Drivetrain

[XTC 2011]

Hi guys....

 

I have been riding mtb for 3 years now, im 18...

I have improved a lot but im still stuck with my same

bike i started out with...

 

The bike is starting to show its age and I was just

wondering when one should change the chainrings,

crank BB, chain and casette... Is there any other parts

that might need replacement, bear in mind I ride alot!

The setup just does not feel smooth any more and I feel

that my local bike shop is trying to force money out of my

pocket...

 

My parents bought me the GT(1.0)2007 model and since

then never supported me further... I made 2000 bucks in

the june holiday and was wondering how I can use it

to better my drivetrain....

 

Your advice would be much appreciated

[mtb_Josh]

Hey GT

 

 

 

I'm in the same boat at the moment! I also have about R2000 to upgrade now and seeing as my chainrings are shot, im getting a new slx crankset and while I'm at it, I'm also getting a new FD and RD because the ones I have on my bike are very entry level to say the least.

 

 

 

I would say you should 1st replace the worn out stuff (chainrings, cassette, chain etc) and then derailuers or whatever (I think your bike has deore if I'm not mistaken, which could do with an upgrade if you ride a lot)

[Wernervdmerwe]

I agree, crank, cassette and chain should be first on the list - can't beat SLX for value there.

[XTC 2011]

Hey....

 

Not a very nice boat to be in...

 

I've got a deore FD and 2007 model XT RD....

 

What is the price on the SLX crank jou are looking to buy? It's not worth it to buy new chainrings and a new bb as it almost costs the same as byuing a whole new crank...

 

Thanx for the input josh

[mtb_Josh]

No problem! I dont know much, but I try!

 

 

 

I'm quite lucky - I have family in england and my father is visiting them soon so I can order off CRC and not pay shipping and VAT. The crankset there is between R1100 and R1300 depending on exchange rate, specials etc. In SA I think it goes for about R1650ish. There is one on the hub that looks quite good tho - https://www.bikehub.co.za/forum_posts.asp?TID=60594&PID=905916#905916

 

 

 

The XT RD isn't too bad, depending on the condition... but I agree - with entry level cranksets it isnt worth buying chainrings etc - just get a better crankset.

[XTC 2011]

My crankset was not bad it is just shot, cause I have been in a few crashes while stil finding my feet on the mtb,,,,

 

I hardly ever fall these days so thats why I think it is time to upgrade...

 

You are very lucky to get that crankset so cheap!

[XTC 2011]

Have a truvativ fived crank

[mtb_Josh]

If you hardly ever fall then you should ride faster Had a look quick on CRC - the truvativ fived is going for R330 (without BB), so replacing chainrings on that is a bit of a waste of time... maybe look around on the hub and see what you can find, otherwise I would recommend Chris Willemse Cycles in Capetown - they have pretty good prices.

[XTC 2011]

Jip, I also thought about CWCycles, they have a Shimano LX crank for R1050...

Do you think I should go for that? What mtb do you have Josh?

[droo]

Jip' date=' I also thought about CWCycles, they have a Shimano LX crank?for R1050...

 

Do you think I should go for that? What mtb do you have Josh?

[/quote']

 

IF that's with bb, do it - it's a great price. Otherwise go SLX from chain reaction. If you get a few mates in and get your order over about R3500 you'll get free shipping, and it should work out to about R1300 with bb.

 

 

 

Also check CWC's price on the 2010 Deore set, it's also very decent and at last count was quite a bit under R1k.

 

 

 

As far as cassettes go, Deore is good value but heavy, SLX is almost as light as XT.

[quickdraw]

I'd say measure your chain for wear and if it is time to replace then do so. Once you put the new chain on you can see if your cassette and chain rings need replacing (things will generally start skipping with the new chain if they are worn).

 

If they are fine and you really want to upgrade your current ride start with some lightweight wheels (probably save up a little more and check for bargains on th hub).

 

Then you can look at your fork.

 

If you wanna upgrade your crank then save up for SLX or get older XT - the LX cranks were a little heavy.

[BenDL]

If you ride a lot & have a smallish budget, you seriously need to look at the Deore stuff.

 

Their crank is marginally heavier (and thus stronger?) than SLX, but half the price.

 

You are a strong rider, so a couple of grams here or there you won't even notice!

 

[XTC 2011]

I agree with you Builder I dont mind a couple of extra grams as long as it lasts a while.....

Thanx for all the input guys....

[mtb_Josh]

I would offer to get the stuff for you straight from england, but my father is already complaining about the extra 1Kg in his bag as it is...

 

 

 

I've got a merida matts 40 at the moment - was all I could afford when I bought it. But I have a new frame - a bianchi lying in my room waiting for my new parts - bursary money got me that so I hope I dont need any textbooks anytime soon

 

 

 

I'm not a weight weenie by any means, but my bike weighs a TON, so I'm trying to loose a bit of weight on it... going to have to do something about that horrible fork...but thats going to have to wait for next years bursary money

 

 

 

I think the LX crank is quite decent. I haven't ever ridden it, but one of my friends has one and he is happy.

 

 

 

 

[NinjaManiak]

Just a few pointers:

1. Don't change your chain, rings, cassette unless you have to. Unless it's jumping or skipping, you don't really need new ones, and may not notice any performance difference with new ones.

2. Derailleurs don't operate in isolation. If you get a new XXX derailleur, you may not notice the difference if you still use the exisitng cables and shifters.

3. The performance difference between the current low end and high end parts is not always that much, but the weight is often quite significant & noticable.

4. Take what to read/hear on the web/forums with a lot of salt when evalutaing these things.