Drivetrain...upgrade or just replace?
jamLCFC
Posts: 197
hi all,
Firstly top website its great to read and get an understanding on the nuances MTB design and equipment.
My question comes about because my Spec hardrock Sport that i purchased 2nd hand now needs to have the chain and cassette replaced due to general wear and lack of maintenance in the past.
I love the bike and the way it rides i am just thinking that as the parts need to be replaced this could be a good oppurtunity to make a good thing better.
I am mainly doing road and light trails at the moment as i am getting myself a bit fitter and thinner. I would like to move onto some of the more fun stuff as i progress.
From the website i currently have fitted :
FRONT DERAILLEUR
Shimano Acera, 31.8mm clamp, bottom pull
REAR DERAILLEUR
Shimano Acera
SHIFT LEVERS
Shimano Altus
CASSETTE
Shimano HG-50, 8-speed, 11x32t
CHAIN
Shimano IG-31
CRANKSET
Truvativ X-Flow, alloy, capless bolts
CHAINRINGS
42t Cr-Mo x 32t heat treated Cr-Mo x 22t heat treated Cr-Mo, replaceable
BOTTOM BRACKET
Shimano LP-28, square taper, 68 x 113mm, sealed cartridge
As i need to replace the cassett and chain should i just directly replace or look to upgrade the replacement parts. I would anticipate that as the bike is 4 years old a number of parts have been updated and i probably wouldnt need to buy 2009 spec product to improve it.
Questions
What would be an upgrade on the these components? I appreciate that i could go straight for the dogs danglies as an upgrade but SWMBO may not take lightly to that,
Should i replace all the wearing parts at the same time?
As these are wearing parts is it worth buying any of these 2nd hand?
Many thanks for your time
...........................................................................................................
Firstly top website its great to read and get an understanding on the nuances MTB design and equipment.
My question comes about because my Spec hardrock Sport that i purchased 2nd hand now needs to have the chain and cassette replaced due to general wear and lack of maintenance in the past.
I love the bike and the way it rides i am just thinking that as the parts need to be replaced this could be a good oppurtunity to make a good thing better.
I am mainly doing road and light trails at the moment as i am getting myself a bit fitter and thinner. I would like to move onto some of the more fun stuff as i progress.
From the website i currently have fitted :
FRONT DERAILLEUR
Shimano Acera, 31.8mm clamp, bottom pull
REAR DERAILLEUR
Shimano Acera
SHIFT LEVERS
Shimano Altus
CASSETTE
Shimano HG-50, 8-speed, 11x32t
CHAIN
Shimano IG-31
CRANKSET
Truvativ X-Flow, alloy, capless bolts
CHAINRINGS
42t Cr-Mo x 32t heat treated Cr-Mo x 22t heat treated Cr-Mo, replaceable
BOTTOM BRACKET
Shimano LP-28, square taper, 68 x 113mm, sealed cartridge
As i need to replace the cassett and chain should i just directly replace or look to upgrade the replacement parts. I would anticipate that as the bike is 4 years old a number of parts have been updated and i probably wouldnt need to buy 2009 spec product to improve it.
Questions
What would be an upgrade on the these components? I appreciate that i could go straight for the dogs danglies as an upgrade but SWMBO may not take lightly to that,
Should i replace all the wearing parts at the same time?
As these are wearing parts is it worth buying any of these 2nd hand?
Many thanks for your time
...........................................................................................................
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Compulsive tinkerer....my ideas far far outway my ability and that makes things costly !!
Compulsive tinkerer....my ideas far far outway my ability and that makes things costly !!
0
Comments
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Fitting some Deore components would probably make a good difference. I wouldn't put more than SLX on the bike (unless you find some bargains) as the other parts of the bike would really be holding you back.
What's your budget?0 -
My budget is really dependant on the benefit it brings...
I guess to do the chain and cassetee is £50 i would guess £200ish dependant on what could be ebayed and what would need to be new.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Compulsive tinkerer....my ideas far far outway my ability and that makes things costly !!0 -
deore cassette (harder wearing, but a tad heavier) and a SRAM PC951 should cost around £45. less if you shop around....
Merlin cycles seem to be best for SLX stuff if thats what your after, but use http://www.bikestore.org.uk/ before you buy anything
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You may need new chainrings too.0
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Many thanks for your comments. Having had a bit of a look i am thinking
Shimano Deore M532
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Shima ... Outer_Ring)/5360033403/
will this function on an 8 gear?
I am not sure about the cassette...is there a direct replacement/upgrade for the CASSETTE Shimano HG-50, 8-speed, 11x32t
Should i look at upgrading any other components at the same time?
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Compulsive tinkerer....my ideas far far outway my ability and that makes things costly !!0 -
The Deore chainsets are very nice IMO, wouldn't be out of place on a much more expensive bike.
You shouldn't have a problem putting a 9-speed cassette onto the back wheel if you wanted more gears, you may need new shifters to access them all though. If you want to stick with 8 speed look for an LX cassette, Chain Reaction had them last time I looked.
If you wanted to change the mechs, Deore would once again be my choice.0
