Spec me some upgraded components for my bike please

SexyGreyFox · 30 Mar 2014 at 13:34

A friend gave me one of his old bikes last week and all I can say is that it really fits me compared to my other 3 bikes.
Please no arguments about this because I know that I feel good and confident on this frame.
Anyway, it's obvious that the components are the cheapest of the cheap so I was thinking about upgrading the Rear Mech and the disc brakes.
What I want to know should all components fit all bikes?
Should all the holes be in the same place?
The bike is 7 speed so I know I've got to buy another 7 speed Rear Mech and the disc size is 160mm so I know I've got to buy disc brakes that fit 160mm.

The original components are below but I've put a link to alternative parts above the pictures, should these fit?
Do you think they are decent alternatives or can you link to something better but I don't want to spend a fortune?
I also don't want to go the hydraulic brake route either.

Thanks a lot OCUK, much appreciated for any advise.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/avid-bb5-mechanical-disc-brake/rp-prod67747

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-alivio-m410-7-8-speed-rear-mech/rp-prod30990

SexyGreyFox · 30 Mar 2014 at 14:58

Vonhelmet said:
You may struggle to find a 7 speed mech these days, short of going second hand. If you move to 8 or 9 speed, you've then got to upgrade the shifters as well. You migh be as well taking it into your lbs and getting a verdict and a quote for the work.

but isn't the one I linked to a 7 speed mech?

SexyGreyFox · 30 Mar 2014 at 15:59

Jonny ///M said:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_783213_langId_-1_categoryId_273955

Seems cheap too

I looked at those but thought they may be the same quality as what's already on.

SexyGreyFox · 30 Mar 2014 at 18:05

It has mtb handlebars and the gears use a twist shift controller. I can set the gears on my other bikes but I can't on this so I'm putting it down to the rear mech.

SexyGreyFox · 30 Mar 2014 at 21:06

Jonny ///M said:
It will be the cable more than anything assuming it is all lined up.

Also make sure that when you oil the chain it has no stiff links.

Thanks for that, I'll try again.
Obviously it has got the cheapest chain on it, is there anything you would recommend that would fit a 7 speed?

SexyGreyFox · 30 Mar 2014 at 22:37

Gribs said:
I know you said you'd rather stick to cable discs but hydraulic ones really are that much better. The Deore set from Merlin posted above is a bargain and they work just as well as those further up the range.

I can't see the link :confused:

Will I have to change my brake levers/cable also?

SexyGreyFox · 31 Mar 2014 at 12:11

Halfords is on my bike ride back home so what degreaser and lubricant would you spec?

SexyGreyFox · 31 Mar 2014 at 15:47

VeNT said:
any reason you want to change the mech? looks ok from here?
that chain tho!

I'm taking Johnnys advice and giving it a good clean and lube.

Thanks Vent

SexyGreyFox · 31 Mar 2014 at 19:01

Right then, if it was any more degreased, cleaned & lubed it would be an extra in a porn film.
I got the Muc Off stuff.

SexyGreyFox · 1 Apr 2014 at 21:06

Gears seem to be working a lot smoother but no matter what I do I can only have gears 1 to 6 or 2 to 7 depending on how I set it up. I've watched every You Tube setup video going so any tips appreciated.

Further up I linked to Avid BB5 disc brakes and the cheapest I found was £29 and the Avid BB7 was out of my price range however I've seen this rather excellent deal for both front & rear calipers + rotors - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/191078659...49&var=490269940792&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
I rang the number and he said they would be a direct replacement.
Any thoughts or go for it?

SexyGreyFox · 1 Apr 2014 at 22:02

Thanks for all that, much appreciated and I'll probably try again at the weekend.

Jonny ///M said:
Those brakes will fit and once set up are pretty good brakes but the shimano deore hydraulics are a similar price are they not?

I know you are giving great advice but I'd rather stick with the mechanical for now and less expense.