|   XTR? | Dirt Rider 666
Dec 13, 2002 6:45 PM | | Why do XTR components cost twice as much as XT. I know their the best, but are they that good? |
| re: XTR? | Hans
Dec 13, 2002 7:31 PM | | It depends how you define "best". They may be the lightest of the Shimano family, but that doesn't mean they are the most durable. I prefer XT over XTR for longevity and price. |
| re: XTR? | Spongedog
Dec 14, 2002 6:13 AM | | The XTR is really designed with the racer in mind. The parts are very light, however they are not designed for long term durability. They are designed to last for a season of racing (or less). The previous comment that XT is the more durable component for the recreational rider is correct. Also, it is unlikly that a recreational rider will really notice the difference. If you are really concerned about weight, look at some of the other parts of your bike like the wheelset, handlebar, and seatpost.
Also, while the XTR components are very nice, there are also a number of strong competitors. Check them all out. |
| XTR ? | dontnomuch
Dec 14, 2002 12:59 PM | | Shimano sweats the details more with XTR. The brake levers and V-brakes use bearings instead of bushings. XTR rear hubs utilize ti instead of steel. As for XTR parts lasting one year or less...I've been using the same XTR brake levers and V-brakes for over 6 years without any problems. |
| agreed | laffeaux
Dec 16, 2002 12:28 PM | | I've seen absolutely no durability difference between XT and XTR. Both last a long time.
The difference is in the amount of work needed to produce the product (i.e. a block of aluminum is stong and may be very functional; that same block of aluminum can be machined down, so that it looks nicer, weighs less, and is just as strong, but will cost more because it requires more labor), and the amount of money spent on R&D. There is a huge amount if money spent on R&D. The new XTR shifter as an example, probably cost millions to develop, while it may only cost $50 to produce. If Shimano sells the product based upon the $50 production cost, it's going to be a long time before they pay off their R&D efforts. The high prices are needed to finance future development, and lower level components receive "trickle down" technology and their price more closely reflects rear production costs. |
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