"Destroy" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:I posted this elsewhere but wanted more feedback.
Specs
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SHIFTERS: Shimano Deore FRONT DERAILLEUR: Shimano Deore REAR DERAILLEUR: Shimano Deore LX
CRANKSET: Bontrager Race 44/32/22 CASSETTE: SRAM 7.0 11-34, 9spd
This above setup shifts and works ok MOST of the time...however.... there are some annoying times
when it will slip and spin not engaging correctly changing from granny gear to middle gear. Also,
when pedal force is increased a lot all of a sudden, the rear sprocket will ever so often go down
a gear (which really sucks btw). And sometimes going from middle ring to granny ring over bumps
causes the chain to go too far and come off.
Most of the time it works great and operator error or hast is usually to blame but it would sure
be nice if it would be more consistant.
Is there any setup(XTR?) that works like butter, shifts and operates crisply and precisely 98% of
the time instead of 85%? Or do all shifter setups, including the best high dollar ones, have minor
hicups now and then even when in good tune?
SS people need not apply.
I run XT shifters, XTR front/rear der's, cassette and cranks on my hardtail; I run XTR shifters, XT
Front/XTR rear ders, XT cassette and cranks on my fully. I'd say that I can definitely notice a much
smoother shifting action from the XTR shifters on my fully. I don't notice much of a difference on
the front derailler (XT vs XTR) or the XTR cranks or cassette (save your money unless you're a
weight weenie). I would consider the shifting on both my mtb's to be excellent, and it almost never
is even something I have to think about on the bike.
That said, I am a firm believer that for most recreational riders, LX/XT are more than adequate (not
too sure about Deore stuff), provided the cables and drivetrain are maintained properly. That means
replacing or at least cleaning the cables/housing on a regular basis (or using Goretex Ride-ons or
similar more "sealed" cables). Frequency will depend on the conditions. Could be one ride, could be
6 months. You'll also need to be sure the housing lengths are correct. A good mechanic can help you
with this.
I know people who run and love their SRAM stuff, and I think the Shimano monopoly needs some
competition. I'm not too crazy about all the plastic on the SRAM stuff, though. Also, going with a
notch higher rear der is always a good idea, given the workout it gets compared to the rest. (eg. XT
rear on an LX drivetrain)
Not to start a lube flame war...just passing along my experiences:
On my drivetrains, I use Pro-Link Gold lube, except in the wettest of conditions on all my bikes
(road included). One drop per roller before every ride, then run thru all the gears. This lets the
lube penetrate the links and helps bring the junk out of the internal parts and to the plate
surfaces. Then I wipe the excess lube and goop off the plates with a rag. I know this process is a
bit anal for some, but it works for me.
For those less inclined to maintenance, I'd suggest using White Lightning, given its self-cleaning
properties. Just be sure to use it often (after every ride would be a good idea). For it to be
effective, you'll need to lube up several hours before riding (overnight) - which is the main reason
I switched.
In either case, it never hurts to occasionally break everything down and degrease (Simple Green for
me) everything, scrub it all with a toothbrush and reassemble. Like the cables, the frequency will
always vary with riding conditions. You can't do it too often. Don't forget to change your chain
when it hits about 1/16th in. of stretch over 12" section. That'll really extend the life of your
chainrings and cassette as well. I like the SRAM chains for the quick disconnect link. PC-59's are
about $15 and I have broken only one- and that was my fault. Clydes may like a stronger version -
I'm a skinny racer type.
Someday someone's gonna figure out a way to transmit power from crank to wheel without all these
exposed items. That guy's going to be a millionaire! I just don't know what I'll do with all that
extra time - ride a little longer, I suppose...
