Shimano 105 5505 Chainset - Triple

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

..., the Shimano instructions are very simple to follow, although as with all jobs of this type a basic knowledge of bicycle maintenace is required. It's a beautifully made item, with lots of cold-forged, anodized aluminum giving the mech a "jewellery" look (in my opinion, better looking than the new 10-speed version) and has so far always shifted faultlessly with 105 STI levers. Mine is the "SS" version, with the short cage, although a longer cage version is (was?) also available to work with wider range rear cassette sprockets, or a triple/compact chainset - this "GS" version has a total capacity of 38 teeth. Clearly, this will be a little heavier than this version... Looking at ChainReactionCycles.com today (April 7, 2006), it's available at £49.99, saving 23% off the RRP of £64.95, so pick up a bargain... Overall, a top of the range mech, well... Read review

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Advantages: Light, nice ride, good brakes
Disadvantages: Chain should have shield,brakes bit squeeky,only availible from halfords

...I brought this as my last bike, a saracen, died on me, it was really in a terrible mess! I brought this for £400 in Halfords, which is a pretty good deal for what you get. The technician was very helpful in there, otherwise I probably would have brought a bike from a Local Bike Store. So, what do you get for your £400 here? Well, a light and strong bike, with hyrdaulics, 24 gears, thick tyres, nice wheels with strong spokes. "GT Triple Triangle Aluminium frame with butted tubes Suntour XCR 100mm travel fork with hydraulic rebound damping and on the fly lock-out Tektro Auriga Comp hydraulic disc brakes 180/160mm rotors Shimano Deore/ Alivio 24 speed gearing Truvativ Isoflow chainset Tioga Factory XC tyres WTB SX24 rims SDG Bel Air saddle GT over size bar and stem" All in all, a good bike for you money. So far, been so good. My main... Read review

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Advantages: built in external BB, good quality
Disadvantages: None

...I bought this to replace the SR Suntour cranks and stock Shimano Bottom Bracket on my Trek 4300. A fantastic upgrade, extremely sturdy, nice stiff cranks, excellent machine work. And to top it off, no internal Bottom Bracket is needed. Something I dont think a lot of the adverts for the item make enough of. You don't need to bother measuring your spindle as you just need to remove the entire bottom bracket and fit the M532 with the inbuilt external BB. You will need additional tools to fit this, but they can be picked up relatively cheaply and you never need to worry about wearing out any bearings in the bottom bracket again. It took me 15 minutes to fit, simply remove your old cranks, remove the BB and slot this in place. It comes with various spacers to adjust the width depending on your frame size and once fitted it'll feel like... Read review

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