Information from the industry ranks

by Mitch Trujillo, PCI #244T
IPMBA Industry Relations Committee
Boulder PD (CO)

Light. Strong. Cheap. Pick Two. - Keith Bontrager

Wise words from a mountain bike guru. Given bike patrol demands, it's not the lightest or most expensive components we need; it's the most dependable, practical, and cost-effective ones.

That said, the latest, high-end prospects from two of the heavyweight bike component manufacturers can be very tempting. SRAM came out jabbing early in 2002 with their svelte XO shifter and rear derailleur, while Shimano countered with their flashy XTR combo brake lever-shifter and rapid rise derailleur. Even some of the bantamweight contenders like TruVativ and FSA got into the ring with new cranksets and ISIS bottom brackets. I'm sure there were others who came out swinging.

Practicality in mind, however, this article will highlight some of the 2003 middle-to upper-range offerings from SRAM, Shimano, TruVativ, and FSA. Obviously, only some of the manufacturer offerings are listed. It is likely that a patrol bike will come fully or partially equipped with drive train components from these companies. Many come spec'd on patrol bikes supplied by Fuji, Trek, and Smith & Wesson. Keep in mind that unit pricing and weight will vary from source to source.

SRAM ESP (www.sram.com)

The SRAM throttle shifters revolutionized drive trains in 1987. Here are a few more recent shifter and derailleur highlights.

The 5.0 and 9.0 shifters are designated "shorty" or "half pipe" twist shifters, while the 7.0 is the "shorty" style only. Gear throws are light and positive. The 7.0 is available with a smaller grip for smaller hands. Small design changes in the shifter body and grips distinguish the three. The 9.0 shifter set retails for about $60, the 7.0 for $50, and the 5.0 for $35.

All ESP rear derailleurs come with a long pulley cage; the 9.0 offers a short cage version for quicker shifting.

The 9.0 derailleur is composed of a mixture of forged aluminum, composite and steel. It weighs about 270g, is compatible with 8- or 9-speed, and retails for $80. The 7.0 derailleur is made of cast aluminum, composite and steel. It weighs about 265g, handles 8- or 9-speed, and retails for $50. The 5.0 derailleur is made of aluminum, composite and steel. It weighs in at 320g and is compatible with 7/8/9 speeds. Suggested retail is $30. All ESP derailleurs use the patented "1:1 actuation ratio technology," which basically means that there is no delay or hesitation when changing gears.

ESP shifters should only be used with ESP derailleurs and vice versa. SRAM still has some specific shifters compatible with Shimano derailleurs, in both twist and lever versions. Look for the 5.0/9.0 shifters-derailluers on Smith & Wesson bikes.

Shimano (www.shimano.com)

Almighty Shimano has not modified the Deore, LX, or XT drive trains much for 2003. The only changes come in their XT (M751) and LX (M571) cranks. The cranks themselves no have longer solid arms; instead, they have adopted the Hollowtech technology from last year's XTR. They are reported to have increased in strength and decreased in weight. The three crankset models come with 170mm arms (for smaller riders) or 175mm arms (for average sized riders). For the "clydesdales," the XT crankset also is available with 180mm arms. The XT crankset has a published weight of 647g; the LX, 656g; and the Deore, 715g. The Deore crank shares the same Octalink spline compatibility (with Shimano or Shimano-compatible splined bottom brackets) with its brethren. All come with 22-32-44 tooth chainrings, and are priced as follows: XT - $120, LX - $75, and Deore - $55.

The Shimano drive trains retain the same quality and performance for which they have become known. Look for Deore, LX, and XT componentry on Smith & Wesson bikes, and the XT rear derailleur on Trek and Fuji patrol bikes.

TruVative (www.truvativ.com)

Relative newcomer TruVative is a California company that is easing its way into the industry. The company uses computer FEA (Finite Element Analysis) optimized procedures for development of their cranks.

TruVativ's FiveD is the entry-level crankset. It has heat-treated cromoly middle and small rings and fits 8- and 9-speed drive trains. The tough rings should do well for bigger riders. The arms are either 170mm or 175mm, and it shares the same computer designing as the Firex. The FiveD is available for either ISIS splined or square taper spindles, black or silver finishes. Total reported weight is 830g, and it runs a cool $70. The crankset comes stock on Fuji patrol models, both hardtail and softtail, and is spec'd with 22-32-44 chain rings.

The Firex is their reasonably priced, "high performance" crankset. The concave crankarms are redesigned, and are forged out of their secret alloy AL-66. The arms are available in lengths of 170mm or 175mm with an ISIS Drive or square taper (traditional) interface. The 9-speed rings are 22-32-44 tooth configuration (middle and outer rings 7057-T6 aluminum). The package weighs in at 634g and comes in black, grey, or satin silver anodizing. Roughly $100.

Both cranksets get good reviews and can be matched with a TruVativ ISIS Drive SL bottom bracket. The bottom bracket is 230g, and comes with a 10-flute ISIS-splined, hollow cromoly spindle, machined/adjustable cups, and sealed cartridge bearings. Nice stuff.

Full Speed Ahead (www.fullspeedahead.com)

Speaking of bottom brackets, the FSA Platinum comes on Fuji patrol models.

The bottom bracket has a forged, hollow cromoly spindle, with ISIS splined interface. Features include: 3-sealed cartridge bearings, cold-forged aluminum cups, cromoly self-extracting crank bolts, and an anti-creak sleeve covering the 225g unit. It comes in various sizes to accommodate bottom bracket and spindle widths. About $55.

Several bike manufacturers offer discounts to IPMBA members through the Product Purchase Program.

Mitch is an IPMBA Instructor Trainer, an IMBA National Mountain Bike Patroller, and has a penchant for singlespeeds. He can be reached at trujillom@ci.boulder.co.us.

© 2003. This review originally appeared in the Winter 2003 issue of IPMBA News.