bit before installing the fork? (crown race???)

well, that's all for now! thanks!

ddoogie

Good choices with the XT kit. Its solid and reliable. You will need a long cage mech if you are running a tripple chainring set up. Get the best mech you can afford. SRAM X9 is very good (not as good as Shimano XTR IMO though). You will also need SRAM shifters. SRAM X0 is far too expensive for what it is.

Excelllent choice with the CK headset. It will last for years. It will come supplied with a crown race which you will need to fit to your new forks.

johnnypipe85

thanks! that was very helpful!
About the CK, I've seen it's quite expensive (over £100), would you consider buying from the states on the internet? It seems to be cheaper, even with the VAT and import duty...

nicklouse

any rear mech will do as long as it is a long cage.

X-9 is comparable with XT

XTR is comparable to X0.

things to think about are what shifters you you have/want.

do you want 2:1 ratio or 1:1 ratio on the cable pull.

johnnypipe85

I was going to get some SRAM X9 shifters, maybe find a deal on ebay..

I tried them on my friends bike and I quite prefer them to the shimanos...

they seem more responsive..

johnnypipe85

thanks for your help guys!!!

jayburridge

Hi Johnny, i imported (ordered) a CK headset from USA and it only cost me £62.

I asked the company about import duty etc, because i have got stung before, but they told me they mark the customs sheet "Bicycle Bearing Set - Value $14.00" so they don't charge duty. It all came through nicely and cost less than the far inferior Hope headset. They are full CK dealers and so have all the hubs etc also, with a decent saving on most.

I am reluctant to post the companies name here, in case they get inundated or stop shipping overseas for some reason. I like to share the wealth when it comes to riding, but they are a right little hidden gem. If you would like the company details let me know in this thread.

Or to be fair.... just use your noggin, and type in 'Chris King USA' in google. They are right there!!

J.

Orange 5

johnnypipe85

thanks Jay,
just to make sure I found it on google, can you give me a clue on what their name would be? there's a couple of different companies that have come up...

ddoogie

aspire velo tech do a good USA-UK shipping on bike parts.

The Big Cheese

ddoogie wrote:

aspire velo tech do a good USA-UK shipping on bike parts.

Don't dude - you've no idea what you've done - you opened up a right old can o' worms saying that name out loud.....



Joking aside, he's right. I bought a CK headset and a few other high-end components from them - they are great. And virtually half price with the exchange rate!

nferrar

Someone linked this in another thread but the best explanation I've seen of short/medium/long cage rear mech's is here: http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=205890

jayburridge

Alright Cheesey, less of the Sarcasm eh! he he!

Companys is as above mate. All the best. J