Upgrade from Shimano Acera?

[Airsporter1st]

Hi Gents,

I've just joined the forum, having returned to cycling at the age of 64, after a good few years out.

I've got a Pinnacle Cobalt 3 from Evans, which I bought after reading a number of positive reviews. I realise that any bike in this price range is a compromise, but overall I'm really happy with it.

Being an inveterate tinkerer, however, I'm starting to look at upgrades. I've already changed to Shimamo A530 pedals which I find a major improvement over the flats supplied a standard.

I'm now looking at whether there is anything to be gained by upgrading the rear derailleur. I'm reasonably happy with the existing set-up, but would like something with crisper, more precise changes.

I currently have the following:

Derailleur: Shimano Acera SGS T3000 (9 speed)
Shifters: Shimano Alivio M4000
Cassette: Shimano HG20 11-32T
Chain: KMC X9
Front Derailleur: Shimano Acera T3000 (3 speed)

What I am struggling with is understanding what rear derailleur I can change to, without having to change anything else and would it be worth doing?

Any help and advice would be much appreciated.

Paul.

[meic]

I'm reasonably happy with the existing set-up, but would like something with crisper, more precise changes.

I have never really understood the pleas for crisper changes on bikes, I find the changes on any system that is properly set up to be fine, but I am not a racer.
At that level the one thing that I might consider replacing before it is worn out is the cables. I wouldnt be surprised if new cables inner and outer (Shimano SP41 cheap at Chain Reaction Cycles) and a well done adjustment achieved what you are after.

I have those sorts of shifters and derailleurs and they work just as well (in fact often better than) some of my very expensive kit.

[Airsporter1st]

Thanks for the response. I understand what you are getting at, because the changes are pretty good - especially since I adjusted the set-up myself, following instructions on line.

I guess I just want to start upgrading to better quality gear (no pun intended), with a view to gradually improving performance and ultimately arriving at the spec I could have had, if I'd had the money available at the beginning - if that makes any sense.

[meic]

It does and I have done the same myself. My experience is that money doesnt buy you much improvement in your cycling performance when spent upgrading the gear changing system.
That only helps for the racers.

I agree with your plan but I would recommend replacing things as they wear out, that way you replace what you need to replace and what has demonstrated itself to be inadequate. Also you get an idea of how frequently you will have to fork out and how much it is worth spending on something considering its lifespan.
Rear derailleurs in particular seem to wear out for me at the same rate regardless of their quality level. Others dont change gear as often and their pulleys wear out way before the rest, so they will benefit from an expensive derailleur with sealed bearing pulleys.
Your money is better spent on tyres.

[meic]

Back to the other half of your question.
When I built up my "dream bike" and spoiled myself spending money on good quality components, I fitted this rear derailleur.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shim ... -prod20700
A lovely changer with a good range, lightweight and low profile to avoid catching on things (not many things on my roads though).
You can have any MTB derailleur SGS on your bike UP TO 9 speed, not 10 or 11 the pull is different.

I dont notice any difference while cycling* with my XT772 than an Acera or Alivio which I have similar to yours and the XT wore out in 15,000 miles, though the pulleys are still perfect. If you want to spend money upgrading rear derailleurs you may as well go all the way to XT as it is hard to even tell the others apart!

*Though I did notice that you dont have to keep overhauling and lubricating the pulley's bearings on the XT more than once a year.

[Airsporter1st]

Many thanks for the advice, gents.