derailluer and chain preference

mountainrage said:

Hey everyone, I am a new to this site and have a few questions. I am looking to do some rebuiling to my bike.
I have a Klien Pulse Comp XL hardtail. I busted my rear derailluer and chain. My old derailluer was a Shimano Deore LX, front derailer is a shimano, Shimano STX RC Crankset (Oldschool but still rock). I have an 8 sprocket rear cassette(does that mean it is an 8 speed bike?) I have Gripshift shifters. When i buy my new derailer, what should i buy? I am Looking at the XT but what is the difference between long travel and such [censored], I just want to be able to abuse it like my last one. I know i want the XT but what size should i get? Also what size and type of chain do you reccomend. I ride pretty agressive off-road. and weigh 200lbs 6'4" tall.
Should I get a new Cassette at the time I replace my chain and Derailluer. Also how often should i service my Marzocchi Z.4 fork and is it a job i could do by myself?Thanks for any sort of advice, Jay

If your bike is brown - I have one too! Great bike huh?

I put an XTR derailleur on the back with a 9 speed Ultegra cassette and rapidfire shifters. I use a SRAM chain - a PC89 i think. It has hollow pins and a slot in each side plate.
If the new chain slips on the old cassette, then you need to change it. I usually get 2-3 chain changes before I need to replace the cassette.

I don't know what the difference is between a long cage and standard.

[quote="lumpy"]If your bike is brown - I have one too! Great bike huh?

Lumpy, thanks for the reply. My Klien is Green but i know they made a couple colors, My brother has a blue one. Mine is the same frame and color as the bike that hangs in Jerry's appartment on Seinfeld. Yeah it is a great frame, i have had it almost 7 years now and i ride all of the time. I have replaced everything on it but the crankset. The Crankset is only an STXRC but is has held up great. I was sold by the guy at the bike shop and i am glad i listened to him.