How do you tell the difference between shimano ranges

Quoted message said:

Hi, I'm new to this group and MTBing...

I've a giant XTC SE and the front mech is now bent beyond repair and
I'd like to replace it with an XT or XTR front mech but I don't know
which one to go for as I don't know the downtube angle, bottom
swing/top swing (just double dutch to me) only thing I know is that it
is a top pull, cause the cable comes in the top!

I'd like to replace this myself, buying the front mech at my LBS

Can anyone help or do I just take it to my LBS (halfords) and let them
do the lot?

Is there a website that explains all the ins and outs of Shimano kit
(Shimano website seems to assume you know what you're looking for)

Well, there are .pdf files on the Shimano website; "service
instructions".
You will need to know whether it is a braze on fitting or clamped onto
the downtube. If you don't know what you're doing, take it to the LBS,
it shouldn't cost that much to do.

--
Mike

On Sun, 22 Oct 2006 14:08:31 -0500, "mb" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Hi, I'm new to this group and MTBing...

I've a giant XTC SE and the front mech is now bent beyond repair and
I'd like to replace it with an XT or XTR front mech but I don't know
which one to go for as I don't know the downtube angle, bottom
swing/top swing (just double dutch to me) only thing I know is that it
is a top pull, cause the cable comes in the top!

I'd like to replace this myself, buying the front mech at my LBS

Can anyone help or do I just take it to my LBS (halfords) and let them
do the lot?

Is there a website that explains all the ins and outs of Shimano kit
(Shimano website seems to assume you know what you're looking for)

Well, there are .pdf files on the Shimano website; "service
instructions".
You will need to know whether it is a braze on fitting or clamped onto
the downtube. If you don't know what you're doing, take it to the LBS,
it shouldn't cost that much to do.

MB, thanks for the reply.

I've downloaded the PDF's from the Shimano website and I believe I can
fit and setup the front mech. Problem I have is the Alivio mech fitted
does not have any part numbers on it. I think I will drop in to my LBs
for advice

In article <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Hi, I'm new to this group and MTBing...

I've a giant XTC SE and the front mech is now bent beyond repair and
I'd like to replace it with an XT or XTR front mech but I don't know
which one to go for as I don't know the downtube angle, bottom
swing/top swing (just double dutch to me) only thing I know is that it
is a top pull, cause the cable comes in the top!

Swing describes whether the pivot arms go up or down from the clamp to
the cage - with top swing the arms go up, so the clamp sits lower on the
frame, bottom swing is the more traditional arrangement where the clamp
sits above the cage. Depending on your frame you may be able to use
either, or you may need a particular type for adequate clearance.
You'll also need to know the clamp diameter - if it's not stamped inside
the clamp you can measure the frame with a caliper.
Another thing to bear in mind is that the curvature of the cage plates
varies depending on the size of outer chainring they are designed to
suit.
The seat angle is probably about 71 degrees - you can measure it with a
protractor if you can't find the spec for your frame size online.

Quoted message said:

I'd like to replace this myself, buying the front mech at my LBS

Can anyone help or do I just take it to my LBS (halfords) and let them
do the lot?

Is there a website that explains all the ins and outs of Shimano kit
(Shimano website seems to assume you know what you're looking for)

The mech should come with instructions for adjustment - basically you
set the back of the outer plate parallel with the outer chainring so it
clears by about 3mm, adjust the inner and outer throw so you can shift
to the inner and outer rings, and take the slack out of the cable.

"Rob Morley" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

In article <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Hi, I'm new to this group and MTBing...

I've a giant XTC SE and the front mech is now bent beyond repair and
I'd like to replace it with an XT or XTR front mech but I don't know
which one to go for as I don't know the downtube angle, bottom
swing/top swing (just double dutch to me) only thing I know is that it
is a top pull, cause the cable comes in the top!

Swing describes whether the pivot arms go up or down from the clamp to
the cage - with top swing the arms go up, so the clamp sits lower on the
frame, bottom swing is the more traditional arrangement where the clamp
sits above the cage. Depending on your frame you may be able to use
either, or you may need a particular type for adequate clearance.
You'll also need to know the clamp diameter - if it's not stamped inside
the clamp you can measure the frame with a caliper.
Another thing to bear in mind is that the curvature of the cage plates
varies depending on the size of outer chainring they are designed to
suit.
The seat angle is probably about 71 degrees - you can measure it with a
protractor if you can't find the spec for your frame size online.

Quoted message said:

I'd like to replace this myself, buying the front mech at my LBS

Can anyone help or do I just take it to my LBS (halfords) and let them
do the lot?

Is there a website that explains all the ins and outs of Shimano kit
(Shimano website seems to assume you know what you're looking for)

The mech should come with instructions for adjustment - basically you
set the back of the outer plate parallel with the outer chainring so it
clears by about 3mm, adjust the inner and outer throw so you can shift
to the inner and outer rings, and take the slack out of the cable.

Thanks for the advice. I've been put in touch with another LBS, a Giant
Dealer would you believe (only 1 mile away...) who have said they can fit
and setup an XT mech for £25. Looks like I'll be dropping the bie off
tomorrow.
Thanks all