Shimano Ultegra SL 10-Speed 6604 Triple Chainset

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: 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

Ciao members have rated this review on average very 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

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