New drive chain

[Cope]

I've just purchased, from ebay, an Orbit Harrier. The brakes and shifters are fine, but the front chainset and rear cassette are looking saw-toothy, and the front and rear mechs are a bit battered.

This is the current spec:

Gearing: Shimano Sora (RD3300) medium cage rear derailleur with Shimano RX100 front derailleur and Shimano 7 speed triple STI levers

Brakes: Shimano RX100 brakes with STI levers

Chainset: Ofmega Alpine Pro 170mm chainset in silver with 28 38 46t rings

Chain and Cassette: KMC Z51 chain with Shimano Deore HG50 11 – 28T 7 speed cassette

The shifters can only manage 7 speed on the rear and 3 speed on the front.

My concern is that if I purchase a chainset such as this:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=11830

It won't be compatible with a cassette like this:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=958

Also, what about front and rear mechs?

I assume any front mech will be fine, such as this one:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=13623

But what about the rear mech? Most modern ones seem to be designed for 9 speed cassettes. Would this be ok:

http://www.dotbike.com/ProductsP2518.aspx?A=3&TRACK=DPL

Or should I be looking at this:

http://www.dotbike.com/ProductsP5593.aspx?A=3&TRACK=DPL

And finally. what about chains? Are they all more or less alike? If I buy a chain designed for a modern 9 speed setup, and stick it on the above bits, will that be ok?

Or should I get something like this:

http://www.dotbike.com/ProductsP5561.aspx?A=3&TRACK=DPL

Your advice and thoughts eagerly anticipated!

 

[PpPete]

What a lot of questions!!!!

First is the existing bottom bracket a square taper, splined, or outboard type? Your new chainset will have to be same style as the old one.

Do you want to keep the ratios that 28 38 46t give you? or do you really want the 30 42 52 that Shimano thinks is "right" for road bikes?

I wouldn't change the mechs, even if they look battered, untl they actually stop working.

 

[02GF74]

did you choose that font deliberately to make it difficult to read? Sorry but it hurts my eyes.

 

[Cope]

What a lot of questions!!!!

First is the existing bottom bracket a square taper, splined, or outboard type? Your new chainset will have to be same style as the old one.

Unsure - I was thinking of getting one of the one-piece chainsets with external bearings anyway.

Do you want to keep the ratios that 28 38 46t give you? or do you really want the 30 42 52 that Shimano thinks is "right" for road bikes?

Not sure - I'd need to look at a gear calculator and see - I'd be unlikely to use very low or very high gears for 95% of my riding.

I wouldn't change the mechs, even if they look battered, untl they actually stop working.

Mmm - good thinking.

You're in Eastleigh - v.close to me - what LBS do you recommend?

 

[PpPete]

Cope
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