Shimano's '05 Components

When you're the ruler of the bicycle world, you're allowed to freewheel for awhile, let others catch up. But that's not Shimano's style and their new product line proves this fact. For '05, the Deore LX and Saint component groups get some major upgrades, and there's a new kid on the block: Hone.

Hone disc brake.

Technology trickles from XTR and XT straight down to LX for '05. The components group is completely revamped to boost performance, but LX will remain just as affordable. Details to follow in June.

Similar in price to LX, Hone is set to be the new "meat and potatoes" group. It is focused toward "all-mountain" style bike. Those riders looking for a group that's designed for that abuse of hardcore freeriding dishes out, Saint is still the answer. It will feature race-inspired Dual Control shifters, Hollowtech II cranks and Center Lock rotor mount disc hubs, and thanks to the Saint-like axle-mounted rear derailleur, it should withstand tons of abuse. Hone should allow riders to thrash their equipment without worrying about bending/breaking derailleur hangers and still benefit from Shimano's race technology.

Hone crankset.

Saint, the bombproof freeride-specific parts group, gets Dual Control levers and its very own front derailleur for the new year. The cranks and front derailleur will accommodate an extra-wide 83mm bottom bracket shell. This system keeps chainline straight and problem-free, even with the massive 150mm rear axle. Because not everyone in the freeride crowd is a huge fan Dual Control levers, there will be separate Saint levers and new Rapidfire shifters.

Look over the '05 product line and it's no surprise that Shimano is the industry leader. Stay tuned as we get our hands on these new goods and see how they hold up.