Shimano- The microsoft of the bike world?

[busta]

Well what do people think?

I use a Mac for all my computing and between my 3 bikes the only shimano equipment I have is a pair of 1999 LX V-brake levers and a UN72 bottom bracket.

Why? Because the Mac offers better reliability, performance and user friendliness than a Microsoft PC. And because when looking for bike component upgrades, other brands have provided better functionality and value than the respective shimano components.

The reason I compare is because both Shimano and Microsoft are viewed as the industry standards in the eyes of your average Joe but in reality aren't always the best option.

I'm not saying Shimano don't make good kit by the way, they are pioneers of the biking industry and parts I've had in the past have no means been sub standard (apart from a UN52 bottom bracket), just not as good as the competition.

Busta

[Frik]

busta said:

UN52 bottom bracket

Well we've all been there

[busta]

Frik said:

busta said:

UN52 bottom bracket

Well we've all been there

Yes, I had to remove parts of it from my leg. Unfortuately the closest shop at the time could only offer another 52 or a 72, so that why I have the 72 now.

[4WD]

I've never had a problem with shimano on xt and two sets of xtr now. My local shop always have parts in stock, so it's an easy option to go for. Shame campagnolo don't make sexy mtb gear as it would make a change. Anyway as long as the oily bits work who cares.

[skinnyboy]

going back a few years here, but what ever happened to the planetary chainset John Tomac was testing? I remember seeing it in MBA magazine but never saw it come to fruition. they were the days... jumpers for goalposts marvelous...

[busta]

skinnyboy said:

going back a few years here, but what ever happened to the planetary chainset John Tomac was testing? I remember seeing it in MBA magazine but never saw it come to fruition. they were the days... jumpers for goalposts marvelous...

Yeah, I remember them. Never seen one in the flesh or heard anymore about it. I guess it was either too quirky or not effective enough to catch on.

Has the air shifter system caught on in DH? that was the big new thing when I last bought a MTB mag (in 2003 I think)

[4WD]

I'm waiting for Rolhoff to make a lighter geared hub as that is a great idea

[sjg]

The SRAM stuff has given them a good kick up the arse as they'd got rather complacent - much like the suspension fork market when Fox joined in.

I tend to use Deore-level stuff and it's fine. Their disc brakes are some of the best around though IME, mine have been maintenance-free so far (beyond pad changes) and even if they do need bleeding it's just mineral oil rather than paint-eating DOT5.1 like Hope.

[4WD]

I swapped xtr for hope discs as that is one component shimano don't do as well. Hope have so muchmore progressive feel, xtr is more like on/off.

[neil_cardiff]

4WD said:

I swapped xtr for hope discs as that is one component shimano don't do as well. Hope have so muchmore progressive feel, xtr is more like on/off.

I've not tried the XTR yet, but I've heard good things about them.

However as a brake - my Hayes HFX-9s are absolutely awesome, and bloody bargain too - I'd seriously recommend them to anyone as they are dead easy to service, and reliable.

Used to love old Hope, especially their Closed systems, however they went south a bit on quality, and have never been impressed since when I've had them.

[Roger645]

I think if any cycle parts manufacturer should be compared to Microsoft then it should be cateye!

[busta]

Roger645 said:

I think if any cycle parts manufacturer should be compared to Microsoft then it should be cateye!

Tell us more!

[BadgerBenji]

If you dont like shimano, try the Sram stuff, its very well designed and just keeps on working. They have also released two road groupsets, Force and Rival, nicely made, and very different.

If you are racing cyclo-cross, its definitely worth a look with 1:1 cable actuation.

[moleamol]

I have as much Hope stuff as possible on my bikes, but do tend to stick to Shimano for the gears.

[wildoliver]

Well I'm using one of their XGEN front mechs, and I'm using it with a shimano shifter, I must be honest it seems faultless, looks nice, was fairly priced and is quite light!

I must admit I'm not a big shimano fan myself, but must give them their due for the deore hollowtech cranks, they are so light! And for such a good price! (yes I realise lighter is available but not so cheap)

[neil_cardiff]

wildoliver said:

Well I'm using one of their XGEN front mechs, and I'm using it with a shimano shifter, I must be honest it seems faultless, looks nice, was fairly priced and is quite light!

I must admit I'm not a big shimano fan myself, but must give them their due for the deore hollowtech cranks, they are so light! And for such a good price! (yes I realise lighter is available but not so cheap)

I think the whole "oooh, shimano is big and evil" thing has been blown out of proportion.

I liken Shimano to BMW, in that they constantly produce incredibly well designed and fantasticly ergonomic products. Every so often they produce something not quite so good, which gets yanked fairly soonish, but they have built a very strong branding, and as a result a very good following.

I'm not adverse to using other stuff - I really like the SRAM kit, however, I am constantly amazed at the quality of the Deore and LX kit - and the price. Additionally, to use XT or XTR is simply a delight - much like driving an M car I presume - it just works, and well. No real flashiness or pizazz. However XTR is like an M3 CSL, just that bit tricker and lighter, but not really all that much better...

Ultimately, its all personal opinion, and having gone back to the LX, XT and XTR kit, I can't fault any of it - the Hollowtech II system is simply the Mcshizzle, and a real bargain.

Just like BMW, people will not like Shimano just because its Shimano - but when they actually spend time with the stuff (or car) they have to admit it is bloody good kit.

I never really got behind BMW before I got mine, and now I'm sold - I can't see me getting anything else for a long while - just is such a good bit of kit like my XTR groupset.

[wildoliver]

Very true comment.

Think Toyota is probably a better likeness though, as its very reliable kit but ultimately lacks soul.

[neil_cardiff]

wildoliver said:

Very true comment.

Think Toyota is probably a better likeness though, as its very reliable kit but ultimately lacks soul.

I dunno, I wouldn't say bike components could ever have soul as such, but XTR does exude some sort of "come and have a go if you think yer ard' enough" look to it...

[wildoliver]

Campag stuff has something about it I think.

[beyond rational]

I don't like the analogy in the OP, doesn't really work.

is there really much in it anyway as the other companies merge together?