Any idea when this group comes out? Looking at purchasing cranks/BB. Tried looking on the shimano website but it is if Hone does not exist.

At this point I have only heard 'testing' rumours. I haven't seen it around yet. But generally, in bc, we don't get new stuff till spring.

is hone higher or less than saint?

Less...its like LX to XT (or XT to xtr)

Isn't the Hone crankset (along with 90% of the groupo) identical to LX with a different name on it? Why not just get the LX, it's available now.

I do believe the Hone shares a bit with the saint in that the derailleur mounts to the axle, but the front hub isn't 20mm TA. Also, according to what I've read, the Hone crankset uses the XT Hollowtech design but it's a bit beefier. "Hone cranks use the same hollowtech design as Deore XT, with more metal and a one, two or three chainring option." was what I found in the following article: https://www.mbaction.com/detail.asp?id=923

I managed to mangle my XT cranks so I was hoping to try something beefier but I cannot afford Saint.

how'd you manage to mangle a set of XT cranks...

A couple grinds that didn't go so well. I got so much foot rub on the crank that you wouldn't know they were XT's and you could see your face.

wow... sounds like you've worn them out pretty good.. I dunno that the hones are going to fix the foot rub problem, though. Perhaps you just have really wide feet? I dunno what else to tell you there

Simple solution: piece of clear packing tape over the rub spot. when i wears down, replace

Jenson has them, er, at least they will by March 18. Try here ...

https://www.jensonusa.com/store/product.aspx?i=CR604A00

they look exactly the same just different colors ...
lighter, different materials?

The hone is black, so it must be stronger.

*runs out side and makes sure everything on bike is black*

I thought that Hone was going to be a groupset to fill the gap left by Saint - eg as an all-mountain groupo? Mebbe not

Hmm i was reading Mountain Biking Australia and i saw a pic of the whole Hone range, i'll go have another look and see what i said about it.

Edit: Found the section just after i posted, its only a small caption but here is what it says...

"Shimano had their new hone groupset on display for all to see. This new component group has an axle mounted rear derailleur like the super heavy duty saint group set. It is built to be tougher than the traditional cross country parts like XT and LX but is still light enough for general trail riding. It will be interesting to see how it performs in 2005."

Well hope that helps for anyone not sure about its purpose Shame it had no prices or weights...

Btw it was talking about the Bicycling Australia show where it was displayed

Like beavis said, try Jenson. Some components seem to be available sooner.

Here are two sites with Shimano's official info on Hone (and other lines):

Shimano's American site is recently improved - https://bike.shimano.com/catalog/cycl...=1107188523465

Shimano's europe site is also pretty good - https://www.shimano-europe.com/cycling/

thanks everyone for the great info!

LX and Hone are similar except for colour (cranksets and BB)

the main differences are the rear derailleur and rear and front Hubs.
Shifters are either Dual control or Rapid Fire, you specify

If Anyone Is Interested There Is A Write Up On It In The New "decline" Magazine.
On My Freeride Hardtail I Have All Shimano Saint Components. No Complaints Only Smiles. I Hpoe You Can Find The Article............................

You should post some pics, then... We'd like to see how it looks on a bike. Maybe post some more opinions of the group. After all, you're an independent rider and it's always nice to hear opinions of people other than those paid to do such things.

I f they are anything close to Saint they'll be sweet. My bud has Saint cranks on his bullit,he loves em'.

I think everyone should give me whatever they want to test and I'll ride it and see if it breaks