Originally Posted by shane45
Sorry, I don't agree with this statement at all. Not only does lighter
mean better performance, but the high end components are made with better materials and tighter tolerances.
I guess I better run out and throw as much Altus and Acera components on my bike as I can, for the big race this weekend.
(And rapid-rise does suck.)
When you look at the road gear, it does apply. Dura-Ace buys you less weight and shorter useful component life. A good, steel ring-set will last years beyond the light-as-fark stuff at 1/10th the price.
Not that high-end road gear will spontaneous combust - it just wears out faster.
On the original topic...
I tried a low-end (comfort groupo) rapid-rise/low-normal rear derailleur last week. YUK. Took it back, made the painful outlay for a Deore.
I believe I had the low-normal set up correctly, it just wasn't crisp, quick or confidence inspiring. Installed the Deore and it was tweaked within 10 minutes, shifting like a champ. (note: using SRAM MRX 8-speed gripshifts designed for Shimano derailleurs - love them)
I wouldn't mind trying a high-end low-normal but the Deore (high-normal) is working flawlessly - FAST up and downshift - so I don't see the point in switching now.