I need help with modern parts please!

[Mindmap3]

Bummer about the race...I found out the hard way that the old headsets and new races aren't compatible ( I've now got a spare race for a headset that I dint have).

Not too up on the latest deore kit, but it does seem to be getting better and better. The SLX crank arms are actually lighter than XT's. It's the rings that make them heavier. My experience of Shimano cranks is good, but the finish is crap and wears fast so heli tape them.

 

[foz]

I think before getting a new crank that I'll polish up my deore DX crank and maybe find some new rings for it. There aren't that many 5 hole 9 speed rings available though, most new aftermarket rings seem to be 4 bolt pattern.

 

[JamesM]

Does anyone know if all shimano road and MTB 10s parts are interchangeable?

Road front mechs aren't compatible with MTB shifters plus they will be all wrong in otherways too. Use an MTB one.