Shimano XT Wheelset | $526.38
BikeRadar verdict
"Lightweight and long-lived cross-country wheels, but rims need TLC"
Shimano make two pairs of Deore XT wheels – these lightweight cross-country ones and an indestructible all-mountain version. Both mix latest technology and tradition to good effect.
The rim design is similar to Shimano's top-grade XTR wheels. The XTs are UST tubeless ready from the off and have a machined rim bed holding the red alloy nipples.
While there’s little flex from the 24-hole setup, the rims are prone to unexpected dinging and buckling if ridden hard. When run tubeless they seal pretty well, although they seem prone to burping if slid or rock-swiped.
The hubs are excellent, with fast pickup from the chromoly steel freehub and Shimano’s legendary long-lived, user serviceable bearings. The supplied XT skewers are superb and the Centerlock disc rotor system is neat.
Weight is impressively low for the price at 1,700g, making them great, lightweight, high-mileage wheels for more careful riders.
User Reviews
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0.3
User review of Shimano XT Wheelset
Front Wheel Weight: 836.00 g
Rear Wheel Weight: 1008.00 g
Weight (g): 1702.00 g
How does that work? None of the above are claimed weights either so it's all from somewhere.
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0.3
User review of Shimano XT Wheelset
got these on my bike. They have been super up until now. I've also hit a fair few rocks (about head sized) with no problems.
I ride with these wheels while my mates ride with Enduro wheels - till now none of us have a complaint.
(note: I only weigh 60kg)
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0.3
User review of Shimano XT Wheelset
I bought a set of these wheels as part of a full XT groupset from Merlin. Have twice snapped a spoke, which is my fault, but Shimano cannot supply a spare spoke until 20 December 2008!!!!!!!!! That's 10 weeks without a back wheel. Total crap after service and I would suggest that you do not buy these unless Shimano can solve this problem.
I have complained to Merlin, but they would not give me a contact at Shimano, so I asked them to contact them on my behalf. After 2 weeks I have heard nothing.
Order number is MC031011 if Merlin/Shimano want to put this right for me.
REPEAT - DO NOT BUY THESE WHEELS
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0.3
User review of Shimano XT Wheelset
I run these on my Cannondale F1000SL. Obviously I use them for XC only, and boy are they fast. I've banged in to rocks and my bad route selection has caused me to take them over little drop-offs. The front wheel usually unexpectingly taking the brunt. They haven't run out of true at all, not yet anyway. Good wheels with excellent hubs. Fit and forget.
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Specification
- Name:
- XT Wheelset
- Built by:
- Shimano
- Price:
- $526.38
- Rims Brand:
- Shimano
- Available Colours:
- Black
- Material:
- Aluminium, Stainless Steel
- Weight (g):
- 1702 g
- Tyre Type:
- clincher, tubeless
- Wheel Size:
- 26 Inches
- Bike Compatibility:
- Shimano 10spd, Shimano 8spd, Shimano 9spd, SRAM 10spd, SRAM 9spd
- Front Hub Model:
- Shimano XT
- Front Spoke Count:
- 24
- Front Wheel Axle Length:
- 100 mm
- No of Holes (Front):
- 24
- No of Holes (Rear):
- 24
- Rear Hub Model:
- Shimano XT
- Rear Spoke Count:
- 24
- Rear Wheel Axle Length:
- 135 mm
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