Some of the modern LX and XT components are pretty similar to the old XT and XTR stuff...in some cases items such as cranksets are better. A new LX crankset is stronger and lighter than my older XT unit. The 4-piston XT discs are some italian design that shimano bought the rights to if i'm not mistaken. Items vary so much from component to component.

Anyway, here's the bike, stayed up till 5 in the morning today adjusting everything and setting up the brakes. Rode if today for the first time, 2 laps around betasso preserve. SOOO nice, steel has a really comfortable ride and disc brakes are smooth, modular and stop on a dime! All i need now is a new headset and shes 100% done.