New groupset/wheels-Buy & install

Wolf · June 2007

Well, I still have some money burning a hole in my pocket and thought about replacing my hated juciy 5's with some shimano brakes. Given that I am at it, some lighter wheels could help too, and some xt here and there would also appeal... I have seen the groupset/wheels kits in Merlin, and the deals look interesting, but will I be able of installing everything myself, or do I nee dspecialist tools? Brakes, shifters, wheels and mechs seem easy enough, but what about the chainset?

Do I need the XT set, or will LX be enough?

Marin Eldridge Grade 07
GT Avalanche 1.0 07

tinytjf · June 2007

The frame will need to be faced for the chainset, but if that's already been done then you should be alright to install everything yourself. you will need to buy a Hollowtech tool though. CRC have the Park Tools version I think.

You'll need torx bits and screwdriver for the brakes but other than that you should be fine.

<hr noshade size="1">Reviews
Trails, Kit and Road trips

Pics
My Steed *Updated*
Trails and Road Trips

Deer Park Fence - 2
Tim - 0

Quarry Fence - 1
Tim - 0

Wolf · June 2007

To tell you the truth, i only "need" brakes and wheels, but given that the brake kit (brakes and wheels) is œ300, I thought I might as well give other œ150 for the drivetrain... I am happy with rear mech, but could do with a bit more up front and a bling chainset. I am a brand snob, I know, but somehow I don't like truivati stuff... How come the dual release stuff is so much more expensive?

By the way, when is the 08 stuff coming?

Marin Eldridge Grade 07
GT Avalanche 1.0 07

Kestrel_daos · June 2007

^Wolf, you're going to be rivally Fozzy for the King'o'Bling title soon!

You'll need a Crank puller and BB tool to get your old chainset off, and then a as tinytjf said, you'll need a HTII tool to put the new crankset on.

08 stuff probs won't be here until September, but I've hear (probably wrongly) that some of the 07 stuff still isn't available yet.

Giant XTC SX '06

Kestrel_daos · June 2007

Also, the Dual control stuff is more expensive, just because it is a slightly more complicated lever design. It's the type where you change gears by pushing the brake lever down or up.

Anyhow, what's wrong with your Juicy 5s? They're supposed to be great brakes!

Giant XTC SX '06

guilliano · June 2007

All the 07 stuff is available.... my LBS have it. I don't think you'd notice a real difference between LX and XT cranks or cassettes. Both of mine are LX and are brilliant IMO. Getting XT gearset fitted Wednesday so can let you know what they are like before you decide if you want.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/guilliano/

Wolf · June 2007

Dunno, I somehow hate the Juicy's... It might just be me, but they don't inspire me with confidence. It could also be the bikes fault, and the fact that I have been falling off a lot recently. This just aint so good in the downs as the Avalanche. Fact... I found myself chickening out of one of the drops at Chinthurst hill the other day. Not good [:(].

Cheers Guilly, that would be mighty helpful. I don't really need all this stuff, but I am hoping that some mechanical changes will help me regain confidence...

Dual control, I have it in LX form at the moment, but don't really use it, so I would probably be ok with normal stuff...

Marin Eldridge Grade 07
GT Avalanche 1.0 07

guilliano · June 2007

What mechs do you currently have? I've got alivio front and deore rear with deore shifters so hoping to feel a big difference.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/guilliano/

Kestrel_daos · June 2007

^Wolf, I wouldn't have thought you have dual control at the moment (although your spec indicated you have a dual release which is a different matter), since Juicy 5s aren't compatible with them IIRC.

When you change gear, do you use either your index finger to click up a gear, or push with your thumb to go down a gear; or do you push the brake lever down (i.e towards the wheel) to change gear, and pull it up to change the other?

Apparently dual control is really nice to use!

Giant XTC SX '06

Wolf · June 2007

Sorry, I thought you ment the shifters, where you can push or pull for them to have the same effect! Hadn't heard about the brake-activated shifting business... Sounds like F1-style flaps but for pushbikes [:D].

I've got deore front with XT back and LX shifters at the moment, so everything is a bit confused! Might flog my stuff to pay towards new stuff, but I can't be bothered to box/send it, so might give it to my flatmate/ride buddy for a couple of quid and his expert help in the installation.

That is one of the main reasons to buy new stuff as well, to learn how to install/repair it myself. Dunno, might just buy a new derrailieur for the front (LX) and wheels for the moment...

Marin Eldridge Grade 07
GT Avalanche 1.0 07

Kestrel_daos · June 2007

Wolf, if you are interested in XT brakes, you can get a set with Rotors from Wiggle for œ125 I think.

Giant XTC SX '06

guilliano · June 2007

What wheels are you thinking???

http://www.flickr.com/photos/guilliano/

Kestrel_daos · June 2007

(mmm, XT/717 would look nice on that bike)

Giant XTC SX '06

guilliano · June 2007

XT/719 works beautifully too..... but then I'm biased as I have them

http://www.flickr.com/photos/guilliano/

Wolf · June 2007

Yeah, was thinking of XT/717 myself. DT maybe a bit too pimpy, even for me, and I couldn't really justify it...
God I hate it when the upgrade bug bites in...
Maybe time to change tyres as well, as the Fire XC are sending me to the ground everytime I try to corner fast. I need a friend to buy stuff of me cheap when I get bored if it [:D] .

