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Just got my shiny new 2013 model Giant Anthem 29er, and was disappointed to see the RD wasn't direct mount. Or to be accurate, the RD is direct mount capable (XT M785) but Giant haven't taken advantage of that capability!
Anyone know if and when Giant might bring out a new derraileur hanger that allows us to do away with that poxy 'B2' link and direct mount the 2013 Shimano RDs the way they're meant to be?
Nobody!
Am I the only one who got suckered in by the hype about direct mount then!
With all the fuss over shadow plus, maybe nobody else has noticed the quiet revolution that is 'direct mount', so I'll try and spread the word...
You know that flimsy extra aluminium link between the derraileur hanger and the main B pivot that Shimano's shadow RDs have - its called a B2 link. Well, on the 2013 models that is removeable, and the main pivot can be bolted directly to the hanger, making the whole thing lighter, stiffer, and less likely to bend in a crash. But for the RD to remain in the same position the bike manufacturer has to offer a swept back hanger - so whether the direct mount capability is utilised or not is up to thebike manufacturer, not Shimano.
Some niche brands are using it in their 2013 models, but I've yet to see one of teh big boys do it. Which is a shame really, cos the RDs are ready, all it needs is a slightly different shaped bit of aluminium hanging off the rear dropout!
Have a look [url= http://www.mtb-news.de/news/2012/08/23/rotwild-2013-650b-enduro-und-weitere-neuheiten-von-der-ispo-bike/ ]here[/url] for what it looks like in action - scroll down to picture 9 which is a close-up of a new XT RD in direct mount mode. Notice the swept back red hanger? Well, my question is - why haven't I got that on my new Anthem!