Shimano XTR (M970 Series) Shadow Rear Mech

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Shimano XTR (M970 series) Shadow rear mech

$239.99

BikeRadar verdict

4.5 out of 5 stars

"Featherlight shifting yet tough rear mech in two distinct flavours"

Bikeradar Review
Manufacturers description
User reviews
45 of 5 stars

2 comments

Shopping partners

'Shadow' style XTR is the lightest mech around.

More significantly, it's sprung normally for a super-light action with Rapidfire trigger pods. Shadow design tucks it away from rocks, too, and there's no second spring to let it bounce off the frame. It's proving more awkward to set up for consistent shifts than standard mechs, though.

This means the 'Low Normal' rigged Std mech still has its place, particularly with Dual Control shifters. Either way, Shimano's 'fluorine-coated link pin bushings', cold forged construction and the best jockey wheels around make XTR a super-tough unit.

What's the score with BikeRadar reviews? You can find a full explanation of our ratings here.

User Reviews

There are 2 reviews on this post

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 comments

CruzDemon

Posted Tue 26 Jan, 4:25 pm GMT Flag as inappropriate

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great derailleur
Pair it up with the ST-M975's and you get some sweet shifting action once you've taken the time to dial everything-in.
Surprisingly, the carbon cage is quite durable as well. I've smacked mine off numerous rocks and logs and it's still going strong. The three year warranty is a nice plus in case anything goes awry.
Oh, and it looks pretty...
weardybeardy

Posted Thu 22 Apr, 7:07 pm BST Flag as inappropriate

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

This came as standard on my Rocky Mountain. It set up easily my first ride and shifted like a dream (paired with XT shifters). After 2 months and about 300 miles it would ghost shift a little from 1st to second. This time it took 2 hours of fettling to sort out, which suprised me as i'm pretty good with gears and am the guy who everyone comes to see for shifting snags. I resorted to cleaning and lubing the cables with a full toothbrush derailleur clean and hey presto sorted. I do love it and it's had a few knocks with no physical problems. My advice is keep your cables lubed up and enjoy.