Shimano 5600 105 8/9/10 Speed Rear Wheel Silver

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: Great Price, Great Components, Super Reliability
Disadvantages: None whatsoever

...is the introduction of the Shimano Ultegra 10spd groupset. This is only in the second year of use on this bike and I am still unsure of it's usefulness. I guess that I am just used to 9spd. I opted for the double chain ring rather than triple. I suppose a triple may be useful if you live half way up the Alpe D'Huez but West Yorshire has nice rolling countryside so a double covers all terrain! I guess if you live in Lincolnshire you might want to opt for a different cassette 11-23, but I stuck with the standard 12-25. The look of the bike is of course similar, but the 2006 model varies from the picture attached (which is the 2005 model) in that it is black, silver and blue - to match the Discovery team i guess. It is a great paint finish and the smooth Aluminium welds make the frame sleek and super smooth. It probably doesn't actually improve performance... Read review

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Advantages: Easy to fit
Disadvantages: Tricky to adjust ,at least if it's your first time

....chainreactioncycles.com for £24.99 including p/p. THE TECHY/SPECCY BITS To mis-quote Chain Reaction, its attributes are (with a few notes from me):- Compatible with 9 or 8-Speed cassettes – this really means that it has enough sideways movement to range over up to 9 gears. Also can be used for 7-speed, I know, I’ve done it! Long-Life Pulleys with 11 teeth made of Zytel ® (Dupont) to reduce chain noise. Max. Permissible Rear Gear Sprocket 27 Teeth Min. Permissible Rear Gear Sprocket 11 Teeth (therefore it needs to be able to cope with [27-11=16] 16 teeth difference in chain length) Front Difference of 22 Teeth (Most bikes also have a front dérailleur to shift the chain across say three cogs on the chain wheel – these are allowed a 22 teeth difference, for example you may have three cogs ranging from 22 through 32 to 44 teeth each.) Total Capacity 38 Tooth... Read review

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