Deore Hollowtech II Crank

This is one of the cheapest 9 speed Hollowtech II crank design by Shimano. Cost approx RM220 with installation.
This design it also reduces the weight of the bike as you don't need to have a BB. My friends who bought this crank never complain about its performance. With the combination of Deore front derailleur, the chain shifting is smooth. This crank only weighs 1063 grams with its bottom bracket.
The only weakness which was told to me is the bottom bracket wears out pretty fast compare to other higher models such as SLX and XT. Another thing is the Deore words will fade when your shoe is rubbing on it continuously when you cycle. Other than that there is no weakness that we could find.

website link:
http://bike.shimano.com.sg/publish/content/global_cycle/en/sg/index/products/mountain/deore.html

V Brakes Shimano Deore & XT

Most of us cyclist will be familiar with the 2 V Brakes above. Both are durable and have incredible stopping power. I've used Deore whereas my friend used XT. We have no complains. The brake pads last me for 6 years until my bike got stolen and the pads still work. My friend still uses her's and has yet to change the pads.

The only problem is sometime it squeals which is very irritating to hear. Other than that there is none that I can think off. These brakes are light compare to mechanical disk brakes. Adjustment and maintenance is also easy. All you need is allen wrench & phillips screwdriver.

For in depth details you can visit the links below:
http://bike.shimano.com.sg/publish/content/global_cycle/en/sg/index/products/mountain/deore/product.-code-BR-M590-S.-type-..html
http://bike.shimano.com.sg/publish/content/global_cycle/en/sg/index/products/mountain/deore_xt/product.-code-BR-M770.-type-.bl_mountain,br_mountain.html

SRAM X7 RD? Why not?

There are a lot of comments on SRAM's X7 RD. Some say it is reliable as Shimano's Deore and is cheaper and some says it's crappy. I've tried it and the shifting is quite smooth. Not as bad as some people say. I'm using SRAM's X5 lever shifters and it is as good as my old Deore. It could also be due to the compatibility.

I've read 1 review that it's not compatible with Shimano shifters in http://www.mtbr.com. 
In my opinion, if it does the job well that it suppose to do, why not give it a chance?
Currently Shimano is the monopoly player in this industry and their prices are going up like crazy.
At least there is a competitor brand that we can choose and not rely solely on Shimano.

For more details you can visit the link below:
http://www.sram.com/sram/mountain/products/sram-x7-9-speed-rear-derailleur