Mountain Biking - 9 speed upgrade?

I am going to upgrade an old steel frame I have to a 9 speed set up. I basically need to get the entire drivetrain (Crankset, shifters, rear derailleur, cassette, chain). I am weighing the choices between Deore and Deore LX. My first thoughts are deore crank and shifters(so I can retain the bottom bracket), LX rear derailleur, SRAM chain, and an 11-34 cassette.

Anyone have opinions on the quality of a deore crank vs LX, or Deore shifter pods vs. LX shifter pods?

How about cranks from other manufacturers?

This is a beater bike, so I am not interested in spending a ton on the cranks, but I ride it, so I am also willing to spend a bit to get something that works.

Thanks for your advice.

Riding use:

I live in the connecticut river valley in New hampshire, and ride mostly single track. Lots of steep climbs, roots, rockgardens, and it can be quite muddy at times.

The Bike:

An OX platinum frame from the 90s with "custom" paint
deore front derailleur
Rock shocks air/oil
Hayes mechanical front disk
Rear cantilever soon to upgrade to a linear pull
specialized low rise bar

Go to pricepoint.com, they have some crank/bb combo deals that are almost like getting the bb free. Probably cheaper than the shimano stuff for sure. Mostly last year's models but who cares? They were selling an ISIS drive bb along with Stylo Team crankset a couple weeks ago for a very good price.

Go to pricepoint.com, they have some crank/bb combo deals that are almost like getting the bb free. Probably cheaper than the shimano stuff for sure. Mostly last year's models but who cares? They were selling an ISIS drive bb along with Stylo Team crankset a couple weeks ago for a very good price.

Thanks for the info. How does the Truvativ stuff compare to the Shimano cranks. Is the stylo the level of an LX or XT?

I am running the '02 model of that crankset on my race bike and it's held up well for a couple years and it's on it's 3rd bike now. I would say it is at least XT quality.

I am running the '02 model of that crankset on my race bike and it's held up well for a couple years and it's on it's 3rd bike now. I would say it is at least XT quality.


Thanks for the info.

Enh, both work adequately but not great. Then again.. lately all the Shimano products I've owned haven't worked all that great.

:(

Enh, both work adequately but not great. Then again.. lately all the Shimano products I've owned haven't worked all that great.

:(


Have you found the SRAM stuff to be a lot nicer? I was thinking about their shifters, but I have never ridden with twist grip shifters, and the pods seem a bit pricey.

I would not mind supporting a smaller (American?) company if I could.

I have SRAM shifters, on my frist MTB so I really can not compare it to the Shimano and I like it alot. I have SRAM X0 and Sram 9.0 both work great the X0 shifts a bit nicer but not a dramatic difference. The cost really is not that bad unless you go to the X0 of course.

Since you are looking at saving money you could look at the 7.0 is even a bit cheaper.. they also have the trigger shifters so you don't have to use the twist grip if you don't like it.

I have SRAM shifters, on my frist MTB so I really can not compare it to the Shimano and I like it alot. I have SRAM X0 and Sram 9.0 both work great the X0 shifts a bit nicer but not a dramatic difference. The cost really is not that bad unless you go to the X0 of course.

Since you are looking at saving money you could look at the 7.0 is even a bit cheaper.. they also have the trigger shifters so you don't have to use the twist grip if you don't like it.


What is it like riding with the grip shifters? I have seen some SRAM half pipe shifters on sale for cheap money. The draw back I have read is unintentional shifts and slippery grips. Are these real concerns with the grip shifts, or is it someting you get used to? I find that the trigger shifters I have interfere with braking, because I like to keep my first two fingers on the brake levers (an old habit from motorcycling). The SRAM triggers indicate that they can be operated entirely with your thumb. That sounds like a real improvement.

Half-pipes suck (professional opinion) if you must use a twisty grip use the shorty version.

Half-pipes suck (professional opinion) if you must use a twisty grip use the shorty version.

Why use a twisty grip when the Shimano works fine. I don't Like twisty grips due to uncheduled gear changes when changing position on the bike. The only cure was to keep my hands away from the gripshift completely, unless I wanted to change gear.

If you have a choice between Deore and LX, then go LX.

