The big "S" and a "freeride" group

[C.P.]

I have been a little hesitant to buy shimano stuff in the last few years, (stickin with small manfacturers and SRAM) but this stuff may get me to buy their stuff again.

(although they'll never get me to go to a "low normal" rear derailer)

Check it out.

http://www.mbaction.com/detail.asp?id=679

[Adam]

With the exception of the revised derailleur-mount bit they mention, I'm not certain that Saint is the end game for FR drivetrains. After a season on a Speedhub in the varied climate of the northeast, I'm sold on internally geared hubs.
Saint doesn't advertise a stronger/thicker cassette that's more friendly to heavy bikes, riders wearing 20 lbs of extra gear, or short, steep rocky climbs where quick shifting is the norm (and also breaks gears).
I'll probably always have the lighter conventional 'S' bits on my XC bike, but for FR no thanks.
-Adam