Race prep on my Elite.

[vidal130]

Right, I am looking to upgrade my drivetrain to something like XT, but I have no idea what will be compatable with my Elite (21 speed). I have DX rapidfire shifters that I want to keep, but need a new front and rear mech, chain, cassette and maybe some front rings. As you can tell, I am a bit of a mechanical numpty, but things have come a long way since I was biking and the amount of "stuff" on the market is :shock: with all these model numbers !
So I need to know what is the best for the bike, for the money, where to buy it and whats going to work best together. Not much to think about there then!

 

[development_cycle]

Your first decision needs to be whether or not you want to keep the bike true to it's period, also put some pic's up here of the kit that you have already. It may be that a full set of new rings, chain, cassette, cables and brake pads and a damn good clean and lube is all you need for another few years of good riding. If you want brand new parts and you don't want to have to scour here and ebay for parts, you may find that some of it doesn't work all that well with the old stuff and so you end up commiting to buying more. We are quite knowledgeable between us and all have differing opinions so should be able to point you in the right direction for your preferences

 

[vidal130]

Ok here are the bits I have now-

Not sure to keep it totally old school, or buy new stuff, so advice for all would be helpful.

 

[development_cycle]

Well it looks to be mostly DX, unless some of that stuff is LX, not really sure without knowing the model numbers stamped on. The rear mech is a much newer deore. If you were going to try to keep it period, then a DX rear mech, replace the front if it has lots of pivot play, polish the cranks and put new rings on maybe Middleburn, new shimano chain and cassette, and as I said before, new cables and brake blocks and a clean and lube and she should be nice!

On the other hand if you want to go modern, ask someone else. Not being rude but I know less than nothing about modern kit.

 

[vidal130]

Right the plan is now to go XT. I found a XT front mech in my garage from the right sort of era, and I won a XT deraillier from Eblag cheap that will match it. Cheers for all the advice, I will get new rings, chain and cassette and give everything a good clean.
I need advice on food, after going out for quite a hard training ride the other day, I came back starving! I normally have a banana then chocolate spread on toast, but this was not enough. What sort of food should I be looking to eat, how much of it (not wanting to blow chunks)and how long before the start?? Also for a 20 mile race should I take some grub with me??
Cheers Vid

 

[feetabix]

hi vidal.....i did the midlands mtb series last year after a gap of 14 years....my advice is to just get out there and have fun,i had forgotten what it felt like to push myself to that extent and it hurt like hell but i was glad i made the effort as i crossed the line....despite the fact that the winner in my race looked fed and showered by that time.......

 

[vidal130]

Cheers pal, went round Gisburn today with the missus and some friends for a bit of training, what a great place! Bring on the race!