In this article I will review the Shimano Deore XT PD-M8100 SPD pedals, which are the default for mountain bike and gravel pedals. The new limited edition Shimano GRX SPD M8100-UG pedals are basically the same Deore XT M8100 SPD pedals.
I also have two pairs of Shimano XTR PD-M9100 SPD pedals (which we discounted) that are a bit lighter for the top end group and used by Pete Stetina on his Canyon Grail gravel bike.
In this article I will review the Alugear Aero Boost Chainring for Shimano Direct Mount, which is one of the very few aero chainrings for a mountain bike. I’m riding a Rotor no-Q Aero chainring on my Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 and a Wolf Tooth Aero Chainring for Shimano GRX 820 on the Canyon CF SL 8 gravel bike.
In this article I will chare my thoughts on the Works Components Geo Chainring for Shimano Direct Mount. Beautifully designed “honey-comb-like” structure, that looks awesome on a Shimano Deore XT M8100 Hollowtech II crankset. The Shimano TL-FC41 Tool can be used to install this Direct Mount Chainring.
In this article I will review the Kogel Bearings Shimano Crank Arm Fixing Bolt, or as Shimano calls it the crank arm cap or pre-load cap. Default Shimano uses plastic versions of this component Y0N500025. For the Dura Ace 9000 cranks I’ve exchanged it with a grey anodized Wheelsmfg FIX-BOLT-1 from 6061 aluminum. The Kogel Bearings Crank Arm Fixing Bolt will go on the Deore XT M8100 Hollowtech II crank arm (with 4iiii power meter).
In this article I will review the 4iiii Precision 3 Power Meter on the left Shimano Deore XT M8100 crankarm. I’ve purchased the factory installed crankarm and exchanged it on my Scott Scale 925 mountain bike. I’ll have a look at the key features, the 4iiii companion app for Google Android and my experience so far with the power meter (without the find my feature).
In this article I will review the Cyclotech Endura Centerlock Disc Brake Rotor, which I’ve purchased through mtb-brakepads.nl (together with Cyclotech Brake Pads and some small parts). I was tipped by this brand and local shop by long term cycling friend Philipp Gante.
In this article I will review the Shimano Dual Rain Shoe Covers CW-FABW-VS42U that I use in combination with the Sidi Drako 2 SRS Carbon Mountain Bike shoes. I will have a look at some of the design features, that are welcome for off-road use !
In this article I will share some thoughts on the Shimano Brake Pad Spacer with product number Y-8J709000. It is a cheap and simple but must have tool. Not only when travelling, but also when you are riding your indoor trainer.
In this article I will review the Sidi Drako 2 SRS Carbon Matt Mountain Bike shoes, and zoom in on features and details that I really like. I will also explain the similarities with the Sidi Wire SP shoes that I use on my road bike.
The Shimano Quick Link SM-CN900-11 is the Shimano alternative for the KMC MissingLink, SRAM PowerLock and their previous solution the Shimano Chain Connecting Pin. In this article I will briefly look at the design and search for differences (if applicable).