The best Quality Crankset around for the price is the LX. It's as good as XT but far cheaper.
The difference between Deore and LX shifters is not great on the performance stakes, but if want to shock yourself, Get XT
Front & rear mechs are not a great deal different, but The LX will last longer. (Saying that I am Running ACERA Front mech on my Bianchi as it hasn't worn out yet after 3 years use)

Don't think there's a need for 34 rear sprocket unless you are running a 24front sprocket. I Find that 22/32 is too low even for my old legs up the steepest hill.
I have also found that on the Tandem we cannot run a 34, as it keeps bending, and that's with a 24 front sprocket.

This is in hindsight now, as I now run 9 speed, but as I rarely use the 32t on it, due to the 22 front sprocket, I don't think an "upgrade" to 9 speed is needed. 8 speed was just as effective, did not cause any problems, and unless the complete drive chain on your bike is knackered, and needs replacing, then is it cost effective?

I have a set of both the half pipes and the shorties. I prefer either of them to rapid fire, which I also have. The shorties are better but the half pipes are nearly as good.

Why use a twisty grip when the Shimano works fine. I don't Like twisty grips due to uncheduled gear changes when changing position on the bike. The only cure was to keep my hands away from the gripshift completely, unless I wanted to change gear.


Read it aagin Sparky. I said "if you must". My comment was in no way a twisty endorsement, nor one for triggers.

8 speed was just as effective, did not cause any problems, and unless the complete drive chain on your bike is knackered, and needs replacing, then is it cost effective?


Thanks for your post. It is very informative. I am now riding a 7 speed set up (mostly STX) with a 24, 28, and I can climb nearly everything that my riding partner can climb (He's on a fisher sugar 3). Often times on the rides I felt I was more limited by technique than gearing; however, I would like to get my cadene up. I have gotten used to spinning up hills on my road bike. Additionally
I am rebuilding another old bicycle to commute in bad weather and to carry my 3 year old son on dirt road rides around here. I am going to move the seven speed set up to that bike, and I figure I will take the opportunity/excuse to upgrade the old mountain bike that I rebuilt last summer. I realize the expense is not far from that of a new bike of similar/better quality than the old bike, but I hate throwing things out, and the 5 pounds I might save with a new bike I consider resistance training.

Thanks again for all of the information.

i used gripshift till they became SRAM then used them till this past summer when i went shimono.it took some getting used to going to acera but they do fine.the sram were TOO sweet when dialed in right but no adjustment other than the cable.i dont know if that has changed(the last ones i bought were in01) but the adjustment on new cables is a pain if the only way is at the cable or shifter only.i never had a problem with misfire or the like unless the cable was too tight then it would shift way too easy,like breathe hard and it shifted.if i had it to do over id stay with the sram but not the ESP.you are right my shimono interfere with braking,but maybe that is a thing that after many years of using(like the SRAM) will pass.the ESP derailers took NO abuse at all(5.0,7.0,9.0)my deore derailer has been to hell and half way back with no problem.i am also happy with 8 speed and see no need now to upgrade.i like you like to build my own stuff too,one component at a time.hope this helps.i think shifters are a personal choice as to what works best for you.with the SRAM i could brake AND shift together but not with shimono

Pricepoint has an LX 9 speed upgrade kit that has everything you need except cranks for 135 bucks I think. However, given the choice/money I'd run Sram x.9 stuff with an x.0 rear mech. Gropeshifters are poor performers in my book, not very reliable because they get really dirty. Get the SRAM triggers if you want, much better.

You do realize that you could probably find a complete bike on eBay for what it's gonna cost you to upgrade your components.

My suggestion would be to buy a complete bike strip the parts and then sell the stuff you don't need!

Case in point!
Complete bike: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3656829341&category=27947

Frame Only:http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3657502763&category=22679

Heck, I'll buy it and send you the drivetrain!
L8R

Read it aagin Sparky. I said "if you must". My comment was in no way a twisty endorsement, nor one for triggers.

You may not have endorsed either, But I gave a reason why I don't like Gripshift.

Back to the original posting, If you have 7 speed then DO upgrade. Providing you can get a 9 speed at the cost of 8 speed, then go for it. In fact, unless you can get 8 speed at a far lower cost(Which is possible) then definitely go 9 speed as the "Extra" sprocket will help in middle ring, even if you don't use it in Granny. On the Brake lever to shifter distance problem, It is something to get used to, but I found with Gripshift that the lever was too far away for me (Remember that I had to keep away from the changing section as even if I looked at it, it would change.)

