Replacing rear mech....

[weely]

Im going to change my rear mech. Dont know if it needs changed but im putting on a new cassette, and chain so may as well - due to the age of it (10yrs+)

Looking on line at prices they seem very cheap, in fact too cheap to be of any quality??? Anyway the mech i have on at the minute (which has served me well) is a Shimano Acera which I can get online for less than £9!!

We all know how expensive this hobby can be for parts/clothing ect sooooo....
Do I replace like for like, or spend double and just THINK im buying a better part.

TA GUYS

 

[Dave5N]

Dunno why you want to replace it, TBH. If it works, leave it on.

 

[weely]

Well.. Iv just had to replace my cassette due to 'never been replaced in 10 years syndrome' and im trying to slowly work around my whole bike and upgrade it- as i now cycle 60 miles per week,I now commute.
However....... iv done 500 mile in 3 months and i need my bike to be in top condition so gears,chain,sprockets,cables,brakes,and tyres need attention on an old but fantastically comfortable bike, so yes for my peace of mind, I need to change all major parts.

 

[Dave5N]

Wouldn't bother if it still works properly.

 

[spandex]

I would not do it

 

[jay clock]

i would give it a really good clean and keep it

 

[PatrickPending]

hi check the jockey wheels (two little wheels on rear mech) for wear too. If you've ran a stretched chain over them they may well be worn (they'll look pointy) I've even had them wear out at the axle but that was over 20000 km - these can be replaced relatively easily.


(pic showing worn jockey wheel half wat down this page

http://www.battewell.freeserve.co.uk/bike.html

)

 

[mickle]

Me too, just replace the jockey wheels.

 

[swee'pea99]

Have to say I've never heard of 'never been replaced in 10 years syndrome', but it sounds a bit daft to me. As others have said, if it still works, what's to be gained by replacing it? If you're burning to spend money, think about tyres, and if you want to spend a *lot* of money, upgrade your wheels. For the rest, if it works, clean & lube as necessary, then leave it.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

+1. The rear mech on my bike is approx 20 years old and still functional. I could understand an upgrade to improve smoothness of gear changes but if you are having no problems it is superfluous.

 

[fossyant]

If it still shifts well (after servicing or replacing the cables and jockey wheels) then keep it.

I'm on my second rear mech on my training bike - 23 years old the original would have been - current one is over 12 years old and sweet.

Just replaced a Deore LX Mech from 1992/3 for a 'used' but excellent Deore XT mech - that was about 8 years old....ebay bargain. The old LX was just getting a bit sloppy, still worked well, and the XT was a good upgrade......perfect.. I'm upgrading to XT on my MTB bit by bit....all at bargain prices....

 

[HLaB]

+1
I've probably not had a bike long enough but I've never replaced the rear mech but I hace change the wheels and tyres and found this made a massive difference.