SLX new gear set up.

Ghengis

Anyone out there got experience setting up SLX rear derailleur and shifters? I've just added these to my Rockhopper and needed to remove a link in the chain to keep the correct tension when chain is at small chainring/small cassette ring is this normal (I previously ran deore shifters and LX derailleur) The chain was going so slack it was catching the spokes. I know you shouldn't run at these extremes but I had no problems doing so before I put the new stuff on.
I like the look of the new gear and it shifts really nicely (only in the stand so far). I can't wait to get out and give them a proper go.

Also I fancy a set of lock on grips (quite like the look of the new specialised ones - with one locking clamp). Any thoughts or recommendations? I don't fancy wrestling the Good n Evils back on.

Got a new set of Hollowtech II BB bearings to chuck in next. Any tips before I get stuck in?

Whytepeak

Did you buy the same lenght rear deraileur, i.e long cage / short cage?

nicklouse

Ghengis
setting up is no different to any other.

setting the chain length is no different to any other. miss the mech and both big rings and add a full link.

Ghengis

Both are long cage versions so I wasn't expecting to change the chain length. I guess you live and learn!!!

As long as I wasn't missing a trick and doing something wrong. Always used the method suggested by Nicklouse previously but never gave it a thought for this change. I should have because the set up of the derailleur is a fair bit different.

Just the BB and grips to do tomorrow and we're off again!!

bells0

Could be because the SLX is a 'shadow' design whereas the LX wasnt?

I have out SLX on my hardtail, from an LX, but bought a new chain so can't comment [though am fairly sure i measured against the old one, and haven't had any problems]

StrikeEagle

Ghengis did you replace your shifters because the deore one's were not compatible with the SLX mech?

I have a rockhopper and upgraded the LX rear mech to an SLX, but left the deore shifters. Now, I can't get the indexing right - got the Hi/Lo/B screws setup correct, but no matter how I adjust the cable tension, I can't get all the gears to shift smoothly. I can get gears 1, 7, 8, 9 (largest + 3x smallest) to shift correctly, but everything else is just ghosting / requiring double shifts.

I'm assuming the cable is ok, because I can get the smallest + largest gears to shift ok, so it is either the deore shifter or something to do with the cassette (11-32).

supersonic

They are 100% compatible.

make sure the cable runs smooth, it enters differently from your old mech.

blablablacksheep

sorry to hijack but do you /would i see a difference in upgrading to SLX rear mech from my LX rear mech? or upgrading my decore crankset to a SLX one?

same goes for the shifters going from decore to SLX/XT is it worth it?

supersonic

With mechs, not really: though will get hit less often.

SLX crank will save you 60g. Performance is identical really.

XT shifters are sharper.

blablablacksheep

so basically nothing really is a worth while upgrade, apart from discs and maybe forks. cool thanks

Ghengis

I changed my shifters as they were desperately in need of replacement (OK I fancied a change) they didn't indicate anymore and apart from the frame they were the only original bits left.
I changed the cables and outers as I do every year after a winter of use. As for the original reason for the post - when I put the new shifters and rear mech on I needed to remove a full link to get the correct tension. Since then I have done the C2C and a few other rides and it seems to be functioning fine. However I do notice that it seems more difficult to remove/replace the back wheel requiring selection of the smallest ring on the cassette to be able to put the wheel back in. So still not 100% happy with mech but it is working so it will do for now. Looks good though. The front shifter appears much better in use though and I love the two way shift.

supersonic

Tension of the chain in the small/small cog is of little consequence. Chain length in the big/big is: if you hit this combo accidently, and the chain is too small, you will rip the mech and hanger off.