For 2009, Shimano completely redesigned their Saint component group that is aimed at the downhill and freeride section of the mountain biking market. Saint is purpose built component group that is designed to take the abuse of gravity and big hit riders all around the world.
Ripped from RideSaint.com:
Shimano combines design and engineering prowess with current riding trends in all-mountain, freeride and downhill mountain bikes, in the lighter and incredibly durable Saint component group.
The redesigned group follows the evolution of aggressive mountain biking, where riders are more focused on finding their flow on lighter more precise handling bikes.
This review of the 2009 Shimano Saint component group covers everything except the hub set and front derailleur as it was not included on the Trek Session 88 FR review bike.
Shimano Saint Crankset
Model Number: FC-M810-1
Series: SAINT
Crank Construction: HOLLOWTECH II
Cassette Compatibility: 9-speed
Chain Compatibility: Super Narrow HG for 9-speed
4-Arm Chainrings: yes
Chainring Sizes: 34/36/38/40/42T
Bolt Circle Diameter: 104mm
Crank Arm Length: 165/170/175mm
Crank Arms: forged aluminum / hollow type
Middle Chainring: aluminum
Chainring Bolts & Nuts: aluminum (bolt), steel (nut)
Chain Guard: Bash Guard
Chaincase Compatible: no
Bottom Bracket: SM-BB80 included
Chain Line: 50.4mm
BB Shell Width: 68/73mm
Average Weight: 1059g including BB (36T) (170mm)
The Shimano Saint crankset was vastly improved over previous models. With a weight savings and claimed stiffness increase of 200%, the Shimano Saint crankset feels great on the trail. Ideally, I do not want to even notice that my crankset is there while riding. The more I do not feel flex, hear creaking or have any other issues…the better, and the Shimano Saint crankset performed incredibly well at speed and under big hits.
I was stoked that Shimano kept their “older style” XT mounting system for the Saint cranks. As you can see by the picture of the left crank arm in the gallery below, they kept the 2 bolt with finger tight outer nut as the mechanism in which the cranks bolt to the bottom bracket. This system is easy to install and trouble free, unlike the new system developed for XTR. The longer they keep this mounting…the better.
The updated graphics and overall look of the Saint crankset is a welcomed change. They are probably the sexiest set of cranks that I have run in awhile and luckily all of those looks do not sacrifice performance. Overall, Shimano hit a home run with the new Saint crankset. They performed on the trail and are lighter and look better for 2009.
Shimano Saint Shifter and Rear Derailleur
Model Number: SL-M810
Series: SAINT
Shift Lever Type: Rapidfire Plus
Cassette Compatibility: 9-speed
Front Shifting: yes
Instant Release: yes
Multi Release: no
2-way Release: yes
Optical Gear Display: no
Shift Cable Casing: SP41 sealed
Shift Cable: stainless steel
Average Weight: 121g (right) / 116g (left)
Model Number: RD-M810-GS
Series: SAINT
Shifting Action: SHADOW Top Normal
Mount Type: Drop-out
Maximum Sprocket: 28/34T
Minimum Sprocket: 11T
Front Difference: 14T
Total Capacity: 31/37T
Guide Pulley: sealed ceramic bushing
Tension Pulley: sealed bearing
Pulley Bolts: stainless steel
Pulley Bolts Retainer: yes
Bracket Body: aluminum/painted
Shifting on big hit and downhill bikes is one of those necessary evils. In most cases, I really only need a couple of different options based on the terrain and feature, so I want the shifting to be crisp and trouble free. On top of that, it needs to stay that way during suspension action and crash situations. Shimano incorporated their new Shadow design on the rear derailleur and this keeps the RD tucked in and away from rocks, trees, sticks and anything else that is ready to rip off your rear derailleur and ruin your day. This short cage rear derailleur out of the Saint lineup shifted smoothly and was there when you needed it. I only had to make several little adjustments to accommodate chain stretch throughout the review period, so I can say I had a trouble free experience. Even a couple of large hits against the ground and rocks didn’t knock the derailleur out of alignment.
