My deore rear deraileur (on the Aurora) is taking a frustratingly long time to die, at which point I can reward myself with an upgrade. Well over 3000 road miles and several hundred off road miles since I got the bike and it is showing no signs of failure, and doesn't even go out of adjustment easily. I've riddn borrowed bikes with XT, and that was crisper, but not a LOT crisper. When it comes down to it, shifters are probably a lot more important than deraileurs, but bike companies seem to think that a better way to spec is with a full group and one step higher rear derailleur. I'd take a one level lower derailleur to get better shifters. Bah humbug.

For what it's worth, my next bike will probably be 105 level. I'm kind of curious to try 10 speed, and I can't resist a little bling (105 may not be blingy over at the road forum, but I'll take what I can get on a college budget).


As to discs vs. cantis: It's come up over and over again. I have no experience with discs, so I can't comment.