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Frame, fork, wheelset and dropper sorted.
I just need to buy everything else now.
I’m going for functional rather than bling as trying to work with a fairly tight budget.
I’ve tended to go with XT in the past but as I’m going 1x12 I’m considering SLX for the drivetrain - I know it doesn’t have some of the features XT does but it’s prob still plenty good enough right? Merlin have it for £280 ATM but it’s a 175mm crank - been told they’re a bit old school these days due to rock strikes - true or will I be ok? Bike is a Privateer 141 so it’ll hopefully be ridden a bit harder than my current mince-machine! Any reason not to go for SLX in this guise? Will prob be running Hope V4 brakes so will need the I Spec EV mount?
Going with a Charge Spoon seat as that’s what I’ve used for years - cheap and comfy.
As far as the cockpit goes I’m unsure. Cheap and cheerful Nukeproof Neutron bars and stem (£40 the pair) or something a bit ‘nicer’? This is relatively heavy but looks nice and most importantly it does the job just fine.
Will stick with Minion tyres but in 29 flavour and just wait for deals unless there’s anything else out there…the fully built 141 option comes with Hans Damph and Magic Mary though I’ve never has Schwalbe before.
Stick with the OneUp dropper remote or something else?
I know it’s a ramble but need a sounding board to focus my decision making! If you see any deals please shout up - cheers
I usually run a mix for drivetrain. The bundles are rarely the best value way to buy if your not in a rush.
Cassette wise you'll see a decent weight saving going from Deore to XT. Mech wise even Deore is decent, cranks again it's mostly weight. Chain my Deore lasted three rides before a link split so I would suggest XT or SRAM.
Shifter wise you get a grippier trigger and a slightly nicer feel but they all just work.
I would recommend not running 175s.. my Raceface Aeffect have been great over the years and similar weight to XT. Rings are one piece also which makes sense
I think you’ll be wanting shorter cranks to avoid pedal strikes, probably 170mm.
If so, you may want to downsize your chainring too?
Pedals strikes is more commonly down to specific bikes and riding styles. I run 175mm cranks and virtually never have pedal strikes. Supposedly shorter cranks can be better depending on your height so it's not necessarily as simple as shorter=better.
Magic Mary are a great front tyre, they are more wet conditions tyre than dry but I can't think of another tyre that can manage all conditions quite as well. If you don't want to swap between summer and winter tyres then a Magic Mary can't easily be beaten.
The latest OneUp dropper remote is great, not worth replacing.
I think I'm right in saying the weight difference between SLX and XT is negligible. Deore is heavier.
We've run Deore and SLX for years. It. Just. Works. We've also got one set of XT on eldest_oabs bike.
I never notice the small extra XT things like the wee pads on shifters. Function wise I struggle to tell the difference.
What freehub does your wheelset have - this will narrow down your cassette option.
SLX cranks anodising is far better / more durable than XT, plus there's only 10g difference in weight between the two. If you fit an aftermarket chainring (Unite) to SLX they'll be lighter than stock XT anyway. I have Shimano FC-M7120 165mm cranks without ring, only done 20 miles so immaculate, for sale if you want them - you need to figure out what chainline you want.
I've always wanted an XTR shifter but my XT is great, I run an XT rear mech but would be happy with SLX.
Thanks all.
querty - would def be interested in those cranks. Have to figure out chainline as I’m not even sure how to do it. Will be Hope Pro4 with microspline freehub.
@rascal assuming it's a 148mm boost rear end frame my advice would be to use a 52mm chainline FC-7100 unless the frames chainstays are really wide causing clearance issues in which case you'll need FC-7120 55mm chainline. I think in most cases a 52mm chainline on a 148mm boost frame works clearance wise and offers a better (narrower) chainline - but there will always be some frames needing 55mm.
https://www.privateerbikes.com/products/privateer-141-enduro-trail-complete-bike-shimano-slx-xt
Chainline 52mm. Minimum 168mm Q-Facto
Shimano wise you need: FC 7100 cranks (6100/8100) which are 172mm Q factor.
Just a few things left:
What’s a good viable alternative to the OneUp dropper lever - they’re around £55 now with a mounting clamp! Tyres to sort along with seat too.
Any recommendations on a minimalist chain guide/bash guard?
if you dont mind second hand, there was an XT shifter £15 and derailleur £20 on vinted last night , still both listed,
just search shimano and scroll down about 8 rows, just checked and still on,