Merlin Metalworks Inc Extralight Dura Ace 10

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: Durable, great for exercise
Disadvantages: Expensive, boring in weak winds

...Well I bought this kite as I wanted to get into power kiting, which is a sport that uses powerful kites for jumping, traction, skidding, and surfing. This kite was on offer at £90 when I purchased it 6 months ago, but these offers have been around recently. They come in a large selection of colours but in offers they usually only have a few colours to choose from. Mine is in fluorescent yellow. The wingspan is about 10 foot, hence the name super 10. The Kite: The kite is provided in a fairly strong zipped fabric sleeve, which is about 1/3 of the kite's wingspan. The carbon wingspar is made of 3 rods which are connected using 2 brass connectors. The kite itself is made of chikira ripstop nylon which seems very light for its strength. The spar then needs to be threaded through one of the wingtip through to the other end... 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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