Parts Spending. Do it wisely (Rear derailer)

I: Why do you change from 7 speeds to Deore 9 speeds groupset.
The person I met in LBS: Because it is 7 speeds!?

 
Impulsive spending
Occasionally I walked into LBS and walked out with something I didn't have intention to buy at the first place. It could be something that I never realize I need it until I saw it. It is like window shopping in ACE Hardware.  However my impulsive spending is limited to cable end, cable housing end, chain lube, shifter cable, brake cable and other consumables.


Parts upgrades
When the part deteriorated in performance or functionality, I'll go for better part replacement. Say that my RD need replacement, well at this moment I have 1 weak reason for it which is the jockey wheel becomes pointy. Since current RD is Shimano XT, better part would be XTR but exorbitant price may not allow my hands on it. So very likely I'll go for XT of the newer model.

For a start, there are 6 variants from current Shimano XT RD which make my choice become harder.  Check out the following: -

1. Top normal, Shadow, Long cage, Direct routing (RD-M772-SGS)

source: bike.shimano.com

2. Top normal, Shadow, Medium cage, Direct routing (RD-M772-GS)

source: bike.shimano.com

3. Top normal, Long cage, Straight pull (RD-M771-SGS)

source: bike.shimano.com

4. Top normal, Medium cage, Straight pull (RD-M771-GS)

source: bike.shimano.com

5. Low normal, Long cage, Straight pull (RD-M770-SGS)

source: bike.shimano.com

6. Low normal, Medium cage, Straight pull (RD-M770-GS)

source: bike.shimano.com

Top Normal - resting pulley is on top i.e. smallest cog (eg. 11T). Downshifting on the shifter requires pushing your thumb on the lever.

Low Normal - resting pulley is on low i.e. biggest cog (eg. 34T). Downshifting on the shifter is by 'release' action by your index finger

Shadow - Non-protruding RD.

Direct Routing - cable comes from top to down.  I believe this overcoming issue with Straight pull.

Straight Pull - cable comes from behind to front, thus the loop with potential to hook on something on trail.

Medium Cage - for chain capacity up to 33T. Eg. 32T/22T chainring, 11T/34T cassette = 33T

Long Cage - for chain capacity up to 45T. Eg. 44T/32T/22T chainring, 11T/34T cassette = 45T

Chain Capacity (aka Total capacity) - result of (biggest cog - smallest cog) + (biggest chainring - smallest chainring)


Decision making
Long or Medium Cage
I'm currently running 36T/22T chainring and 11T/32T cassette on my Kona Cindercone thus my chain capacity is 35T.  This means I can only use Long Cage if I were to use 36T chainring and 32T at any point of time. 
Shortlisted: RD-M772-SGS, RD-M771-SGS, RD-M770-SGS

Top or Low Normal
Since I'm used to Top Normal, using Low Normal requires some adjustment for my brain to register and react subconsciously.  As a matter of fact, all my bikes run Top Normal thus Top Normal would be my choice.
Shortlisted: RD-M772-SGS, RD-M771-SGS

Shadow
Shadow is associated with Direct Routing.  While I like the RD to be less protruding, it comes with a perk of Direct Routing, features that I believe address issue with Straight Pull.
Shortlisted: RD-M772-SGS


Verdict
Top normal, Shadow, Long cage, Direct routing (RD-M772-SGS)

source: bike.shimano.com

KDCF TT 2010 | FakawiTribe.com

RESULTS:

1. Patawi 22:29
2. Joseph 24:14
3. Megat 25:06
4: Adli 25:24
5. Alex 26:35
6. Johnny 27:26
7. Tigerhills 29:17
8. Andy 29:54
9. HYH 30:32 (tie)
9. Fai 30:32(tie)
11. Stan 33.41
12. Riza 37:03
13. Dino 39:47

 source: fakawitribe.com

Expected result.  What can I say more for a person who has not put up with reasonable amount of training?  Served me right.  But on positive note, I'm determined to have regular training.  Rain or shine!

Paying It Forward

“The expression "pay it forward" is used to describe the concept of asking that a good turn be repaid by having it done to others instead. In contract law, typically there are two parties, but there may be a third party beneficiary. "Pay it forward" means the creditor (obligee) offers the debtor (obligor) the option of "paying" the debt forward by lending the funds to a third person instead of paying it back to the original creditor.”

source: Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pay_it_forward

After I succeeded good diet, I was determined to pick up a sport.  Tried running but it only last less than 100 meters before started panting.  I had a keen interest in MTB but significant start-up cost was a major turn-off for me.  Some friends who already into MTB enticed me into it but before I jump into the bandwagon, it would be nice if someone could take me for a ride, let me have a feel of the MTB craze.  At least shall a glimpse look good, high chance I will have a fond interest too.  Bottom line, I was into MTB like a turn-key project.  Lucky enough I was keen into it that now I'm living in with 5 MTBs and 1 road bike.

No. 1: Scott Scale 70.  Paying it forward to Aisah.

Location: RRI

No. 2: Specialized S-Works.  Singlespeeded.

Location: Langkap, Perak

No. 3: Shogun Trailbreaker.  MTB frame with touring bike setup.

Location: MRR2

No. 4: Kona Cindercone.  My primary MTB.

Location: Dream, RRI

No. 5: Skinny Bitch.  Unknown frame with Columbus carbon stay and Shimano Ultegra grouppo.

Location: Gombak, heading to Genting Sempah

No. 6: Proton TBlaze. 13” frame MTB dedicated for my son.

Location: Kepong Metro Park

A number of time, I had been approached by some close friends for advice on picking up cycling as hobby.  Instead of asking them to straight away buying a bike, I offered them an opportunity to give it try and figure out shall cycling is for them or not.  Take this as my part of ‘Paying It Forward’ deeds as I did received kind gesture from dear friends one way or another (e.g. cheap parts, dirt cheap services, loan tools, and skill class).



Addendum-22 April
Thanks BC Kelolo for that Deore shifter :)