New Shimano XT Grouptest
We were first introduced to the new XT groupset back in February and even had chance to look at some of the plastic models locked behind glass cabinets. Well, now the real thing exists and the new XT groupset lives.
Celebrating 25 years of existence the new groupset gets a major face lift and some big performance tweaks to go head-to-head against SRAM.
XT Shadow Rear Derailleur
The rear mech undergoes one of the biggest changes. The new "Shimano Shadow" XT rear derailleur features an extra thin profile to move the whole thing inboard and prevent it from sticking out in harms way. The new Shadow mech also stops the thing banging against the rear chainstay - a problem SRAM mechs had sorted. The cable routing has been shortened since less cable simply means less friction for improved response. RD-M772 will be available in a short cage and a long cage version, in Top-Normal technology only. Designed to work best with Rapidfire Plus shifters. There will also be a new XTR mech with the same features.
XT Dual Control Lever with Servo Wave Technology
The New Dual Control Levers (DCL) bears a striking resemblance to the current XTR set. The new XT DCL features adjustable Servo Wave technology. Originally developed for cable brake levers, this technology has been transferred to hydraulic disc brake levers and Dual Control Levers (DCL) now. Servo Wave realizes a quicker engagement: little lever movement is needed to bring the pads into contact with the rotor.
The disc brake lever BL-M775 and DCL ST-M775 also feature a reach adjust (no tools needed) and the free stroke can be adapted as well according to personal preferences.
XT Shifters
Deore XT features two shifting systems: Dual Control Levers (disc brake and V-BRAKE versions) and Rapidfire Plus shifters. The DCL's are best used with Low-Normal rear mechs for XC use and the Rapidfire Plus Shifters with the more regular Top-Normal mech for trail and enduro riders.
The Rapifire Plus Shifter feature 2-Way Release but the Multi-Release (which allows you to shift through multiple sets of gears) stays with XTR only.
The Rapifire Plus Shifter features a removable optical gear display and has been designed to allow a combination with a suspension lever to save space on the handlebar. The shifters can be mounted inside and outboard of the brake lever clamp.
XT Crankset
The crankset also gets a tweaking. The middle ring is now a composite/steel mix with a claimed 100% improved durability. The Hollowtech II crankset will also be available in 44/32/22 and a trekking 48/36/26 combo.
XT Front Hub
As well as the regular hub there's a new 20mm trough axle front hub. It has a standard Center Lock size mount. The new XT disc brake hubs saves 50g compared to current XT. The freehubs have borrowed the quick engagement mechanism from the new XTR. Freehub bodies will be produced from steel and they have been developed with an internal grease sleeve that helps to maintain proper lubrication levels to increase service life.
XT Cassette
The new XT cassette has chrome plated steel sprockets and is developed with Shimano's HYPERGLIDE technology for a super smooth shifting performance. The cassette is available in 11-32T and in 11-34T combinations. 11-32T has a 4-arm carrier and 11-34T has a 5-arm spider with a double riveted 34 teeth sprocket for 100% improved rigidity.
Front Mech
A wide range of front derailleurs will be available too: conventional, Top Swing and bottom bracket mount and also separate versions for trekking. They feature angled adjustment screws for easy access and also have an improved tire clearance.
XT Wheelsets
There are new XC (on V-Brake compatible) and all mountain wheelsets. The all mountain wheelset
This all Mountain Deore XT wheelset has been developed for use with a 20mm through axle in the front wheel to increase fork/wheel stiffness. It's a heavier, burlier wheelset than the XC version with the emphasis on a more hardcore element.
The XC wheelset has been developed with 24 spokes in front and rear. The stainless steel spokes are butted (2.0-1.8.-2.0mm) to save weight and the rims are tubeless (UST) compatible. Rims have an outer dimension of 23mm for recommended tires of 26 x 1.50-2.25. The freehub has borrowed the quick engagement mechanism from the new XTR.
New Deore XT Weights
These are Shimano's own weights. From our own tests in the past we've found them to be spot on.
All Mountain version
| Shift lever SL-M770 (pair) | 255g |
| TOP SWING Front derailleur FD-M770 | 152g |
| SHIMANO SHADOW rear derailleur RD-M772-SGS | 228g |
| Crankset (44-32-22T) FC-M770 | 853g |
| Cassette sprocket (11-34T) CS-M770 | 297g |
| Wheel set for disc brake (20mm) WH-M776 | 2050g |
| SPD pedals PD-M770 (pair) | 352g |
| Disc brake lever BL-M775 (pair) | 128g |
| Brake caliper BR-M775 (pair) | 223g |
| Brake hose (800mm) SM-BH59 | 23g |
| Rotor (160mm) SM-RT78 | 151g |
Cross Country version
| Dual Control Lever ST-M775 (pair) | 512g |
| TOP SWING Front derailleur FD-M770 | 152g |
| Low Normal Rear derailleur RD-M770-SGS | 239g |
| Crankset (44-32-22T) FC-M770 | 853g |
| Cassette sprocket (11-32T) CS-M770 | 256g |
| Wheel set for disc brake WH-M775 | 1660g |
| SPD pedals PD-M770 (pair) | 352g |
| Brake caliper BR-M775 (pair) | 223g |
| Brake hose (800mm) SM-BH59 | 23g |
| Rotor (160mm) SM-RT78 | 151g |
Bookmark with: