All

I have a 1993 LX groupset (7-Speed) on an a rigit MTB frame of the same era. It has served me well but various parts of drive train are starting to wear out. Any views on if I should just start to swap out the parts for newer upgrades or stick with it as it was a strong and quality set? I could probably over a few months pick up decent (used) replacement parts so stick with more or less the same build albeit it wont be cheaper than probably buying newer parts.

Thanks

Andy

SLX is the nearest modern equivalent, but that's 10 speed, and nothing is compatible with 7 speed (except the freehub with appropriate spacer), so you would have to upgrade everything at the same time.

What parts are wearing out? you can still get, pulley/jockey wheels, bottom brackets (UN54/55) chains, 7 speed cassettes & chain rings although the cassettes and chainrings may be harder to find at LX level., the only hard to find part will be shifters.

+1 Which parts are wearing out? You can easily replace the chain and cassette (although you probably won't find an LX level 7-speed cassette..)

If the stuff is really getting shot I'd look for nice used or possibly NOS replacements on ebay. Still cheaper than buying a whole new group. Plus the group you have is really solid, I see no reason to replace the stuff that works.

Also keep in mind that most of the parts in a modern group will not be compatible with your frame and wheels. Disc brakes, 10 speed cassette, etc.

So parts starting to get very worn and battered are front mech and rear mech. Cassette amazingly does not seem to bad and even chain I think is still original. Cranks are ok but chain rings also pretty worn.

Overall bike has worn better than me ) The shifters I have changed a few times over the years and are 7 speed thumb shifters in great condition. Ditto brake levers.

Thanks

Andy

Virtually any mountain RD will do assuming you don't mind a mismatch. FD may be a trickier, the nice 7/8 speed FDs are getting harder to find. But a modern one will be too narrow for a 7/8 speed chain, except for the really low end ones. I would definitely try to find a "vintage" replacement for the FD.

You can use 9 speed derailleurs with 9 speed chains on 7/8 speed cranks and cassettes just fine.