have just recovered my brothers old db mtb from about 20years ago.its in not to bad nick although the rear mech is broke at the bolt on to the frame,was going to see if it was fixable and get it running again for on of my boys,would it take a newer mech as long as its bolt on??its 7 speed and has paddle shifters and is quite light,would be a shame to bin it if it could be salvaged,thanks craig

A newer mech may have problems with the cage width, nine speed could be too narrow for the seven speed chain. the bolts will be the same, you may be better searching e-bay for old mechs.

i was thinking of a 7 speed mech not 9.thats why i was asking if i could just put any shimano 7 speed mech old or new.

As you say – worth restoring 🙂

Here is mine from 1993

Plenty of period kit over here ….. http://www.retrobike.co.uk

that looks like the very same.was alot of money back when he bought it so be worth getting it up and running,its light as a feather to.cheers mark.will have a look at that site for rear mech but someone told me i could put a new 7spedd on it,like an alivio or something…..