Merlin Metalworks Inc Camena Dura Ace 9

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: better control of the ball and better power on the ball
Disadvantages: the cost

...everytime you go into the sports shops you always see a poster of beckham or rooney modelling a new pair of football boots, but why? so many pairs of new football boots are coming out because people believe that they all help their performance, well some of them do but not a lot. it is mainly in your mind that when you have a new pair of £140 boots on your foot that your a real star and you do play better, they might provide more comfort and a bit more performance but are they really worth the money? wouldnt you be better of spending £40 on a pair rather than spending £140 on the new nike mercurial r9 sg? the nike mercurial have a great design and are the newest boots on the market. they have added curves and grooves that are designed to help tthe delivery of the ball. you decide. thanks for all your comments... Read review

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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

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