I`m thinking about going back to a triple chainset and as you know that entails a long rear mech and longer chain.Atm I`ve got a 2005 XT rear mech and deore shifters lying around that have hardly been used and was looking at fitting either an SLX or XT shadow rear mech.Would my shifters operate the new type mechs ok or would I need the new type or should I just use the stuff I have.Does the new kits performance justify shelling out (again)?BTW currently I`m running an x9 r.mech to further question the issue.

Shadow mechs are fine with older Shimano shifters. I'd say stick with the old stuff, except what I'd actually say is stick with the X9, because you can run a triple on that no problem. Just don't go crazy with super-wide cassettes and chainrings. If you're using a sus bike that exhibits a lot of chain growth I might be tempted to change it, though.

Mike,my x9 mech is a medium cage;would I just get away using this with a slightly longer chain and didn`t use the largest ring/rear sprocket or smallest ring/rear sprocket?Pennies saved here will decide which chainset I`m buying-slx or XT.Its an 08 orange 5 that I ride atm. Cheers.

Orange 5? That falls into the "sus bike that exhibits a lot of chain growth" category. Medium cage worth a try, though. Stick to a 42 outer ring, steer clear of 11-34 cassettes, set the chain length so you can get big-big with the suspension compressed (unbolt one end of the shock), see how it goes. Might be a bit flappy with a long chain and a medium mech. I've run a Heckler with a "short" (medium really) mech without any problems.

Thanks again Mike.I`ll try a new chain on first to see how things go.Obviously it`s a no-brainer cost wise to just buy a long cage x9 and chain but you know how it is:new technology "must have"bits etc,this plus an underlining desire to go down either a full new xt or SLX set-up.The bike is a new frame that I built up with bits from my sidelined Giant vt-(super bike btw)!

 Hi ,have been running a triple  chainset with a shortgage mech for two years with no problems