Elite Aria Dura-Ace STI

Advantages: Top of the range "bling" rear mech
Disadvantages: 9 speed "only", superceeded by RD-7800 10-speed version

...I bought this rear derailleur to replace an Ultegra mech when upgrading my bike from 8 to 9-speeds (well, 16 to 18 speed really with my double front chainset). Apparently, this mech is also compatible with 8-speed systems, you just need to change the cable mounting position. Dura Ace is the name of Shimano's top of the range group of bicycle components, or "groupset", for road race bikes, and the 9-speed 7700-series was introduced to the public in 1997 after Shimano sponsored riders using Dura-Ace 7700 series equipped bikes in 1996. Year by year, it's been enhanced, and this review is of rear mech from the 2004 model year. For the non-bike-ophiles among you, the rear mech (or mechanism) is the device at the back end of the bike that moves the chain across the muliple cogs (cassette) on the back wheel to change gear - bigger cog... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Look cool, roll really smooth
Disadvantages: stock frames and soul plates are a bit slow

...I love these skates. They skate really similar to all the old Salomons except, they are much more comfortable and look much cooler. They wheels and bearings are really smooth and the frames and soul plates can now be exchanged for other companies products (UFS frames, Mecanizm Wings, etc.). The STI's still have the heel shock absorber,but now they also feature a full length shock absorber on top of this. They still have the custom fit liners which can be moulded to the shape of your foot for a perfect fit. Basically I love these skates and if you even liked the old Salomon skates you’ll love these too. They are just like the old ones but improved in so many ways. Buy them now.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Good Grip at the strart
Disadvantages: They wear away quite fast

...The Nike Kraken Elite Pro gloves are ok even though they were a good pair of gloves. The only problem with them is that the foam on the fingers tended to wear away quite fast than and that sometimes you could see your hands. They are good for training but i wouldnt always rely on them. You can feel the ball very well with these gloves but once the foam has gone they are useless.They have got holes in the side of them like most gloves do but these might as well as been a picture or not there at all. They aren't very good value for money as they are noramlly about 40 pounds but you could get a better pair of gloves for the money.I would'nt say you should buy these and to keep looking.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful