Generally XTR is without doubt the best drivetrain ever built. Here I mean the pre-2003 950-stuff, which is fully suited for all riding styles. Unfortunately, the new XTR is a kind of XC-shit only and the other bad thing about this group is (and have always been, actually) the poor VALUE FOR MONEY... That's why I'll buy the new SAINT, 'couse it will be cheaper than the old XTR in DH/FR trim and will be definitely stronger (but not lighter) than this old stuff...

About the V-brakes... I'm not so sure (I ride only discs already 4 or 5 years), but why do not look closely at the less expensive XT? The paralelogram construction I think is the same - that means the performance you'll get is the same... I'll agree, that the badge XTR is another level from image point of view and the XTR-s will be definitely lighter, BUT the money?!?

And don't be so HORNY! Just RELAX...

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Sturm und Drang