none

extreme cable angle in top pull mode .unusable junk

junk

Light, smooth, easy installation and tune up.

None so far

A decisive step up from the Deore that came with the bike; nice and smooth, easy to be installed and tuned. The look is great and matches the XT derailleur in the back. The only pain in the neck is the shimano chain that needs pin replacement so when I installed the derailleur I had to open the chain (none of these problems if you have sram chain)

Similar Products Used:

Deore

Strong, rigid, positive shifts. The powerful spring and rigid cage control the chain not vice versa

In top pull mode the arm and cable stick way out to the side and can snag. It also looks like it will wear the ferrule on one side. I think I may put a sawn off brake noodle to make a smooth curve

It's common for bike builders to put a cheaper FD. I've had Acera and Alivio FDs and they worked OK.

Scott put an Altus on this bike. It would not change into the granny gear going up a hill. OK on the level or downhill but not when you actually needed it.

The difference between the Altus and the LX is like the difference between sending the council a letter asking them to please, when they have time, if it's not too much trouble, change gear - compared with kicking the door down, pointing a shotgun and telling the mothers to change gear NOW!

A great upgrade

Similar Products Used:

Altus, Acera, Alivio

Versatile fit system, suitable for any cable routing, spring strength & smooth shifting

Weight, high clamp design interferes with seat-tube bottle mounts

Don't be fooled into thinking XT means light-weight, this product (and the shifters incidentallly) are 10-20% heavier than Shimano deore models. However, the positive return, and shift performance more than makes up for this - this mech has good, positive engagement on the up-shift, and rapid, reliable return on the down-shift. Great for all mountain riding, and free-ride - possibly a bit heavy for XC racers.

I reckon the performance gain is well worth the weight penalty if upgrading from entry level kit (deore, x.3 or x.5); but for all those gram-shavers out there, go for the xtr mech if your wallett will stretch to it (same design, reduced weight)

Similar Products Used:

Deore, and Deore LX front mechs

Simple installation, versatility-top pull or bottom and includes adaptors to fit all 3 seat tube sizes. Very smooth operation.

None so far.

This is a great component for the price. Very similar to the XTR at half the price. I would recommend this to anyone looking to upgrade or build a new bike. The trails I ride are very tough on bikes and components and this derailleur takes it like a champ.

Similar Products Used:

Shimano LX