There's a method to this at Shimano: technical innovations are moved down a class from the top XTR groupset every year. In 2006, Shimano also presents the Dual Control shift/brake levers in the entry-level Deore groupset. The visual impression is very good. Although the finish does not reach the quality of the XTR, it is certainly convincing. Even on our carbon test racer, the Deore does not stand out in a negative way. Also convincing: the function. Only very experienced and sensitive fingers can tell the difference between Deore and XTR. The brakes were already convincing in our test (BIKE 1/2006). Of course, the favourable price has to come from somewhere: The Deore is quite heavy. The rear derailleur weighs 316 grams (39 euros), the Dual Control levers 507 grams (179 euros), the hollow forged crank (Octalink) 686 grams (from 86 euros).
Distribution: Paul Lange, Tel. 0711/258802, www.paul-lange.de
BIKE JUDGEMENT: VERY GOOD
