Bicycle Mechanics - Which budget chainset?

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fyre
09-16-05, 09:33 AM
I am buying a new chainset for a Trek 830, and am trying to pick between a few in the Shimano range. These are;

Alivio MC20 ---(£25)
M440 ---(£40)
Deore M510 ---(£50)

Ideally I would like to keep my original bottom bracket, which I believe is 113mm in length, although I have been advised that a new CS might stick out too far - is this likely? Im fitting a new 7sp cass/8sp chain so would these CSes be compatible?

The rest of the bike will remain original - so is it worth spending more on a better chainset like the M510 - is there much performance difference between them? I plan to replace the bike in a year or two.

Advice on what to go for would be really appreciated!

genericbikedude
09-16-05, 02:04 PM
Like, umm, by "chainset," do you, like, mean "the chain?"
cuda2k
09-16-05, 02:41 PM
If he's talking about BB length I'm guessing crankset. SheldonBrown has a pretty good database of cranksets and what length BB they are designed to use. Length with also vary a bit if you have an oversized seat tube / front derailleur position. I suggest finding what of your options is designed to work with your current BB and go from there. (Am currently looking at buying a new BB for just this 'over sight')

fyre
09-17-05, 06:37 AM
Like, umm, by "chainset," do you, like, mean "the chain?"

Crankset. People seem to call them chainsets in the UK.

Basically, would I really notice much difference between an Alivio vs. Deore chainset on a bike where all other components are really low end / old?
Retro Grouch
09-17-05, 07:06 AM
I'm wondering why you want to replace your old crankset. Frankly, that's kind of a big part so, since the higher priced ones tend to be finished more nicely, it improves the esthetics of your bike. The higher priced ones are also more likely to use aluminum chainrings which are lighter in weight. Relative to performance other than weight, however, I doubt you'll notice any difference.