8 speed group set upgrades

simonl83

Hi all,

I’ve just acquired an MTB and as it’s quite low spec, I’d like to upgrade some of the group set, it currently has an Altus m310 8 speed rear mech and a tourney Ty700 front mech with a 12-32t cassette and a 42 34 24t chainset. The gear changes are really clunky so I’m looking at upgrading the derailleurs. I’ve been led to believe that the Deore M610 rear derailleur is 8 speed compatible, but I’m struggling to find a front mech that’s 8 speed compatible. Can anybody recommend one? I don’t really want to change the cassette and the shifters.

lemonenema

Yep rear derailleurs is easy
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/der ... 4294963630

Front derailleur I would suggest ebay there are usually plenty of used parts on there, and to be fair to them front derailleurs last quite well. Just need to make sure you get the right type i.e top/bottom pull, band or braze on, top mount etc.

cooldad

M610 is not compatible with 8 speed shifters. Shimano 7 8 and 9 speed mountain bike mechs are all the same cable pull. 10 isn't.

Front are not actually anything compatible. They will work with any lever.

Shifters make the biggest difference so a nice mech with a cr4p shifter will still feel nasty.

I'd say look on Ebay or Retrobike for some nice older XT or XTR shifters and mechs.

lemonenema

"Front are not actually anything compatible. They will work with any lever"

Thats not true - the width of the cage varies between chain speeds and sometimes between double / triple chainsets, so whilst the cable pull determines how much it moves, the amount of space in the cage is different.

cycleclinic

8 speed kit rocks. Any of the older 8 or 9 speed kits from way back when will work and LX and xt kit from the 90's is really good.