Here’s some updates on bits and pieces from the bike that have undergone months of use and abuse:
Shimano M970 XTR Driveline
Excellent operation since day one. I’m running an all-Shimano driveline, and aside from the pinch-bolt-style XT crankset (which I purposely chose over the M970 XTR because of its easy field servicing), it’s all XTR. The shifter paddles and the derailleur pivots are all still tight and smooth. Shifting is quick and precise. The dual-release triggers are nice, since I can keep the forefingers on the brakes while upshifting or downshifting with the thumbs. The availability of service components is nice – I was able to keep a rear derailleur damaged in Whistler in operation by replacing a small part. There has been no issue with premature chain or cassette wear, or chain failure. If I could come up with a complaint, it would be relating to the rear shifter in the drop from the lowest gear to the second-lowest gear. If the cable tension is adjusted correctly so the upper jockey pulley is perfectly aligned with the second cassette gear, when the shifter is moved to the lowest gear against the lower limit screw, there is a moderately high cable tension, so when pressing the release shifter lever, it is easy to overpress it and dump two gears or more instead of just one. It would be nice if the thumb paddles had position adjusters like the premium level SRAM shifters since not everyone’s thumbs are the same. I still think the current gruppo is unattractive and “prototype” in appearance, but that is the image Shimano was after when styling this latest iteration of XTR – to give the consumer the feel that he is one of the privileged “werks” testers.
Shimano XTR PD-M970 SPD Pedals
Excellent since day one. Since these are basically the same as the PD-M959’s with cosmetic changes and 15-grams shaved off, any issues have long been worked out. The bearings are still smooth and play-free, and the locking mechanism is tight and secure. They have taken a fairly good cosmetic bashing, from both the cleats and obstacle contact. The cleats have worn in, but are not worn-out yet. Considering they are steel, they do wear out comparatively quickly. They usually last me about a year. If you rotate your foot (in the “pronate/supronate” direction – not the “heel-in/out” release direction) and the cleat pops out, it’s time to change cleats.
Fizik Nisene Saddle
Good but not great. Comparatively heavy, this seat is almost as comfortable as my previous Selle San Marco Titanio 200. The “wing flex” front edges of the seat don’t flex at all. It actually seems that this region is the stiffest part of the saddle! The plastic side guards did their job protecting the edges of the leather when the bike fell at the Ditch trail parking area once. Even though it has less than 50 rides on it, the leather on the sides of the nose shows wear on both sides near the stitching. Not what I expected for the price premium and the reputation of Italian saddle quality. This saddle has been discontinued. I’ll replace it with a Kevlar-edged San Marco Aspide or something similar when I manage to find one.
Jandd Mountaineering Hurricane Mini MTN Wedge Saddle Bag
Excellent since day one. Still the best quality in stitched soft-goods, this Jandd bag is my second of this design. My previous one was still good, except for a little hole wearing in the bottom from one of the tools inside. The primary reason I got a new one was the color. Jarrel brought in a bunch of the Hurricane versions of the Mini MTN Wedge (lined with Hypalon) in OD and Coyote Tan, so I just had to get one! The main compartment fits a tube, big Rema patch kit, 16g CO2 fire-extinguisher-style inflator, spare derailleur hangers, spare chain bits, and tire levers with room to spare. The small zippered compartment on the bottom fits a folding Park multi-tool, chainring inner tool, 8/10mm combination open-end wrench, chain tool, spoke wrench, and screwdriver. The strap that holds the bag to the seat rails goes completely around the bag too, so there is no swinging, and an underfilled bag can be cinched in. The only weak point is the Velcro tabs that hold the front of the bag to the seatpost. On Jandds, these have always been just pieces of Velcro tape stitched into the front seams of the bag. After a while, the edges of the Velcro tape begin to unravel, leaving little hairs. This is common on the Jandd pump straps too. The front strap really should be webbing with Velcro stitched onto it, maybe even with a Fastex slider on one side. I think old Specialized bags were like that…
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