The Saint derailleur matched with the new Saint rear shifter created a light shifting feeling that was trouble free. The front paddle on the Shimano Saint shifter can actuate in both directions (push or pull) to move the chain down the cassette. While this is an attempt to accommodate multiple shifting techniques, the overall design of the shifter is really more comfortable in the traditional Shimano push/pull. When you shift down the cassette by pushing the rear paddle (like you would with a SRAM system), it just feels awkward, but the index pulling feels great. It is almost like they just made the shifter actuate both ways to try to pull over some riders that are used to the SRAM style shifting. The shifting paddles were about the right length. A little bit shorter than their XT and XTR sisters, I was able to get them out of the way of my hands, but have them close enough for emergency shifting.
The barrel adjuster on the Saint shifter is larger and easier to grip than Shimano shifters I have used in the past. This made minor adjustments while riding much easier in full finger gloves. Overall, the Shimano Saint shifting is pretty much dead on. It is durable enough to withstand the abuse of hard riding and crisp enough not to annoy you when you are trying to find that extra second of speed.
Shimano Saint Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Model Number: BL-M810
Series: SAINT
Brake Compatibility: Hydraulic Disc Brake
Hydraulic Fluid: Shimano mineral oil
Brake Hose Type: SM-BH80-SB
Brake Lever Size: 1.5-finger
Brake Lever Material: aluminum
Brake Lever Finish: anodized
Bracket Material: aluminum
Bracket Finish: painted
SERVO WAVE Action Power Adjuster: yes
Reach Adjuster: tool-free reach adjustment
Average Weight: 266g (pair)
Model Number: BR-M810
Series: SAINT
Brake Type: Hydraulic Disc Brake
Compatible Brake Lever: BL-M810
Brake Pad Types: D02S Metallic
Hydraulic Fluid: Shimano mineral oil
Brake Hose Type: SM-BH80-SB
Caliper Mount Type: IS Post-type
Caliper Material: aluminum
Caliper Finish: painted
Piston Type: Opposed 4-piston
Average Weight: 162g
For 2009, Shimano claims to have brought the weight down, increased modulation and increased power for the 203mm Saint hydraulic brakes. While they are lighter and more powerful, the modulation on these huge stoppers is terrible. I was having difficulty controlling them on the trail with a distinct on/off feeling. As you move through the lever’s stroke, you get nothing…nothing…ON! The ON is full lockup as you try to control the front end from sliding out. All of that power is great out of a dh/fr marketed brake, but if it is not controlled…it is dangerous and a huge annoyance on the trail. I found that these brakes really got in the way on loose sections and slow tech obstacles. Feathering the brakes just wasn’t an option for slow speed maneuvers.
I tried everything to try to get these brakes to modulate better but the free stroke adjustment felt like it did nothing. I even had a couple other riders throw a leg over the bike just to make sure that I wasn’t insane, and every one of them almost went over the bars because of how grabby these brakes are. Compared to my Hope V2 Moto’s, these brakes have a long way to go in the modulation department, and modulation on hydraulic braking systems is where all of your control comes from.
To make matters worse, I could not get the front brake to shut up. It would howl loudly under braking and while it was making noise…braking was even more inconsistent. After numerous adjusting attempts and checking rotor alignment…I still couldn’t get it to stop.
The levers, on the other hand, felt great if you could ignore the lockup. The reach adjustment is extremely easy to use and the lever allows for true one finger braking. I would like to see Shimano adapt a 2 bolt mounting system over the current 1 bolt they are using now. 2 bolt mounted systems are easier to work with for maintenance and parts swapping.
Overall Thoughts On The New Shimano Saint Group
Shimano has come a long way with their downhill/freeride component group. The shifting is much better, the cranks are lighter and stiffer and the entire group looks much better on the bike than in the past. The decision to skinny down the fr/dh offerings from two (Hone and Saint) to just the Saint group was a smart move on Shimano’s part as they are able to focus on one group that will really perform. I was incredibly happy with everything in the Saint group except for the brakes. At race pace, it was difficult to keep the brakes under control and that is one thing that I am really anal about. I have to have great modulating brakes to easily control the bike.
Good Shimano Saint
- Durable Components
- Crisp Shifting
- Great looks
- XT style mounting on Saint crankset
- Lighter and stiffer for 2009
Bad Shimano Saint
- Zero modulation on brakes – They need some work
- Expensive for a group that is going to take a serious beating
- Front paddle shifter awkward in push motion
For the best prices on Shimano Saint components…check out JensonUSA.com
