Shimano Debuts New 2008 Saint Groupset
IRVINE, CA (derailedonline.com) - Shimano has reworked the entire Saint groupset to include many improvements that we have seen in the other line of Shimano components. Most notably is the new shadow Saint derailleur, 4 pot brake, and two-way shifter. The cranks have gone on a diet to shave weight. The new Saint groupset will be seen on some bikes at Sea Otter this weekend. It's not expected to see these new goodies on the shelf till early fall August/September time frame.
High Resolution Photos of all the components are available here: 2008 Saint Groupset
Here is what Shimano has to say about the new groupset:
Introducing the new and vastly improved Shimano Saint groupset...
The new Saint group (M810), whilst sharing some features and characteristics with the current M800 group, is completely new on many levels, and promises much, much more. Further increased strength and rigidity, yet a lighter weight design should fulfil the needs of all gravity-hungry riders and those tough on parts. In line with Shimano’s current trend of highly detailed products and attention to aesthetics, the appearance of this group is very technical and distinctive; gloss black with subtle gold coloured details.
Return of the 4-Pot Caliper:
Completely new and designed from the ground up; 4 piston calipers are the flavour of the day, not seen in the Shimano range since the much acclaimed M775 XT calipers. The result is dual-diameter 4-piston calipers that provide an incredible 50% more stopping power than the current BR-M800 calipers. The two part caliper (joined by x4 Torx bolts) is 9% stiffer than than current mono-bodied M775 XT caliper. The calipers also have an increased oil flow which should make bleeding a whole lot easier.
The brake levers feature Servo Wave technology that contributes to the brake power and offers excellent controllability and extra pad clearance as well. The levers feature tool-free reach adjust and a beefy lever blade for optimal control and strength. The new brake package is completed by a stiffer improved hose constructed of Vinylon.
Shadow Short Cage (SS) Rear Derailleur:
The new Saint Shadow rear derailleur does away with the axle mount/interface of the previous M800 series and adopts a universal traditional dropout mount. We all know by now that the super low profile of the Shadow rear derailleur minimizes the chance to damage the derailleur by hitting any object on the trail. However compare them with the current Shadow offerings in the XT and XTR groupsets and you’ll see that the Saint differs quite dramatically. Most notable is the super wide inner link that offers the additional stiffness that is so important in gravity racing/riding – super crisp shifts and engagement. The lower part of the cage also incorporates a skid plate into the design – helping to deflect debris and obstacles. Shimano managed to combine this additional rigidity with a remarkable weight saving of 100 grams compared to the current M800 version.
The Saint rear derailleur has an increased spring tension compared to the XT and XTR Shimano Shadow derailleurs. However, the exclusive feature of the Saint Shadow rear derailleur is without doubt the mode convertor used to adjust the rear derailleur’s profile to work optimally with either close or wide ratio cassettes. Close ratio cassettes (23-28T lowest gear) are recommended for Downhill useage, wide ratio (32-34T lowest gear) for Freeride and All Mountain usage. The Saint Shadow derailleur is available in a short (SS) and a medium (GS) cage version, (top-normal shifting only), which should appeal to all riders with single or double chainring setups.
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 for optimum cockpit setup. Last but not least, they have an excellent mud shedding design – their low profile design allows for ample space between shifter and brake lever, meaning mud should no longer collect here.
Cranksets:
One word: Diet! The Saint cranksets will be much lighter (double ring – 100g / single ring - 90g) and even more stiffer than the current M800 versions. There will be options for both single and double chainrings. Both have been developed with HOLLOWTECH II technology and feature an extremely heavy duty redesigned spider arm and spindle. The new crank arm design allows more ankle clearance and the “honeycomb” designed bash guard has great impact resistance. It has a steel pedal thread insert for added stifness and security. Single chainring options include 34/36/38/40/42T. Double: 36 x 22T compact drive crankset for All Mountain usage offers a wide gear ratio and a narrower Q-factor.
Front Derailleur:
Following on from the recently announced double-specific SLX front derailleur, the new Saint groupset will offer a double- specific front derailleur too. Designed to perform optimumly with a 36x22T compact drive crankset – The cage radius is matched to a 36T chainring radius, resulting in improved shifting. It has a very compact size with increased plate stiffness and improved clearance of the chain, chain stay and rear tire for an optimal compatibility with most types of full suspension frames currently on the market. A wider and lower positioned inner plate reduces the chance of chain drop considerably. There will be top-swing and down-swing (conventional) versions for both 68/73mm and 83mm BB’s.
Hub and Freehub:
If the new Saint hubs were supermodels they’d be a size zero! The new Saint hub and freehub are a staggering 100grams lighter than current versions and they feature a standard size center lock mount which saves weight while maintaining strength. This also means that the Saint hubs are now compatible with the full range of Shimano center lock rotors too.The hub comes with Shimano’s tried and tested fully adjustable and easy serviceable cup and cone bearings, which are proven to be more durable under side loads. 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 and durability. 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. 135mm OLD in combination with a 10mm or 12mm through axle and 150mm OLD with a 12mm through axle. Sealings have been further improved for 400% better durability, reuslting in longer service intervals.
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Posted on Apr 18, 2008 07:29:51 -0400 by Brady.