Originally Posted by
wnylogo
I had my FSA Vero 52/42/30T replaced with a Shimano Deore M590 48/36/26T early this summer. It came with a BB. Cost me a little over $100. It was an improvement for hill climbing. I didn't think it would matter that much, but it is noticeable. My cassette is 11-32 and I have a 9 speed. I do not believe the FSA Afterburner is worth over double the cost. Just did a quick search on it and the reviews weren't overwhelming favorable. With the savings going with Deore you could buy another cassette and go even lower.
I have looked for reviews, etc on the FSA and just cannot see the value in it. The Deore is a reasonable price to me including instillation and I think it will make a huge difference for me. The 105 Long Cage Road derailleur is rated at 11-30, but Sheldon Brown believes it can be used on an 11-34. The Bike shop told me they put a 11-36 on and were testing it out. So I would like to go with a new cassette too if I don't have to change out the RD.
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F Thomas
"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving."
Albert Einstein (1879-1955)