Keeping it running -

[Old Proflexer]

Switched over one of my 4500's to a nine speed a ways back, guess it's been a while.  Started noticing the chain skipping in the big chain ring recently and took a closer look at it - the small and mid chain rings are pretty well worn as well at my letting the chain stretch and not getting my cheap self to get to a bike shop and get a new one every few months.  When the chain is in the big ring, it's obvious that the ring is pretty good but the links are not settling in.

So, I presume the cassette is worn to the chain and that means a whole new drive setup - just swap it all out. 

Picked up a new XTR 12-34 on Ebay and a Race Face 42 outer ring for 10 bucks as well as a Race Face 20 inner for 5 - both plus shipping.  The hard part was finding a middle 32 that was ramped and pinned - found one for $19 and hopefully it's on it's way.  After I bought it, found a Shimano take off in a small bike shop for $30.  There's a few XTR's for $30 available locally but they're 36.  All this to go on my 5 bolt XT cranks with the 58/94 BCD spacing.

So, as soon as it all gets here, pick up a good chain and install all the new goodies.

I went to a few bike shops and for the most part, it's all 10 speed, double/triple front ends with the 4 bolt systems and some of the kids in the shops look at me like I'm an antique and try to sell me a new Specialized or Trek.  Found a shop or two the have a take off room with some compatable parts.  The newer bikes look fancy, nice and all but my old carbon gets me up and down the hills just fine with out spending $1000's of my kids inheritance.  Anyone can go fast down a hill, I'll usually pass most of them going back up the next one - I enjoy glancing over my shoulder behind me while trying to engage them in conversation, speeding up a bit just keeping them just off my back wheel.

Anywhooooo - doe's anyone here know of anyplace that sells chainring sets for the older cranks?  A little late to ask but probably good to know for those who need to keep things going up and down and round and round.  I just saw a Race Face set pop up on Ebay for $90 but I looked on the net but didn't see much.

[Thunderchild]

Check with Mikey at Utah Mountain Biking.  Hey supplies me with most of my 8-speed items.  Here is the chainring link: http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/shopmiva/components_chainrings.html
This is their main sales link:  http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/shopmiva/shop.html
They usually have Race Face stuff for five bolt cranks.   

Tell him Kerry sent you and you are a proflexer. 

Thunderchild

[Old Proflexer]

Thank you -
Was listening in on a conversation regarding swapping out cranks and bottom brackets but didn't catch it all -
Isis vs. Octalink

Heard one was better than the other due to the size of the bearings - any insight on that?

[kiwi]

mine is still 8 spd.....

[Old Proflexer]

I got two Kiwi.  The other one still an 8 as well - - - - 

[Colin]

8 speeds on the XP-X and 4000se

9 Speeds on the Oz's (that makes them faster, right?)

<GRIN>

Just had to replace the 7spd Deore DX on my Marin with 8 speed Deore LX/XT as I couldn't get the 7spd parts anywhere!

and I made a major upgrade on the Maverick in about 1988 by upgrading it to a 6spd rear cassette!

Col.

[shovelon]

and I made a major upgrade on the Maverick in about 1988 by upgrading it to a 6spd rear cassette!

Col.

Did you hear that Maverick is kaput?

[racesrc]

Thank you -
Was listening in on a conversation regarding swapping out cranks and bottom brackets but didn't catch it all -
Isis vs. Octalink

Heard one was better than the other due to the size of the bearings - any insight on that?

i switched to the new xt crank with external bearings. they are much larger and placed outboard, so there is less flex plus the crank shaft is larger diameter, much stiffer. what i also like about the new external bearings is that they work on different size bb's 68/73 doesnt matter, and there is 1 length shaft, so you dont have to buy a new size specific bottom braket if you move your cranks to a different frame. the crank kits from shimano come with all the spacers and bearings. buy 1 item and your set.

david

[Old Proflexer]

Thank you - wanted to hear it here and not in one of the local shops from the salesmen.

"the crank kits from shimano come with all the spacers and bearings. buy 1 item and your set.

david"

I just installed all my new components, chainrings, chain, cassette and found some sealed bearing, aluminum G/Jockey pulleys at Performance for $20 a pair - put one on as the G-pulley to sharpen the shifting.  Wow - big diff on the shifting.  I disassembled my old XT long cage derailleur and worked on the aluminum stop by the B-screw - it was worn so I dremmeled in a new flat stop, put the spring back in, cleaned up the pressed in bolt bearing as it was 'rusting' (Navel Jelly and some Judy Butter) and it helps quite a bit.  I'll keep and eye on that as the tolerances in there are tight around the o-ring, a little dirt or such in there and it just stops working.

I guess we get used to the slow degredation as parts start to wear and one can really notice the change when swapping out to new.  Only thing I have left is the bottom bracket and not going to do that until I redo the crankset.  Still have my WTB BB with the external grease ports thru the bolt hole - it's a tad worn and loose but I usually can't notice it when focusing on other activities.

Thanks guys -

OP