Originally Posted by
Clint in KY
Andy, this is the most useful information. A quick google search turned up a Shimano webpage with compatibility, specifications and more going all the way back to 2004. Thank you
A bit of experience will go a long way.
The older stuff is pretty cross compatible within a few limitations.
British threaded Bottom Brackets are very "generic" in the US. Different cranks will use different spindle lengths.
Shimano REAR shifting/DER's are compatible up through 9 speed.
FRONT, however, is different between "road" & "mountain".
It'll start to fall in place once you start swapping a few parts.