I've just started riding again after a long period of being lazy and need some advice on upgrading my Schwinn mtb.
I would like to change from the standard 7 speed rear casette to a 9 speed and also fit xtr components to replace all the old stuff on the frame. Is this possible and what measurements do I need to look at? Dropouts, BB diameter, etc?(I don't know much about bike mechanics and terminology)
At one time in 1996 I bought a new bright yellow Cannondale Super V900 and found that although it was a nice bike it really needed an engine😄 I also found that it was much too nickable. That's the reason I want to improve my exsisting frame with top notch components. Do this sound like a plan?
The economics of upgrading the drive train and brakes usually don't work out well. You will be able to buy a new bike with the components you want already installed for what you'll have to pay to get all that stuff and install it yourself. The new bike will probably be a better one (lighter, more rigid frame, etc.) than the old one - they don't usually put nice components on crappy frames, but crappy frames do tend to come with crappy components. Look for one of last year's models still in a store somewhere. They'll sell it cheap.
I agree with TD. Newer bikes are so much better than we had growing up. But don't limit yourself to last year's model. Even bikes you find in thrift stores might just need some TLC in order to be a top knotch ride. Look for an aluminum frame with some good componets. Broken componets can be replaced. Chains and tires need to be replaced every so often anyway so don't let that worry you. Cables and brake pads too. Fix up your Schwinn as a second bike too. If it's a heavy (steel) frame, ride it when you're not going up and down hills, or to the store where you have to park it outside. Or lend it to a friend to go along with you. Good Luck
I hate to say I agree but a whole new bike is probably cheaper. I ran into this problem with my Schwinn 754 road bike. Sweet aluminum frame, but the shif to STI requires 8 speed cassette at least, that means new wheelset, new derailleurs which means you'll want a new crankset. Whew. The $$$ keeps growing. Do it only if you are sentimental and price is not a concern. If it is, well . . .
As has been pointed out, upgrading your 7 speed to 8 or 9 isnt that easy. It will require a new rear wheel (and ya gotta get the front to match, otherwise it looks funky) and new cassette. $$$$
New bike. I upgraded my 8 to a 9. old Alivio? to XT. just did the Cassette and RD to start. Piece by piece as I got it on sale. But a 7 to 9 jump? eh....
Save your money till you can afford a new ride. Most 8 and 9 sets only give you gear ratios in between what you allready have. You should be able to find a set with a larger gear if you need one, but stay with the same number of gears for a while. That way you will really appreciate that new ride when you get it.
Ditch the shwin and get another bike. Schwins are heavy and poor quality. I can't stand them!!!!!!!!! :eek:
What a load of [censored]!!! 😠 I know for a fact that the frames are not poor quality and the top end ones are light enough to swing around on your little finger. A lot of the weight on a bike comes from the parts on it and if one is prepared to fork out the $$$ they are going to get a relatively light bike with decent components.
You obviously have had very little experience riding a "schwin" considering you cannot even spell it right.
I have two Schwinn Sidewinders, one with street tires for the Rails to Trails and one with dirt tires for everywhere else. They aren't the showiest bikes but the haven't let me down yet.
I upgraded my 8 to a 9. old Alivio? to XT. just did the Cassette and RD to start. Piece by piece as I got it on sale. But a 7 to 9 jump? eh....
Hi people !!!
Hello Triguy98, I have a bike with Alivio components and Deore RD and I like to upgrade it. You say that you do it "piece by piece" ¿Have you run the Alivio crank and Alivio FD with an HG chain, 9 speed cassette and 9 speed shifters ? How it works ? When you changed the Alivio crank for the XT: ¿You changed the FD too or you run the XT crank with the Alivio FD ?
Other question, if you have 9 speed RD and 9 speed shifters both Deore: ¿Which component you choose to be upgraded first, the RD or the shifters ? Which of those component is more important to have a good shifting ?
Have you run the Alivio crank and Alivio FD with an HG chain, 9 speed cassette and 9 speed shifters ? How it works ? When you changed the Alivio crank for the XT: ¿You changed the FD too or you run the XT crank with the Alivio FD ?
You can keep the FD with your current crank and the XT, just make sure you set the adjustments when changing cranks. My XT big ring is a LOT bigger than the old one. The LX FD SUCKS, and the performance increase isnt enough to warrant the $$ spent if your current one work fine.
mpm said:
if you have 9 speed RD and 9 speed shifters both Deore: ¿Which component you choose to be upgraded first, the RD or the shifters ? Which of those component is more important to have a good shifting ?
I would upgrade the RD first. Yeah, XT shifters are a hair faster, but the current XT is dual control😠 Supposibly next year shimano is going to offer both regular trigger shifters in addition to the dual control. The RD effects not just shifting, but over all performance. The bearings on the pulleys as well as the pulleys themselves are a LOT smoother and faster.