One other point I would like to make is on the rear sprockets. There are different quality's, and prices in all the manufacturers of these, but you do get what you pay for in terms of smooth changes, and length of life. I always use shimano XT, but with 3 bikes and a total of 7 sets of wheels, I want the same sprocket set up on each wheel. I have one Deore sprocket, and I can tell you when that wheel is on a bike.

Back to the original posting, If you have 7 speed then DO upgrade. Providing you can get a 9 speed at the cost of 8 speed, then go for it. In fact, unless you can get 8 speed at a far lower cost(Which is possible) then definitely go 9 speed as the "Extra" sprocket will help in middle ring, even if you don't use it in Granny. On the Brake lever to shifter distance problem, It is something to get used to, but I found with Gripshift that the lever was too far away for me (Remember that I had to keep away from the changing section as even if I looked at it, it would change.)

One other point I would like to make is on the rear sprockets. There are different quality's, and prices in all the manufacturers of these, but you do get what you pay for in terms of smooth changes, and length of life. I always use shimano XT, but with 3 bikes and a total of 7 sets of wheels, I want the same sprocket set up on each wheel. I have one Deore sprocket, and I can tell you when that wheel is on a bike.


Thank you for the opinions stapfam. Your comments are very helpful I think I can get a complete upgrade for around $200, the eight speed stuff I have seen has not been much cheaper than the 9 speed stuff. I may go ask one of the bike shops if they have any parts sitting around they would like to unload, but barring any great acts of charity, I will probably end up with an entirely LX drivetrain.


Thanks again for the advice.

You do realize that you could probably find a complete bike on eBay for what it's gonna cost you to upgrade your components.

My suggestion would be to buy a complete bike strip the parts and then sell the stuff you don't need!

Case in point!
Complete bike: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3656829341&category=27947

Frame Only:http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3657502763&category=22679

Heck, I'll buy it and send you the drivetrain!
L8R


I have never had good luck on Ebay. Often what I notice is people trying to sell their heavily used stuff for next to new prices once you add in the shipping and all. I know a lot of people on this forum find great deals on Ebay. Maybe I have to be more vigilant in watching the sales. Good luck on your build psyklnut. I hope you got the frames you were looking for.

For those of you who have the SRAM triggers ... is the front derailleur shifter indexing, like the Shimano shifters? Or is it like the gripshift with multiple positions per gear?

I'd love to try the new sram rapid fire rips offs, but i'm a ss guy. Truvativ stuff is the ****, our head mechanich only rides truvativ cranks. Make sure to get the 7050 stuff though. The 6061 is just the same as everything else. If you can afford it I guess. I work in a shop, so that's not a problem for me. Not to brag, just didn't want to be inconsiderate. No, the X.7's got a good review in dirt rag, a mag i highly trust. Try em out, let us know how it goes!!!

Joe

I'd love to try the new sram rapid fire rips offs, but i'm a ss guy. Truvativ stuff is the ****, our head mechanich only rides truvativ cranks. Make sure to get the 7050 stuff though. The 6061 is just the same as everything else. If you can afford it I guess. I work in a shop, so that's not a problem for me. Not to brag, just didn't want to be inconsiderate. No, the X.7's got a good review in dirt rag, a mag i highly trust. Try em out, let us know how it goes!!!

Joe


Thanks for your response Joe.

As you can see, I began this post a couple of months ago. Since then I met a guy in my area that owns a small bicycle shop, and has great prices and great service. I decided to go with him, and I bought a complete Deore set up, cranks, shifter pods, rear derailleur. I also added an XT rear linear brake. I decided to keep it cheap incase I decide to upgrade to whole bike. I put it all together and it works great in the stand. Because of our weather this winter (central New Hampshire), I have not been able to put on any off road miles. I will revive this post later to give an update.

Thanks again,

C

[QUOTE=stapfam]
I have also found that on the Tandem we cannot run a 34, as it keeps bending, and that's with a 24 front sprocket.

Stepfam, Use the Shimano LX level HG-70 11-34 cassette. The cogs are solid. It won't bend (at least we haven't had anyone bend one yet).