LX out SLX in and 09 Dura Ace!

Can't read anything, but the images are there to tantalize you. If you can read swedish or would like to see some more pics, go to the link. happy mtb The only thing I've figured out, is that LX is becoming a comfort group and the SLX is replacing LX on the mountain side. It looks like it's getting a little beefier to keep up with the rigors of off road and get a cleaner more XTR look. We may have to consider offering SLX next year.

There has also been a few things floating around about the 09 Dura-Ace. Supposedly there will be 2 Dura-Ace groups. 1 being a standard Mechanical and the other Electronic. Yes, we are about to delve into the electronic system once again. I think Mavic scared everyone a few years back when they couldn't get there system to work. It crushed there efforts. Shimano and Campy are being much more careful about testing and ensuring there product is going withstand the tortures of the road. Here are some insights on the Mechanical system.

Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 mechanical - I'm sure there are all sorts of do-dads that are great about the new Dura-Ace, but the one thing I like the best is the cables being under the tape and a newer ergonomical lever.

STI levers

* - New shapes, more ergonomical
* - Under-the-tape derailleurs cable housings
* - Bars/lever reach adjustement
* - Right lever shift engagement stroke 20% shorter
* - Carbon levers
* - Titanium hardware
* - Not compatible with 7800 derailleurs

Calipers

* - Improved geometry, more braking power
* - New brake pads, 210% better braking performance under the rain and 120% in the dry
* - Titanium hardware

Rear derailleur

* - Improved cable pulling system
* - Carbon pulley plates
* - Compatible with bigger gear range with no triple derailleur required
* - Not compatible with 7800 levers

Front derailleur

* - The plates geometry and width avoid you from trimming, whatever the gear used
* - No unwanted friction of the chain on the plates
* - Spring tension is optimized for very smooth chainring shiftings

Crankset

* - The carbon crankset seems to be abandonned
* - New alloy cranks:
* * obviously hollow, the walls thicknesses are reduced from the 7800 version
* * Claimed to be the lightest crankset made by a big manufacturer
* * Even stiffer than the 7800
* - New carbon/alloy bottom bracket for further weight save

Chain

* - New design:
* * quieter chain
* * Power transfer increased of 0.6% if used in combination with the newest 7900 chainrings
* * No rubbing with the front derailleur if used with the 7900 chainrings
* - Quick Link for super fast assembling and disassembling

Cassette

* - Shifting improved
* - Lighter cassettes thanks to the alloy cogs carrier
* - Wider offers (11-25, 11-27, 11-28 beside the current offers with 7800 Dura-Ace)

Flight Deck comptuter

* - Still integrated in the shifters
* - Additionnal functions:
* * hearth rate monitor
* * altimeter
* * slope indicator
* * wireless 2.4GHz frequency
* * wireless datas downloading to the PC