Shimano Saint M800 Double Chainset

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

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great price & fair all rounder
Disadvantages: Tyres are poor in mud!

...are great on hard pack surfaces but if you ride in mud, your going to come off, buy decent tyres if going off road in mud!! FULL SPECS; Frame: Heat treated alloy formed ATB design with replaceable derailleur hanger Forks: SR/Suntour XCM DA 100mm travel with 30mm steel stanchions alloy legs and preload and hydraulic damping adjustment Gears: Shimano FD-C050 front and Shimano RD-M340 Acera 8 speed rear derailleurs Shifters: Shimano EF-50 triggers Chainset: SR/Suntour XCC-150 42/32/22 tooth gearing Brakes: Radius mechanical discs with 160mm rotors Wheels: Alex PC19 32 hole double wall alloy rims built on Joy Tech disc compatible alloy cassette hubs Tyres: Kenda Komodo 26x1.95 Handlebar: Mongoose 31.8mm clamp diameter alloy 30mm rise Stem: Mongoose alloy threadless Saddle: WTB Speed V Sport with Mongoose logo Seatpost: Alloy with micro... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

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

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful