What mech's?

tagmnbagm
tagmnbagm Posts: 111
edited October 2007 in MTB buying advice
Hi,

After much consideration, I am about to upgrade my front and rear mech, as I'm having to constantly fiddle to get anywhere near decent shifting, to either XT or XTR. My question is which model to go for, as there are several in each catergory.
Currently fitted to my bike are:
FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano FD-M530, Deore, top swing, duall pull, 34.9mm clamp,

REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano M-571 Deore LX, long cage, standard spring

I am asking on here for advice as the Specialized outlet in Birmingham couldn't be a#*ed to respond to my querey.

Thanks in advance.
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, Today is a Gift. That is why it is known as the present.

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    TBH if you are having problems with your current set up you will with the new.

    i would sugest you replace the cables with better quality ones and have a good read of parktools as once the mechs are set you should only need to adjust the tension minimally the stops should not need resetting at all.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • TBH if you are having problems with your current set up you will with the new.

    i would sugest you replace the cables with better quality ones and have a good read of parktools as once the mechs are set you should only need to adjust the tension minimally the stops should not need resetting at all.



    Hi not sure you understood the question. I'm aware of how to adjust the mech's, although I except your point about better cabling. The question was what model of either XT or XTR are the direct replacement for the above stated. Even if I could get the current mech's working as new, I am still wanting to upgrade as I want a more positive shift action(Also going to upgrade shifters, but I know the model to choose from here so no confusion) The gear change at present is pondorous to say the least, and IMO has been since day 1.

    Thanks again
    Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, Today is a Gift. That is why it is known as the present.
  • jayson
    jayson Posts: 4,606
    I woudl buy XT mechs over XTR and spend the change on some top quality sealed cables like Flying Snakes, the difference will be amazing i absolutley guarantee you.

    XTR looks nice but unless ur a race whippet or a sponsored rider the extra outlay just isn't worth it just to save a few grams.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    tag, there is more to shifting than just your mech. While XT and XTR will be lighter, last longer, out of the box the difference bertween them and LX is negligable. What chain, cassette, shifters, and cables do you have, are they in good condition, and is the mech hanger straight?
  • Hi Supersonic,

    Begining to understand the importance of good cabling, and this will be my first purchase.

    Is it me or do some peolple really have a problem with upgrades. The question I've asked has not been adressed, wich was what are the model numbers for the direct replacements for my current set up. Believe me when I say, I'm not being funny, but if I want to spend my hard earned on equipment that I probably wont feel much benifit for, surely that's my own stupid fault.
    So to reiterate, does anybody know which model Numbers of either XT or XTR are the direct upgrades for the groupset components as mentioned in the first post on this topic.

    BTW Supersonic answer to your question below, and yes all are in good nick. Thanks to all for your input so far :)


    SHIFT LEVERS Shimano SL-511 Deore, 9-speed

    CASSETTE / FREEWHEEL Shimano HG50, 9-speed, 11/34t

    CHAIN Shimano HG73

    CRANKSET Shimano FCM-442-8, Octalink Spline, 9-speed, replaceable rings w/ alloy outer

    CHAINRINGS 22s/32s/44A 4mm thick outer, 4 bolt 104/64mm
    Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, Today is a Gift. That is why it is known as the present.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    The parts you require for XT will be the:

    SHIMANO XT M761 9 SPEED REAR DERAILLEUR (TOP NORMAL)
    though there is a newer 771 version, and the Shadow version 772

    SHIMANO XT M761 FRONT MECH, TOP SWING, 34.9
    or the M771


    People are just trying to look at the whole drivetrain and offer advice from experience. I hope you dont have a problem with that! Here are my thoughts - the mechs far ouclass the parts ypu already have. I think the money would be better spent on a new cassette and SRAM chain. I do not think your upgrades will make any difference to shifting without changing other parts.
  • HI

    Thanks for that. No I don't have a problem with people offering good advice. And now I have all the facts, I will probably go for the XT stuff, and spend the change on Flying snake cables, SRAM chain, and a new cassette. Hopefully with this combination I should see some improvements??

    With the info you've now provided I can now price up all these components to see if thew budget will stretch.

    Thanks again. :D
    Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, Today is a Gift. That is why it is known as the present.
  • XTR = Eye candy for the boys
    XT = "Wish I could afford XTR"
    LX = Sensible choice and frankly does the job.
    X-7 - best balance ?
    X-0 = I've got a job in the city

    :wink:
    Whyte PRST-1 Works Special (+ carbon everywhere)
    Felt Superlight XC Racer, Carbon HT
    Pinarello Monvisio - Road
    GT Aero Edge TT Bike (Spinergy / Hed + Carbon)
    4 pairs of assorted running shoes
  • you forgot about the;
    sram x-9-- job in the city but under paid for the work i do
    internet (in ter net), secret sanctuary of idiots and nutters.
  • Tee hee

    SRAM is superb kit, but have never yet found the £ to junk all my she-man-o and take the plunge.
    Whyte PRST-1 Works Special (+ carbon everywhere)
    Felt Superlight XC Racer, Carbon HT
    Pinarello Monvisio - Road
    GT Aero Edge TT Bike (Spinergy / Hed + Carbon)
    4 pairs of assorted running shoes
  • Hi All,

    This is what I have purchased(Wiggle and Merlin) to spruce up my ride, and hopefully improve gear changes. Let me know what you think. Cheers. :)


    Shimano XT M760 Inner Ring 22T
    Shimano XT M760 Middle Ring 32T
    Shimano XT M760 Outer Ring 44T
    Shimano XT M771 Front Derailleur Dual Pull Conv Multi Fit
    Shimano XT M772 Rear Derailleur Silver/Black Long Cage
    Shimano XTR M970 9 Speed Trigger Shifter Set Pair
    Transfil Flying Snake Gear Cable Set -
    SRAM PG-990 9 Speed Cassette & PC991 Chain
    Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, Today is a Gift. That is why it is known as the present.
  • Good set up .

    It should last you years with correct maintenance (unless you do a lot of off road riding in sand).

    Why not Shimano for the cassette ?
    Whyte PRST-1 Works Special (+ carbon everywhere)
    Felt Superlight XC Racer, Carbon HT
    Pinarello Monvisio - Road
    GT Aero Edge TT Bike (Spinergy / Hed + Carbon)
    4 pairs of assorted running shoes
  • tagmnbagm
    tagmnbagm Posts: 111
    Hi,

    I didn't go for shimano for the cassette because found a great deal from Merlin cycles £49 for both cassette and chain, saving nearly £25 on the wiggle price for the same components.
    Is there a noticable performance difference with between the SRAM and the shimano equivilant? I didn't think to check once I thought I could spend a little less :oops:
    Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, Today is a Gift. That is why it is known as the present.
  • if u want a super smoot meck get an x-0 midium cage or short if ur into dh. there gr8!
    y do monkeys eat bannas wiith there feet?