Cassettes just aren't worth spending a ton of coin on, they shift the same, and weigh slightly less for an expensive one, why bother?
Shifts perfect, under load too, it's perfect. Whatever Shimano did with Hyperglide 2, it's incredible. Never misses, never really does anything wrong either. I always replace after 3 chains, so they get usually 15000 miles on them and even in the middle/common gears, they are still fine, but that's just my rule.
No issue. Like the 11/34 spread with my 54/40 up front, got gears on all sides that way and almost never need more.
?The Shimano SH-RC703 delivers incredible performance for the price. The lightweight and stiff carbon sole offers excellent power transfer, you definitely feel the efficiency. The dual BOA dials allow for precise, on-the-fly micro-adjustments, ensuring a perfect, secure fit without hot spots.
?I found the ventilation to be solid, keeping my feet cool on long summer rides. They run true to size, offering that classic, comfortable Shimano fit. A highly recommended, race-ready shoe for serious cyclists!
I purchased these with high expectations - thought they were a step up from the multi exit SH-56 cleats. Glad I tried them out before my Arizona trip.
I am not quite sure what Shimano tried to accomplish with these cleats - they work but for me not as well as the SH-56. As soon as I put them on I went back to the SM-SH56. I did not feel I could get out of them as quickly and easily as I liked for mountain biking. Maybe for gravel biking they are ok, but so are the SM-SH56. I still prefer SPD over platform pedals and the SM-SH56 in the lowest retention setting are a good compromise for me.
I have moderate Raynauds, which makes winter riding difficult. I've tried all the tips for people like me, and finally ordered these boots two winters ago. They help for temps in the low 40sF, but below that, or even for long rides in low 40s, my toes still become painful and white (going through all the colors with rewarming...). At very low temps, I add battery powered heated socks. The battery packs are annoying, but so is not riding :-)
I will say that the boots are quite comfortable and have held up well.
I'll also add that Pearl Izumi's lobster gloves are the best that I've found for my Raynauds fingers. A little awkward with Di2, but they do work.
