Originally Posted By: SLCraig
Agree with scurvy. Wheels are a big part of having a bike "feel" better/more lively, etc.
Also, unless you are replacing the entire drivetrain with XTR, just changing one component is not going to make a difference. (XTR with Deore shifters will feel almost the same as before)
Also agree with wavinwayne, if you want to upgrade stuff like that, just go with XT. As a long time rider of many high end bikes, I've had all the components. I would no longer pay the premium for XTR over XT. (I actually prefer Sram but you get my point)
Definitely wanting to do wheels too. The bike has 26" wheels, I'm having a hard time finding Mavic's in that size (I may be using their site incorrectly however) for a Mountain Bike application and I'm not sure how much "better" they are (I really have no clue, if they are worth it, let me know) than the XTR wheels. I'm sure either are better than what I have by a wide margin.
If I go XTR, I WILL be doing the whole bike. But likely in stages, doing key components first.
I love wrenching on stuff. Though it is typically automotive. I feel a bit like I've been neglecting my bike, and upgrading it over the winter makes sense to me.
I was looking at this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/2011-Shimano-XTR-FC-M980-Dyna-Crankset-42-32-24T-170mm_W0QQitemZ380299485868QQcategoryZ56195QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286.m7QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D3%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D6094209014721909855#ht_1047wt_905
BTW, I'm seriously a bit of a newb to the bike stuff. How do I know what length crank arms I want? The ones in the link are 170mm.