Originally Posted by victim

You have a rapid fire set up now. Like someone else said, I am suspecting of you LBS's compentecy. I think XT and XTR shifts a little crisper, but not much. And on a road bike the granny is dreaded and mocked, but on a MTB it's your best buddy. I think you like real crisp shifting so for you I would recommend XT, i think it is the best blend of price and performance from Shimano. You already have an XTR (top of line) rear der so your all set there. Nice set up IMO.

Cassette question: You can shave a half to three quarters of a pound for around 90 bucks. Hg 50 cassette is not top quality at all. Sram 990, or Xt or XTR. I tried to find an XTR on Ebay for awhile but I refuse to pay 200+ for one, but those are real light. It's a great bike but it can be made better. I preferred the Triad over the Brain, but I am in the minorty there.

Oh and one more thing, it sounds like your FD is not tuned right. Maybe use the Park site to double check it. It should not really have to "catch". Really it should shift similar to your road bike, mine does. Nice road bike BTW. Good luck.