Upgrading Drivetrain

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Hi All,

I require some information, Im thinking of upgrading my Drive train. Im not a hardcore racer, more of a weekend worrior that likes to spend his time on the singletrack on the weekend and go for a good ride during the workin week. I currently have a Scott Reflex 50 with some clipless shimano pedals and a upgraded ritchey carbon Rizer bar and stem.
Id like to upgade my drive train to about the Deore mark however would probably do this slowly as I have many debts to pay off and cant afford to much all at once.
Currently the Drivetrain consists of Acera and Altus Components http://www.cycling.net.au/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif The main question is can I use a deore rear derailure on a 8 speed cassette and shifter? Or should I upgrade the cassette and rear deraillure at the same time and then the shifter and crank/front deraillure later http://www.cycling.net.au/images/smilies/confused.gif

I would like some feedback on the best, most affordable way to upgrade without having to buy all the components first

Thanks

Buy all except the 9 speed Cassette and Shifters first, all the rest are ok for 8 or 9 speed.

Thanks for the quick responce gclark8 and will do http://www.cycling.net.au/images/smilies/smile.gif
Ohh and btw if I wanted to save a couple extra $$ will a Alivio Crank and front deraillure be okay to run with the other deore components? or do I need to use 9speed compatible components? Im not sure if this matters? http://www.cycling.net.au/images/smilies/confused.gif

Good idea to match the Crankset and Chain, 8/8 or 9/9,
as for the FD, the big ring size, 48 or 42 tooth is the thing here, it you need to change the size, then go Deore.

Good idea to match the Crankset and Chain, 8/8 or 9/9,
as for the FD, the big ring size, 48 or 42 tooth is the thing here, it you need to change the size, then go Deore.
I run a 9spd chain with a 7spd crankset, with no problems. Try the 9spd chain on your old crankset first - then change the crankset if you're sure that you're not happy with it.

Thanks for the replys. I think I will get Front and rear deraillure, Chain and Crankset first. Then upgrade the Shifters and Cassette after I have some more $$$.

Also in regards to the Bottom Bracket, will this also need to be upgraded to suite the crankset? or can I use the one I currently have (Shimano BB-TY-30 Cartridge Type)? Sorry for all the questions :)

As for BB, it all depends on the crankset you pick. It may suit, it may need to be replaced.

Why spend so much just for 1 more gear? What do you use the bike for?

Why spend so much just for 1 more gear? What do you use the bike for?

I agree - is it all worth it? Why not upgrade something when you wear it out or break it, rather than arbitrarily? For example, I notice no difference between a Deore LX/Deore DX/Ultegra mix on one bike, and a Deore XT/ XTR mix on another bike.

I suppose I wasnt thinking so much the extra gear but quality of the Product.
I do mainly XC riding, the bike does see road occasionally as I ride down to a trail on the weekdays as opposed to driving out to a trail somehwere on weekends.

also availability of the product, seems deore is more availble then say Alivio products. Im not happy with the quality that I have at the moment. The gear shifts are slow and awkward, my crankset seems to look a bit dodge too, teeth look to be grinding away!!?