MONTEREY, US – At the See Otter Classic this week Shimano has launched the new Saint mountain bike group for Down Hill, Freeriding and Extreme All Mountain. It is not just an improvement of the existing Saint, but it’s completely different and the expectation about its performance are running high.
Further increased rigidity for example and a lightweight design which is in line with the current gravity trend for faster and smoother trails. The appearance is very technical and aggressive, in shiny black and subtle gold coloured details. Saint will be available in August 2008.
4-piston disc brakes
The Saint disc brakes have been designed from scratch. The dual-diameter 4-piston callipers provide an 50% more stopping power than the current BR-M800. The callipers have an increased oil flow which makes bleeding a lot easier. The brake levers feature Servo Wave technology that gives more brake power and offers excellent controllability and extra pad clearance as well. The levers feature a tool-free reach adjust and they have a beefy lever blade for optimal control.
Shimano Shadow
The futuristic Saint Shadow rear derailleur minimizes the chance to damage the derailleur by hitting any object on the trail. Biggest difference with the Deore XT and XTR Shadow derailleur introduced last year, is the super wide inner link that offers the additional stiffness that is so important in gravity.
The Saint rear derailleur has an increased spring tension compared to the other Shimano Shadow derailleurs. Furthermore, it has a bracket switch to select usage with close or wide ratio cassettes. The Saint Shadow derailleur is available in a short (SS) and a medium (GS) cage version.
Rapidfire Plus shifters
The gravity oriented Rapidfire Plus shifters have been designed to combine a crisp shift feeling with 1-finger braking. They feature a short release lever stroke and Instant Release technology for a fast and direct response. Of course these shifters also feature 2-Way Release technology that allows the release lever to be operated in two directions. The new Saint shifters have been developed with an adjustable bracket to allow inboard and outboard mounting. Last but not least, they have an excellent mud shedding design.
Cranksets
The Saint cranksets will be lighter and even more rigid than current versions. There will be options for single and double chainrings. Both have been developed with HOLLOWTECH II technology and feature a heavy duty spider arm and spindle. The new crank arm design allows more ankle clearance and the “honeycomb” designed bash guard has a great impact resistance. It has a steel pedal thread insert for extra rigidity. Single chainring options: 34/36/38/40/42T. Double: 36 x 22T compact drive crankset for All Mountain usage offers a wide gear ratio and a narrow Q-factor.
Front derailleur
Saint includes a double specific mountain bike front derailleur, designed to perform with a 36x22T compact drive crankset. It has a very compact size with increased stiffness and improved clearance of the chain, chain stay and rear tire for an optimal compatibility with all kinds of full suspension frames. A wider and lower positioned inner plate reduces the chance of chain drop considerably.
Hub and freehub
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The new Saint hub and freehub are around 100 grams lighter than current versions and they feature a standard size center lock mount which saves weight while maintaining strength. The hub has been provided with fully adjustable and easy serviceable cup and cone bearings. Over Locknut Dimension (OLD) is 110mm and they feature a 20mm through axle for an ultra stiff fork/hub combination.
The bearings of the freehub have been positioned wider apart for increased stiffness. The freehub body has been developed with Shimano’s quick engagement technology that results in increased performance especially in technical terrain. The Saint freehub will be available in two versions. A 135mm OLD in combination with a 10mm or a 12mm through axle and 150mm OLD with a 12mm through axle. The sealing features 400% improved durability.
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