Derailleurs

[krisgoss]

Hi there all.
After some recent success in getting a cheap brake set up (Shimano deore m595) I have been looking into replacing my derailleurs.
I am really getting into my biking now (about 50 miles a week) but still cant justify a £500 up spend on a better bike, so im sticking with my old apollo thing for now - really heavy, so good for training! lol

Is there anything I should be looking out for when getting at least a new rear derailleur? Might as well get a new chain when im there too eh?
And new gear levers I am desperate for too, I have gripshift! Are they easy enough to change over? Similar process to brake levers? Cos I was amazed how easy that was.

Thanks for any help,
Kris

 

[guitarpete247]

Before you change your chain check it for wear. If it is more than 1% worn (stretched) you will probably have to change the freewheel/cassette at the same time or you will have the chain jumping off cogs when you put any pressure on the pedals.
Bicycle tutor is a good site for any work you are planning to do on your bike.

 

[gbb]

Hi Kris.
Replacing the rear derailleur and shifters is no real problem...adjusting them does take a little practice. There's plenty of tutorials on youtube etc.

I fitted these..
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/shimano-stef-35-sti-brake-and-gear-levers-/260671787919
Ezfire 8 speed, nice and cheap. (these 8 speed shifters work for 7 speed as well) and an Altus rear derailleur, total cost just over £20. Ideally they'll come with new cable inners. To make it easier on yourself you ideally want to get new outers as well (having new cables makes adjusting the gears so much easier)
You'll have to remove the bargrips as well, sometimes they can be a swine and need cutting off. Just another factor if you have to buy new ones.
Just an illustration obviously....i dont know what speed your bike is.

 

[krisgoss]

Cheers for the information so far!
I got an 18 speed by the way =[ lol
Not sure if its got a freehub or a cassette yet either - I will research!
Them shifters look pretty good! Will keep my eye out for any other bargains too!
Thanks

 

[krisgoss]

Had a quick look now, and would new wheels be recommended? Nothing fancy, but would be able to have a cassette then, as my bike has a freehub, so if I am looking at changing, might as well be an upgrade eh?
26" wheels, or 700 ones? All of my riding is on roads.
Anyway, just keeping the thread updated with my train of thought! lol

 

[Fab Foodie]

Had a quick look now, and would new wheels be recommended? Nothing fancy, but would be able to have a cassette then, as my bike has a freehub, so if I am looking at changing, might as well be an upgrade eh?
26" wheels, or 700 ones? All of my riding is on roads.
Anyway, just keeping the thread updated with my train of thought! lol

To be honest, if it were me I'd spend money on decent wheels and tyres (and a £25 track-pump).
Spending money on Deraillieurs and levers et al doesn't offer much bang for your buck in making your bike better/nicer to ride. Better brakes do make life better and improve bike control and safety.
If you can't afford a new bike, save for the best wheels and tyres for a notable upgrade.

 

[krisgoss]

Well, at the moment I have a set of semi-slicks on there, and if I am looking at upgrading the drivetrain, then the wheels will obviously have to be done, so i'm thinking wheels first and maybe some gatorskins to wrap them in?
What am I looking for in a new wheel? Get the lightest one possible? I would probably be able to budget around £100 for a set - anything decent in this range?
Cheers

 

[gbb]

Not wishing to knock the wind out of your sails Kriss...is what you're proposing the best VFM.
There's a great deal of pleasure in upgrading a bike and that has it's own value, but bearing in mind the money you're going to spend on a (i assume) cheap bike, is it worth looking for a moderate quality bike on ebay or your local Friday Ads (google Friday Ads then search your local area).
In my area on Friday Ads i saw a Trek 7300 hybrid, good condition, £130. That struck me as a good buy. Ive got the 7100FX and its a good bike, 700 wheels, nice and relatively light.
Just another option ?

By the same token, the parts you propose to buy, you can always remove them when you get rid of the Apollo and transfer them over...6 and 2 threes.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Well, at the moment I have a set of semi-slicks on there, and if I am looking at upgrading the drivetrain, then the wheels will obviously have to be done, so i'm thinking wheels first and maybe some gatorskins to wrap them in?
What am I looking for in a new wheel? Get the lightest one possible? I would probably be able to budget around £100 for a set - anything decent in this range?
Cheers

What size wheels do you have?
You may need to save a few more pennies.
gbb's suggestion is also valid

 

[krisgoss]

Hi there,
sorry about being slow to post again.
I have been looking around, but there seems to be no cheap bikes available near me either (Bridgend = S.Wales) so I am just keeping my eye out for bargain stuff now as I am in no real rush to upgrade, just would be nice.
I've got 26" wheels on my bike at the minute with semi-slick 1.75 tyres.
I did see;

Wheel Set £82

These look any good? There is no mention of weight though. What sort of pennies would I have to spend for a budget set of wheels then? Is it possible to get more road based wheels for a mtb?

Cheers,
Kris