Upgrade Questions

[Old_Dude]

I'm thinking about upgrading my drivetrain - specifically the shifters and the rear derailleur. Currently I have the following:

SRAM 5.0 8 speed cassette
Alivio rear derailleur
Shimano EF29 EZ-Fire shifters

I'm guessing the cheapest way to upgrade would be to just get "retro" 8 speed shifter/brake levers and keep the current cassette.

Does anyone know what the best (read cheapest) source for a Shimano LX 8 speed shifter/brake lever set, or similar? I can't find them anywhere, but I'm guessing they'd be cheap if I could, and it would be inexpensive to get decent, reliable shifting.

If I upgrade to a 9 speed cassette, will my chain, chainrings & front derailleur still work?

I'm also assuming a Shimano LX or XT rear derailleur will work with either 8 or 9 speed shifters - right?

Thanks,

OD

[Yeti DHer]

Originally posted by Old_Dude
I'm thinking about upgrading my drivetrain - specifically the shifters and the rear derailleur. Currently I have the following:

SRAM 5.0 8 speed cassette
Alivio rear derailleur
Shimano EF29 EZ-Fire shifters

I'm guessing the cheapest way to upgrade would be to just get "retro" 8 speed shifter/brake levers and keep the current cassette.

Does anyone know what the best (read cheapest) source for a Shimano LX 8 speed shifter/brake lever set, or similar? I can't find them anywhere, but I'm guessing they'd be cheap if I could, and it would be inexpensive to get decent, reliable shifting.

If I upgrade to a 9 speed cassette, will my chain, chainrings & front derailleur still work?

I'm also assuming a Shimano LX or XT rear derailleur will work with either 8 or 9 speed shifters - right?

Thanks,

OD

Im not sure about compatability, but XT Shifters and XT Rear Mech is the way to go. I have them on both of my bikes, and i like how the Shifters are shaped, compared to the LX's and below. The Derrailer is Middle Class to. Not as exspensive as a XTR, but not as cheap as a LX. its Perfect!

[mudpup]

I don't blame you for wanting to get rid of those EZ-Fires. God I hate those things.

I haven't seen anyone with LX level 8 speed shifter/brake pods in a while. As you have probably seen, the XTR and XT aren't getting discounted much at all. Another option is to go with STX Rapidfire 8 speed shifters. They really aren't that bad and they should work good with your current rear end setup. It is a dramatic improvement over that EZ-Fire.

If you want my .02, other than the shifters I wouldn't upgrade squat until its worn out. I'm still running 7 speed on one of my bikes. Other than getting rid of the GripShifts I kept everything stock. My max cog in the rear is only 28, but, it works fine since I don't climb Mount Everest with this bike. I've replaced the chain twice on it and everything still works fine. Even with the inexpensive STX components its tough to wear out, unless you abuse the hell out of it and don't keep things adjusted/lubed. It just keeps on ticking.

[BikeGeek]

I don't know about being the cheapest, but these guys seem to have a lot of stuff in stock.

http://www.bikeparts.com/store/store.html

[mudpup]

Originally posted by BikeGeek
I don't know about being the cheapest, but these guys seem to have a lot of stuff in stock.

http://www.bikeparts.com/store/store.html

Yeah, unless it is an impossible to find part I don't use those guys. Their shipping charges are obscene. By the time I figured in shipping for one order it was cheaper to go to an LBS.

[BikeGeek]

Originally posted by mudpup


Yeah, unless it is an impossible to find part I don't use those guys. Their shipping charges are obscene. By the time I figured in shipping for one order it was cheaper to go to an LBS.

Thanks for the heads-up. I hadn't looked at their shipping charges.