Shimano 7 Speed HG30 Nickel Plated 11-28

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

...= easier pedalling, smaller cog = faster. Specifications: - 8/9-speed - Max. Sprocket (what's the biggest rear cog this mech can handle ?) 27 teeth - Min. Sprocket (what's the smallest rear cog this mech can handle ?) 11 teeth - Front Difference 14 teeth max - that's a maximum difference between the number of teeth on the big and small from chainrings, ie a 53 teeth "big" ring and 39 teeth small one will work fine, but won't work with a triple chainset - Total Capacity 29T (that's the difference between teh big and small REAR gogs PLUS the difference between the big and small fromt chainrings) - 11 tooth guide / tension (top/bottom) pulleys with sealed bearings reduce friction, run quieter and wear longer due to alternating tooth contact between inner and outer chain plates. - Weight 195g Setting it up was very simple, as usual... Read review

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Advantages: Lightweight, good quality components
Disadvantages: A lot of money

...that when you slip off you get a nasty gash so that next time you’ll think twice about slipping off. -Wheels- Sun Black eye rims Shimano Deore 11-32 9speed Shimano Hubs Wheels. An essential part of the bicycle. A wheel is composed of a rim, spokes, a hub, an axle and a freewheel. The hub is the central part of the wheel that supports the spokes and houses the axle and freewheel. The spokes are fairly self explanatory, there are usually 28-32 of them and are 14g in weight each (15g for the front wheel). The axle is what the wheel spins around and is how it is attached to the frame. Most are quick-release these days which makes fixing a puncture in the middle of nowhere a little faster. The freewheel allows the rear wheel to spin whenever you are not pedalling. Old bmx’s didn’t have freewheels and you used your pedals as a brake... 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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