Context: My 90s MTB still has its original Shimano chainring (crankarms say Alivo). The cassette was replaced several months ago, as was the chain and bottom bracket. No wear on the chain right now.

The derailleurs are Alivio, and probably the original ones from the mid-90s. I don’t have any reason or intention to replace those, although, I do have a Deore LX on my decommissioned 90s MTB that I could likely drop in, but I digress. LOL

I guess two questions:

  1. What would I need to provide to my LBS as far as measurements to get me a replacement? I understand that I’ll likely need another BB and maybe(?) a chain, but I plan to stick with the same gearing.
  2. Ideally, I’d want to find a 3x chainring where I can replace the crank arms and individual chain rings when needed. Will this be easy to find, considering the age and group set?

Thanks in advance.

  • @[email protected]OP
    1•6 months ago

    Thanks for the info.

    Yeah, the LBS said the middle chainring has some wear, so I’d rather just change it all up.

    I’m staying with a 3x, and same gear range. Looking at a few Shimano front derailleurs, the BB will be quite a bit wider than what I have.

    Maybe I can pretty-please my LBS to have a look and decide what the best swap would be. I’m also going by what they have in-stock or can get easily, so my options are further limited.

    • misery mansion
      2•6 months ago

      In that case I guess I would just order 3 new chainrings with the same number of teeth, keep the cranks and bottom bracket, just make sure to order the right number of bolts and BCD. Simple. There’s a special tool to help hold the chainring bolt in place while you unscrew it but you can make do with a flathead screwdriver or an old spoke

      • misery mansion
        1•6 months ago

        Edit: and the front derailleur should also be fine unless it’s damaged