Originally Posted by
richnh
Hi - I'm new to the forum and have started biking for the summer. I'm riding a ~1991 GT Talera that I bought new many years ago. I'm enjoying the riding and plan to continue indefinitely and am considering upgrading to a new Hybrid.
Based on the miles I've put on this summer, I'm pretty certain I want slicker tires, front suspension, and more comfortable handlebars (flat bar, but need more sweep). Rather than invest in those on my current bike, I may just get a new bike. My question for you folks is, am I going to see a noticeable difference in shifting, drive, or anything else relevant between the families (Shimano in this case) of derailleurs?
I ride only on the road - no trails. My bike has Shimano Exage 300LX components and they shift pretty cleanly. From what I've researched on line, they seem to be equivalent to Alivio. I do plan on riding at the bike shop, but I don't expect a short ride in a flat parking lot to tell me the whole story on a Deore or SLX system. Are they worth the $ and will I notice any difference?
Thanks.
Rich
Good ol x00LX. Pre Rapidfire Plus, 7 sp, cantilevers, 110 bcd. I remember those.
The biggest advances in componentry since then have been in primarily in suspension (stiffness, quality of travel) and brakes (V-brakes, then disks)
Regarding drivetrains - there is rapidfire plus, more clicks in the rear, and much better front shifting. I would put better front shifting as the best drivetrain improvement - a modern triple SLX shifts better than 900 XTR. Cables have also gotten much better. Hollowtech II is light and stiff, but durability has yet to be tested. Clutch derailleurs eliminate chain slap and increase chain retention.
More clicks in the rear has allowed for 2x and 1x chainring setups