Outside reviews »
Review of the Shimano Deore LX group
I have a love-hate relationship with Shimano’s Deore LX lineup — I’ve never been able to get an LX rear derailleur to last any significant amount of time on any of my bikes (cross country, freeride, all mountain). This is frustrating because, in general, Shimano derailleurs hold up reasonably well, even if the noises drive me nuts.
As mentioned previously, Shimano’s 2006 Deore group featured a bunch of trickle-down technologies that, up until a couple of years ago, could be found only on the insanely high priced XTR lineup. Now, the same can be said about the Deore LX lineup, which now features competitively-priced versions of Shimano hydraulic brakes, the Hollowtech II crankset, a low-normal derailleur (I love the shifting action of these things), and Dual Control levers.
Bike Magazine posted up a good review of the entire Deore LX group and you should check it out if you’re considering a wholesale change to your drivetrain. The best thing about the LX set is that you can purchase everything for a little more than what that shiny new set of XTR cranks would set you back. Granted, you suffer a bit weight wise, but I’d rather save the $500 and carry an extra pound up the hill with me. And while I’ll likely never be convinced that the Dual Control shifter / brake levers are a good idea for the type of riding I do out here (aggressive trail and all mountain and freeride), the response among others, especially cross country riders has been positive.