Originally Posted by Towlie
I think the "best" drivetrain component on it is an LX rear-der, which is cutting it close, at least from my 1997-98 view. The rear der has to be pretty good lest you fight skipping chains all day.
The rear derailleur is an RD-M570 DeoreLX as you say. This model of rear derailleur has remained relatively unchanged since around 1999. The rest of the drivetrain components are of M510 Deore quality. This group was introduced sometime around 2000 and borrows mostly from the DeoreLX in terms of functionality. There are minute differences in material (Deore is heavier) and some shortcuts were taken in construction (can't remove OGD from shifter pods for instance) but essentially it will have the same performance as DeoreLX.
Originally Posted by Towlie
The bars have an upward U-bend - is that sissy, or common?
You may want to refer to this
parallel thread for my opinions on riser vs straight bars.