New Groupset

[Paul99]

I currently use an ancient Muddy Fox BSO when it's snowy/icy on my commute and it sounds/feels like the drivetrain and gears are about to give up the ghost.

It is currently a 7 speed shimano SIS jobby, and I was thinking to just upgrade the whole lot for the cheap as chips set (£125 - Woolly Hat shop (before CycleChat discount) below:

Shimano Acera 9 Speed Octalink Crankset 44/32/22T 175mm Black
Shimano Acera 9 Speed Rear Mech (Long cage) Black
Shimano Acera 9 Speed Front Mech (Top swing)
Shimano Acera 27 Speed Gear Shifter Pods Black
Shimano Octalink Bottom Bracket 68 x 118
Shimano 9 Speed Deore Chain
Shimano 9 Speed 11/32 Cassette
Shimano Acera Mountain Bike V Brake Front Black
Shimano Acera Mountain Bike V Brake Rear Black
Shimano Acera Mountain Bike Brake Levers Black

Is it as simple as taking the old lot off and adding the new lot in (with new cables of course) or is there anything I have to check for compatability? i.e. does the size of the bottom bracket have to do with the frame or the crankset etc.

I've not done anything this complex before so any pointers will be appreciated!!

Thanks.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

There is a possibility that your rear wheel can't take a 8/9/10 speed cassette so you should check. There is a possibility that your existing BB shell is 73mm wide rather than 68mm, which you can also check. Additionally front mechs have top/bottom (cable, driven by frame) pull (some mechs can do both not sure the one you are planning to get), and different clamp size for different seat tube diameters (some have spacers for different sizes or you might be able to buy spacers).

Although £125 is ok value, there is a possibility that you are better off getting a new bike but it depends on what you want out of the (re)build, since with new you will get new wheels/frame/saddle etc. and presumably the Muddy Fox has some resale value.

BTW if the chainset you want to get is this from Woolly, then according to this the BB you need is 126mm not 118mm.

 

[Paul99]

There is a possibility that your rear wheel can't take a 8/9/10 speed cassette so you should check. There is a possibility that your existing BB shell is 73mm wide rather than 68mm, which you can also check. Additionally front mechs have top/bottom (cable, driven by frame) pull (some mechs can do both not sure the one you are planning to get), and different clamp size for different seat tube diameters (some have spacers for different sizes or you might be able to buy spacers).

Although £125 is ok value, there is a possibility that you are better off getting a new bike but it depends on what you want out of the (re)build, since with new you will get new wheels/frame/saddle etc. and presumably the Muddy Fox has some resale value.

Thanks for your advice. I have checked my rear wheel and I will need a new one which pushes the cost up a little more, so N+1 might just be the better option. Or the excuse I was looking for.