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The new Saint keeps its basic characteristics like top-level durability and reliability for extreme
mountain biking such as Down Hill, Freeriding and Extreme All Mountain. At the same time, this
new group is completely different and promises much more. Further increased rigidity for
example and a lightweight design which is in line with the current gravity trend for faster and
smoother trails. The appearance is very technical and agressive, in shiny black and subtle gold
coloured details.
4-piston disc brakes
The Saint disc brakes have been designed
from scratch. The dual-diameter 4-piston calipers provide an incredible
50% more stopping power than the current BR-M800. The calipers have an
increased oil flow which makes bleeding a lot easier.
The brake levers feature Servo Wave technology
that gives more brake power and offers excellent controllability and extra
pad clearance as well. The levers feature a tool-free reach adjust and
they have a beefy lever blade for optimal control.
Shimano Shadow
The futuristic Saint Shadow rear derailleur
minimizes the chance to damage the derailleur by hitting any object on
the trail. Biggest difference with the Deore XT and XTR Shadow derailleurs
introduced last year, is the super wide inner link that offers the additional
stiffness that is so important in gravity. Shimano managed to combine it’s
additional rigidity with a remarkable weight saving of over 100 grams compared
to the current version.
The Saint rear derailleur has an increased
spring tension compared to the other Shimano Shadow derailleurs. Furthermore,
it has a bracket switch to select usage with close or wide ratio cassettes.
Close ratio cassettes (23-28T lowest gear) are recommended for Down Hill
and wide ratio (32-34T lowest gear) for Freeride and All Mountain usage.
The Saint Shadow derailleur is available in a short (SS) and a medium (GS)
cage version.
Rapidfire Plus shifters
The gravity oriented Rapidfire Plus shifters
have been designed to combine a crisp shift feeling with 1-finger braking.
They feature a short release lever stroke and Instant Release technology
for a fast and direct response. Of course these shifters also feature 2-Way
Release technology that allows the release lever to be operated in two
directions. The new Saint shifters have been developed with an adjustable
bracket to allow inboard and outboard mounting. Last but not least, they
have an excellent mud shedding design.
Cranksets
The Saint cranksets will be much lighter
and even more rigid (!!!) than current versions. There will be options
for single and double chainrings. Both have been developed with HOLLOWTECH
II technology and feature an extreme heavy duty spider arm and spindle.
The new crank arm design allows more ankle clearance and the “honeycomb”
designed bash guard has a great impact resistance. It has a steel pedal
thread insert for extra rigidity. Single chainring options: 34/36/38/40/42T.
Double: 36 x 22T compact drive crankset for All Mountain usage offers a
wide gear ratio and a narrow Q-factor.
Front derailleur
Saint includes a double specific mountain
bike front derailleur, designed to perform with a 36x22T compact drive
crankset. It has a very compact size with increased stiffness and improved
clearance of the chain, chain stay and rear tire for an optimal compatibility
with all kinds of full suspension frames. A wider and lower positioned
inner plate reduces the chance of chain drop considerably.
Hub and freehub
The new Saint hub and freehub are around
100 grams lighter than current versions and they feature a standard size
center lock mount which saves weight while maintaining strength.
The hub has been provided with fully adjustable
and easy serviceable cup and cone bearings. Over Locknut Dimension (OLD)
is 110mm and they feature a 20mm through axle for an ultra stiff fork/hub
combination.
The bearings of the freehub have been positioned
wider apart for increased stiffness. The freehub body has been developed
with Shimano’s quick engagement technology that results in increased performance
especially in technical terrain. The Saint freehub will be available in
two versions. 135mm OLD in combination with a 10mm or 12mm through axle
and 150mm OLD with a 12mm through axle. Sealings feature a 400% improved
durability.
The new Saint: lighter, stiffer, better.
Enjoy the ride and “Find your Flow…”
Take a look at the video at http://www.thecollectivefilm.com/provingground
Availability in the market: August
2008
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