The new Saint groupset shares some features and characteristics with the current group but on further inspection is also completely new on many levels. And it’s black and gold like those John Player Special branded Formula One cars from the 1970’s.
Here’s the official Press Release in full…
2008 SHIMANO SAINT GROUP
“Find your Flow” with the new Saint group.
Further increased rigidity combined with a lighter weight design should fulfill the needs of DH racers and mirrors the current gravity trend for faster and smoother trails. Again, in line with Shimano’s current trend of exquisitely detailed products and attention to aesthetics , the appearance of this group is very technical and aggressive; shiny black with subtle gold colored details.
Shimano Shadow SS & GS Rear Mech
Shimano have listened to requests and introduce a dedicated short cage mtb-specific shadow rear derailleur. Most importantly the new Saint Shadow rear derailleur does away with the axle/rear derailleur mount/interface and adopts a universal traditional dropout mount. The super low profile of the Shadow rear derailleur minimizes the chance to damage the derailleur by hitting any object on the trail. However compare them with the current Shadow offerings in the XT and XTR groupsets and you’ll see that the Saint differs quite dramatically. Most notable is the super wide inner link that offers the additional stiffness that is so important in gravity racing/riding – super crisp shifts and engagement. The lower part of the cage also incorporates a skid plate into the design – helping to deflect debris and obstacles. Shimano managed to combine this additional rigidity with a remarkable weight saving of 100 grams compared to the current version.
The Saint rear derailleur has an increased spring tension compared to the other Shimano Shadow derailleurs. However, the exclusive feature of the Saint Shadow rear derailleur is without a doubt the mode convertor used to select usage with either close or wide ratio cassettes. Close ratio cassettes (23-28T lowest gear) are recommended for Downhill usage, wide ratio (32-34T lowest gear) for Freeride and All Mountain usage. The Saint Shadow derailleur is available in a short (SS) and a medium (GS) cage version, top normal shifting only. Which should appeal to all riders with single or double chainring setups.
Rapidfire Plus shifters
The gravity oriented Rapidfire Plus shifters have been designed to combine a crisp shift feeling with 1-finger braking. They feature a short release lever stroke and Instant Release technology for a fast and direct response. Of course these shifters also feature 2-Way Release technology that allows the release lever to be operated in two directions. The new Saint shifters have been developed with an adjustable bracket to allow inboard and outboard mounting for optimum cockpit setup. Last but not least, they have an excellent mud shedding design – their low profile design allows for ample space between shifter and brake lever.
Cranksets
The Saint cranksets will be much lighter (double ring – 100g / single ring – 90g) and even more rigid than the current M800 versions. There will be options for single and double chainrings. Both have been developed with HOLLOWTECH II technology and feature an extreme heavy duty spider arm and spindle. The new crank arm design allows more ankle clearance and the “honeycomb” designed bash guard has a great impact resistance. It has a steel pedal thread insert for extra rigidity. Single chainring options include 34/36/38/40/42T. Double: 36 x 22T compact drive crankset for All Mountain usage offers a wide gear ratio and a narrower Q-factor.
Front derailleur
Saint includes a double specific mountain bike front derailleur, designed to perform optimumly with a 36x22T compact drive crankset – The cage radius is matched to a 36T chainring radius. It has a very compact size with increased plate stiffness and improved clearance of the chain, chain stay and rear tire for an optimal compatibility with most types of full suspension frames currently on the market. A wider and lower positioned inner plate reduces the chance of chain drop considerably. There will be top-swing and down-swing (conventional) versions for both 68/73mm and 83mm BB’s
Hub and freehub
The new Saint hub and freehub are around 100 grams lighter than current versions and they feature a standard size center lock mount which saves weight while maintaining strength. This also means that the Saint hubs are now compatible with the full range of Shimano center lock rotors too.The hub comes with Shimano’s tried and tested fully adjustable and easy serviceable cup and cone bearings, which are more durable under side loads (no one rides in a striaght line – least of all offroad!). Over Locknut Dimension (OLD) is 110mm and they feature a 20mm through axle for an ultra stiff fork/hub combination.
The bearings of the freehub have been positioned wider apart for increased stiffness and durability. The freehub body has been developed with Shimano’s quick engagement technology that results in increased performance especially in technical terrain. The Saint freehub will be available in two versions. 135mm OLD in combination with a 10mm or 12mm through axle and 150mm OLD with a 12mm through axle. Sealings have been further improved for 400% better durability.
The new Saint: lighter, stiffer, better. Enjoy the ride and “Find your Flow…”
Availability in the market: August 2008.
198’S THOUGHTS
So far…this looks like a killer set. Shimano is really stepping up to the plate in the am/fr/dh market for 2008 with the SLX and Saint groups. The cranks in particular look incredible. Time will tell on the hubs and shifting, but the rest of the group looks great. I can’t wait to see some of these parts in person.
