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Upgrading 90s MTB F/R derailleur: possible to use newer generation parts in the same product line? (lemmy.ca)

submitted 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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So... I discovered that I can still get parts for my mid-90s MTB, which is the bike I use for everything hauling, winter, and off-road.

Initially, I was thinking of upgrading to more modern parts, but the components have been so good that I'd rather just refresh them.

I did order a "new old stock" crank/chainring, which I'm really excited about. Since I wax my chain, I don't see me ever having a need to replace it again.

But, I'd like to get a front and rear derailleur that are in better condition.

Both are the original Shimano Alivio RD-MC10 and FD-MC10, which I can still buy as used parts (which look like they are much better condition than the ones I've got).

But I'm curious to know if newer models in this series would be directly compatible with my existing cassette/chainrings and grip shifters. Things like the MC11, MC12, etc.

Does anyone have a clue? It's hard enough to find information about vintage bike parts, but I figure it's worth asking before I go with the same ones.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Shimano has online catalog for parts manuals here.

I think that Alivio didn't changed that much, they released new version last year and it should be compatible.

Maybe it would be time to upgrade to Cues. Chainrings and cassettes (like mounting to hubs, spacing...) didn't change at all in long time only with added sprockets.

What changes sometimes is cable pull (amount of cable that needs to be pulled by shifter to change gear) and this is the thing that you need to look for compatibility.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 days ago

That's helpful! Thanks.

From what I understand from a teardown and rebuild video, the MC10 that I have uses a plastic part, and the newer MC11, 12, etc. uses metal. If I can upgrade, it would be to the all-metal version.

This bike was used when I got it, so the cassette and wheels were already replaced, and I have new chainrings/cranks on the way.

The front and rear derailleurs still work great, but since I don't expect available parts to be around forever, I'd be happy to order a few (better condition) parts, so I can keep them going for another 30 years :)

Funny enough, the shifters aren't the stock Alivio ones, but "Grip Shift", which I actually really love! They work exceptionally well during the winter when I've got pogies on my handlebars!