Marin Eldridge Grade 07
GT Avalanche 1.0 07

guilliano · June 2007

Mavic rims and Conti tyres look good together cos the logos are colour co-ordinated

http://www.flickr.com/photos/guilliano/

Kestrel_daos · June 2007

^Don't worry, I'll be a friend who takes stuff off you when you get bored of it. Thinj about it - I won't even charge for such a gracious service!

Giant XTC SX '06

guilliano · June 2007

I've already got a GF to take everything off me for free, plus I have to give her shopping money for the privilege!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/guilliano/

Wolf · June 2007

Will think about it if I have unwanted stuff lying around Kestre. What specs do you have in the giant?

It is a pitty about the brakes, as they are surely a good set of stoppers, I just don't get along with them... a bit like marmite I guess, you either love them or you hate them [:D].

Is it very complicated to change the rotors and cassette from one wheel to the other?

Marin Eldridge Grade 07
GT Avalanche 1.0 07

guilliano · June 2007

Rotors are a doddle.... most multi tools have the right attachment. Cassette you need a couple of tools for, but a LBS should be able to do it for half the price of the tools... or just order the wheels with new cassette fitted

http://www.flickr.com/photos/guilliano/

Wolf · June 2007

Yeah, I am in a bit of a dilema... Need to find the right trade off of learning potential, price and actual need for new kit...

Boo, I am going home and have another think tomorrow...

Marin Eldridge Grade 07
GT Avalanche 1.0 07

Kestrel_daos · June 2007

Changing a rotor from one wheel to another should be dead easy, it just required the removal of 6 torx bolts using a torx screwdriver. Be warned that if you are getting new wheels, and are transferring your Juicy 5s, you'll need a 6-bolt rear hub rather than centrelock. ALso, if you are buying Shimano brakes for your current wheels, make sure you get the ones with 6bolt rotors.

Changing a cassette is dead easy, and just required a chain whip and cassette tool -plus a ratchet or something to attach the cassette tool onto.

Do shout if you need to borrow a cassette tool/chain whip as it might not be a tool you use very often.

As for my bike specs:
XTC frame
Manitou Splice Super RTWD forks (to be changed hopefully in time to a Tora/Reba)
Deore/317 wheels (nice and solid)
Kenda Nevegal/Bluegroove tyres (upgrading to Nobby Nic/Speedking after my exams)
Giant MPH3 brakes
Giant Finishing Kit
LX HT1 Chainset
LX Cassette/Chain
XT rear mech
LX front Mech

Giant XTC SX '06

guilliano · June 2007

If you don't already have them, it's worth the investment in workstand and toolkit from Merlin. œ90 the lot, saving œ30 on seperate prices. Alternatively if you have a good relationship with the LBS ask if they can talk you through it in their workshop. Mine will let me do it if they aren't busy at the time

http://www.flickr.com/photos/guilliano/

Kestrel_daos · June 2007

Yes, a workstand is useful for jobs like repacking the headset etc. I got one for œ55 or so from Wiggle.

Giant XTC SX '06

Unknown · June 2007

I'd look at the merlin wheel and brake kits then just buy a full xt pimp kit for your bike (but get a cheap SRAM chain until you replace the chainrings), you know you want to! As for fitting, crank puller fiver, bb tool fiver, hollowtech II tools (x-tool combi one from crc) tenner. Frame facing tenner, you've got a multi tool so you can do it no trouble, i know i did. But so buy a new front d‚railleur, i made that mistake! I find a kitchen tall chair and bungee cord make a good workstand. I quite enjoyed having a socket set for doing my bike because they are more pleasant than a multi tool, but not necessary. Oh yeah, cassete lockring tool fiver and chainwhip tenner cable cutter tenner. But you know you'll get plenty of use from them in the future, i know i have.

My Scott

My Single Speed

Always remember to pick your Uni according to the local trails or you'll be stuck with nowhere to ride for three years!

naz-t · June 2007

if you need to rid of the jucies let me know if their gonna be for sale? cheers

Wolf · June 2007

I think I'll play a bit with the angle and reach of the brakes tonight before my ride tonight before making a decision on flogging them for XT's, but will let you guys know if I stick them on the classified [;)]

Marin Eldridge Grade 07
GT Avalanche 1.0 07

Bighead · June 2007

Wolf · June 2007

Ok, I am quite decided to buy a whole groupset kit as my riding buddy just broke his crankset, could do with my front derraileur and his girlfriend needs some wheels and disk brakes for her trek. They can have mine for a good friendly price, and that can all go towards my new bling stuff [:D]. Now I need your help with what to buy...

Merlin seems to offer an XT kit with shimano wheels for œ400 and one with XT/DT wheels for œ450. Is there any other difference appart from the wheels? Opinions on these deals? Any other options?

Marin Eldridge Grade 07
GT Avalanche 1.0 07

guilliano · June 2007

From what I was told when buying my new wheels DT aren't as strong as Mavic rims. Do they offer an option of XT hubs woth Mavic XC717 or XM719?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/guilliano/

Wolf · June 2007

Nah, somehow they only sell the XT kit (both groupset and only disk/wheel kit) with DT rims only, if in a choice of 4.2 (XC) and 5.1 (Freeride). Still, I am a very XC kinda guy and never hit anything too hard, at least intentionally [;)]. I am not too sure about the rims in the first set though!

Linky to the groupset section:
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/acatalog/Groupsets.html

Any help apreciated, as I would prefer to order today to get them by friday if possible...

Marin Eldridge Grade 07
GT Avalanche 1.0 07

New groupset/wheels-Buy & install

Comments

Categories