Components compatibility question
 

I just bought a used 2004 Trek 7300FX. I was wondering if It is possible to change the front and rear derrailleurs for Deore LX or XT?

Yes, but I would wait until the one you have breaks and wears out.

good idea, thanks. I want to change the saddle on the bike, what do you recommend. I like the way the selle san marco looks with the split back.

Ditto :)

As a side not, I think you would have to change your shifter and cassette seeing as you currently have an 8 spd setup (according to trak specs) and lx/xt are 9 spd.

I think Deore LX is an 8 speed. I will most likely stay with the 8 speed cassete. Changing to a 9 will complicate things.

LX is 9 speed. :) At least the last time I bought LX it was.

Fight the urge and don't rush into the often over hyped bells and whistles. Put some miles on it and them make your changes after you know exactly what you need (you might end up going after the road bike in a few months).

As far as the saddle is concerned, I have a Brooks b-17 on my hybrid and its very comfortable....but not "cool" looking at all.

you are right about the deore lx, the cassette is 9 speed, but i just want to install front and rear deraillers and I've seen them on 8 speed bikes like the Trek 7500

Yeah...I 'think' you can use a 9spd deraileur on 8 speed gruppos...but I would be concerned with mishifting.

You may be able to get some new old stock LX/XT 8 speed stuff from a shop but I woud question the wisdom or need to upgrade. My rigid mtb has shimano altus derailleurs (the lowest of the named...) and for 7 years all has been fine. It shifts as sweetly as the dura-ace/ultegra stuff I have and keeps going.

As for saddles, I have a brooks swift on the road bike and love it. When I have the money I'll be getting another for the mtb. If you have a wider pelvis than me (which is likely as I'm 5'6" and 125 lb.) then the team professional or B17 may be better. There is a reason you don't get many people complaining about brooks saddles.

On my mountain bike I have a selle italia flite titanium. If you like racing saddles this is as good as it gets. If you like a big comfy saddle get a brooks...(I don't like those saddles...I prefer pain...no jk they don't bother me much I'm used to them)

Chad

LX is 8spd compatible guys. Even XTR is.

Great, Thanks.

Now, I am considering a racing saddle that is comfortable and has a cut out in the middle of the seat. Any recomendations. Dont want to spend more than about $50 for one.

If you want comfort, get a Brooks saddle. It costs a bit more than $50, but it's cheaper than buying another saddle first and then buying the Brooks.