Strengths: I fundamentally prefer the shifting style to Shimano, thumb shifting is easier to control, especially on descents. Shifting positive and crisp.
Weaknesses: There seem to be some underlying reliability issues - for both front mech and rear mech I have had the shifters sticking (after 1 year) which I resolved for the front but not the rear despite loads of lube (I then replaced the shifter). Two others I ride with have reported very much the same problem. Plastic end cap pain to get out without it chewing up!
Overall: Despite the question mark over reliability I wouldn't shift with anything else. I haven't really had any problems with the levers during rides. Making the change from Shimano only takes one ride to get used to and after that it is truely second nature. Easier to adjust on the trail as adjustment is at the shifters only.
I have both X.7 and X.9 and would recommend spending the extra.
Strengths: Fantastically light giving you a big boost in speed. You can really feel the difference in acceleration. Grippy enough if you hit some mud.
Weaknesses: Obviously not for the winter, but thats not what they were made for. And probably not for weekends at Glentress or Alpine descents either.
Overall: I've run these over the summer in 2 Merida's and SITS. By taking off my Cinders and putting these on I took over 500 g in weight of my bike, which is a lot for the money when you think about it. They were fine for all of the courses except for the gloopy bits but the speed elsewhere made up for it. Buy them direct from Germany - much cheaper even with the postage. Definately one for your garage tyre collection, but not if you run one tyre all year.
Strengths: Mud free, easy clip in and out, good amount of float.
Weaknesses: None really - my feet once bounced out when I hit a rock.
Overall: Used to ride with Time pedals and compared to them I wouldn't go back. Was worried about ease of use if unclipped but in practice this hasn't been a problem you can engage really quickly. Haven't had to do any maintenance on them so far but seems easy enough. I wouldn't choose anything else now. Search around for bargains and they are excellent value.
'COMFORTABLE AND FUNCTIONAL - WHAT MORE DO YOU NEED?'
Strengths: Comfortable, no rubbing. Good protection. Ventilation even works at high speed!
Weaknesses: None so far.
Overall: I wore these for the best part of a week in Spain which included some monster climbs in them. Much better than expected, and although you notice they are on, they didn't rub or chafe in any way. They are secure and didn't move when put to the test. I suggest you check the sizing before you buy. Highly recommended.
Weaknesses: Pre lube doesn't lube, very poor seals and cables need constant cleaning after every ride, and seize up very quickly
Overall: No advantage over a basic cable. You have to clean after every ride anyway, which probably rubs off the lube that was meant to be there in the first place! The cables have poor seals and grit and mud just got in everywhere. They lasted about 4 rides and they are consigned to the bin. Going to try XTR cables next....
Strengths: Easy to read, easy to operate all the functions you need.
Weaknesses: Can be a bit fiddly - the gap between sensor and magnet has to be pretty close (about 1mm).
Overall: No problem in over 2000 miles and just bought another one for my other bike. Distances match within 5% or so with other riders on same rides, this is likely to be calibration problems (nobody recalibrates when then change tyres - do they??)
Just replaced bracket as its finally worn away.
Any erratic reading is usually when the sensor has slipped a touch. No problems throughout all last winter with the temperature.
Strengths: The chamois seat padding is just great - putting back on my old Enduro MT500's and the difference was clear when in the saddle.
Weaknesses: There is a slight rub on my left leg from the flat lock stitching - not enough for a mark after a ride, but just enough to notice after an hour or so.
Overall: I bought these after reading some good reviews and had a bit of difficulty with choosing the sizing - I went up to the Large size, despite coming out as a Medium on the Sugoi Web site sizing. Leg length is fine and the contruction is good.
The stitching is the problem - at the price of these shorts you expect perfection. That would mean that you simply shouldn't notice you have them on (if you see what I mean!!!). The stitching rub, even though very very slight, should be completely avoidable with good design. I tried on a pair of De Marchi in the shop at the same time and they were lots cheaper. The Sugoi's although good don't seem to be worth the extra.
I'm hoping the stitching will soften up after a few more washes, but it's not as good a start as I would have liked.
Strengths: Super stiff lighweight cranks and bottom bracket holding up well
Weaknesses: But the chain is starting to snag up on middle chainring and thats after only 400 or so XC miles.
Unique tools required.
Overall: There seems to be a recognised problem with the longevity of the middle and inner chainrings. Its only a matter of a few more miles and I will be hit with serious chainsuck. Already you can see the teeth developing "wave" patterns.
Strengths: Ratchet buckle allows for close fit adjustment, good grip around heel.
Weaknesses: Sole grip off the bike not that great, but then few shoes are.
Overall: Shoes are obviously a very personal thing and up here in the North East its impossible to find a shop with a huge range to let you compare brands. Buying on-line is tricky unless you have a favourite pair you want again.
I previously had a pair of Nike shoes which were lace/velco ties and my first impression was how snug the velco and ratchet of the Shimano's held your foot compared to the Nike. The ratchet is easy to use. The uppers are lightweight and my impression is that the toe box is a bit soft, but unless you get hit by a rock right on your toe they should be fine.
I haven't worn them through a winter yet, but I could see that they would be a bit chilly, even with Sealskin socks.
The sole is firm enough to use with Eggbeaters no problem and for me no adjustment to either the cleats or the sole was required for a good fit to the pedal.
So far, I'm impressed and unless they collapse over the winter I would buy again.
Strengths: Its small and light. Physical effort per stroke to pump up the tyre is fairly low.
Weaknesses: But takes an absolute age to get your tyre to the right pressure, handle not great.
Overall: Mine seems to only now pump on the pull stroke, so the puncture I had yesterday took hundreds of strokes to inflate. For my next puncture (yes, later the same ride!!) I borrowed a Mountain Morph and the whole thing was inflated in a minute or two.
