Merlin Metalworks Inc Agilis 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

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

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

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: light pick-up, good balance and excellent performance.
Disadvantages: Takes some time to knock in, very upsetting when it dies!

...I was first introduced to ACE bats in our cricket league, one particular club all used them. This made me curious so I went to buy one, they are all handcrafted from a shop in Leeds. It was handcrafted to the balance to suit my game. The wood of the bat is hard with an excellent grain. I was disappointed at first but stuck to it as I was told that the bats improve with age. The bat then started to bow slightly, this is when the runs came! The bat soon developed an excellent middle which seemed to cover most of the bat. At this time I was playing 5-7 days/week and the bat lasted for 3 seasons until the handle gave way. The bat was still in good condition and I wished that I had had it re-handled. Only healthy surface cracks appeared and the edges were thick. This is an extremely good bat which offers a light pick-up, good balance... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful