New New New.

[dvo1]

I want the Shadow derailleur along with the Brake levers.

To bad I have to wait till June.:banghead:

http://bike.shimano.com/publish/content/cycle/sac/us/en/news_and_information/news/2008_shimano_deore.html

[steef]

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="cqcTextTitleImgHdrBkgrnd14" valign="top">2008 SHIMANO Deore XT Marks 25 Years of Off-Road Innovation</td></tr> <tr><td>http://bike.shimano.com/publish/images/global/spacer.gif</td></tr> <tr><td class="cqcTextTitleImgHdrCopy" valign="top">In 1982, what started as a phone call from Yoshi Shimano to the HQ in Japan about a growing cycling movement resulted in a full set of components designed specifically for mountain bikes. Here Shimano Deore XT was born.</td></tr></tbody></table>

I don't think the XT designation occured until the 6 speed index shifting came around in about '86.

I had one of the original Deore touring groups recently and it was quite goofy. I had to ebay it to support my living habit.

Originally an early '80's touring group, designed so that almost all adjustments could be made with a single 6 mm Allen wrench. (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/glossary.html#allen) Evolved into Deore XT MTB group, DX and LX spun off later.

Gimmee the 7 speed XT thumbies any day. The 6 speed stuff isn't too bad either. [/retrogrouch]