At a secret press conference held concurrently with the Los Angeles Bike Expo, Shimano revealed its 2005 lineup. While we agreed to keep some details secret until the early summer, we thought you would be interested in the rest.
SAINT GETS WIDER
The new shift levers make it easier to use the Saint dual-control levers. They are also less likely to break or bend in a crash. This is great news for those who enjoy big drops and downhill.
Even better is the 150mm wider rear hub option, which was not available when the kit first launched. This hub is compatible with most second-generation DH/Freeride chassis such as Santa Cruz, Foes and Intense. The wide-body model, like all Saint hubs has a larger-diameter Center Lock Splined brake-rotor interface. However, it uses a stronger and larger-diameter thru axle.
ONE TIGGER FITS ALL
To meet the needs of dual-controls combined shift/brake levers, a RapidFire trigger shifting device will be produced in the near future. To replace Saint, XTR and Deore XT ensembles, one silver-colored trigger system is being produced.
A LITTLE TIP AT A BIG SECRET
Hone, Shimano’s all-mountain group introduced last month will not be the only mountain bike group with Dual-Control shifting and lightweight hydraulic disk brakes.
Keep checking back.
