Litespeed Classic Dura Ace Triple

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

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Advantages: Comfortable, all rounder.
Disadvantages: Jack of all trades, master of none. the dye has a tendancy to run.

...Here we go - my first attempt at writing a review! These were the first pair of climbing shoes I owned, I bought them... oh, about three years ago now and I have to say, they served me well! They lasted about a year until they were worn enough to offer no benefit over climbing barefooted :-). It's probably worth saying that at that point I threw them in the back of the cupboard (I don’t know why i didn't just throw them out - they're still in my cupboard yet I have no intention of ever wearing them again) and bought the Red Chili Spirit Impact Zone shoe, which is basically the same save for Velcro closure and extra padding under the heel. Before I go any further here's the blurb from the manufacturers website: - Triple graduated mid-sole gives unbeatable flex and feel across all sizes - Small sizes especially tuned for women... Read review

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Advantages: Great price and beautiful ride
Disadvantages: Lots of small probelms and so many expensive upgrades to be done

...Bianchi Via Nirone 7 2005 Alu-Carbon Xenon Compact/Triple Drive Size 59 LiquiGas/Bianchi Team Colours (see photo at botom of review) £574.99 The bike and the ride In late summer of 2005 I purchased a Bianchi Via Nirone 7 from Evans online at the website (http://www.evanscycles.com/) and was impressed with the delivery within 3 days. The parcel was well protected and all I had to do was open one end of the box, wheel the bike out, adjust the handlebar orientation and basically it was good to go riding. I changed the saddle for a Bontrager Race X Lite saddle as an upgrade - saddle selection is a very personal choice for comfort on the long rides. After inflating the tyres to a high pressure (I use 100psi to allow for the humps and bumps on the Great British roads). The handling of this bike with carbon fibre forks, stem... Read review

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