Shimano XTR goes 10-speed Dyna-Sys for 2011

24 comments
By James Costley-White | Monday, Jun 28, 2010 1.01am

After launching tweaked 10-speed versions of their Deore XT and SLX groupsets, Shimano have finally responded to the threat posed by SRAM's top-end XX group by unveiling an all-new set of XTR kit for 2011.

While XT and SLX got an extra cog on the cassette, new chainring sizes and a few other refinements, XTR M980 is a totally new groupset, with new aesthetics and plenty of innovative features.

Instead of a single set of transmission kit, XTR now offers what Shimano call Rider Tuned Technology. There's a choice of cranksets, brake levers, pedals and wheels, depending on whether you're a racer seeking light weight above all else (M985) or a more all-round rider who wants high-spec kit without compromising performance (M980).

The new groupset is claimed to be 298g lighter than the current XTR (M970) if you go for the lightweight options. Opt for the more trail-friendly kit and you'll add 158g.

As with XT and SLX, Shimano are pushing the advantages of a 3x10 setup for XTR – they say their new Dyna-Sys system, with a wider gear range at the back and more closely spaced gears at the front, plus improved derailleurs and shifters, is ideal for most riders – but in the case of the top-end group, double as well as triple crankset options will be available.

Read on for the lowdown on the new Rider Tuner Technology options, plus an overview of the changes to the rest of the XTR line. We'll publish full reviews as soon as we get hold of this kit for testing. For now, visit bike.shimano.com for more details.

Brakes (BR-M985 + BL-M985/88)

The new one-piece XTR brake calliper (BR-M985) boasts an oversize ceramic piston that is lighter, stiffer and insulates the system from heat better than its predecessor. Maintenance should be easier and quicker thanks to one-way bleeding and improved oil routing, and there's a more powerful Saint-style brake hose, plus its alloy banjo means it should fit a wide variety of frames.

Shimano xtr m988 trail brake caliper:

The big change, however, is that under Shimano's new Rider Tuned Technology system you now have a choice of two swanky looking new levers: a super-lightweight pair designed for cross-country racing (BL-M985) or a more powerful and better modulated set aimed at trail riders (BL-M988).

The cross-country option is said to be 40g lighter than current XTR M975, yet 10 percent more powerful. It comes with a choice of resin pads with alloy back plates, or metal pads with titanium back plates. Claimed weight is 215g front / 229g rear (including calliper).

However, if you prize power over gram saving, you can instead team the new compact calliper up with the more robust lever, which features a new short-stroke version of Shimano's Servo-Wave leverage change cam. This brakeset comes with Shimano's new Ice Technologies brake pads, which use finned extensions to pull heat away from the calliper, fluid and rotor.

The trail brakeset also gets slightly wider levers (14mm, compared to 13mm) with a reach-adjust dial. The result of all this is a claimed 25 percent increase in braking power over M975, with no increase in weight. Claimed weight is 247g front / 261g rear.

Shimano xtr m988 trail brake lever:

Both systems get the new Ice Tech rotor, which sandwiches an aluminium core between stainless steel outer layers for improved heat dissipation. This is said to reduce brake fade on long downhills by 65 percent and double pad life, as well as cutting noise and weight. Four sizes are available – 140, 160, 180 and 203mm – with Center Lock mountings only. Claimed weight is 126g (160mm) thanks to use of an aluminium spider. The new discs can be used with any Shimano brake.

Features of both brakesets include:

  • Integrated barrel reservoir lever design
  • Split clamp for quick installation and removal
  • Two-finger lever with ergo pivot and anti-slip dimples
  • Clean bleeding by funnel
  • Can be used with I-Spec integrated brake/shifter clamp to save weight and free up handlebar space

Crankset (FC-M980/85)

For 2011, XTR offers a choice of double or triple cranksets. The 3x10 option (FC-M980) is aimed at trail riders, with 42/32/24T rings. The ratio is closer than the current XTR, but Shimano say the 24T inner ring is much more efficient than a 22T, yet still offers a low climbing gear when paired with a 36T rear cog. The middle chainring is carbon, with titanium teeth, which is said to improve shifting and durability.

There is also a double based on the same spider, with 38/24T rings and a compact chain guide. As with the brakes, there is also a lightweight option aimed at cross-country racers. The FC-M985 double has a narrower Q-factor – it's 3mm narrower on each side, which means it may not be compatible with some frames – and a choice of 40/28, 42/30 or 44/30T chainrings.

Features of both cranksets include:

  • Hollowtech II crankarm design for maximum stiffness with low weight
  • HG-X chainring tooth profile and Dual Spike technology for improved shifting
  • Outboard bearings for maximum stability and stiffness
  • Polished finish, with hidden chainring bolts
  • Choice of arm lengths: 165, 170, 172.5, 175, 180mm
  • Weights: Start at 698g (claimed), for the cross-country double with threaded bottom bracket

Pedals (PD-M980/85)

There's a choice of pedals too. Aimed at pro racers, the PD-M980 is an update of the current M970 which sheds 15g while increasing shoe-pedal contact area by a claimed 270 percent for improved power transfer.

Wider bearing placement is said to improve pedalling stability and bearing durability, while an oval axle housing, slimmer axle and offset bindings cut weight and improve mud shedding by a claimed 150 percent. Claimed weight is 310g a pair.

For the trail/all-mountain riders out there – and maybe even weight weenie four-cross and downhill racers – the new PD-M985 takes things a step further by enlarging the shoe-pedal contact area even further and adding an integrated cage. Claimed weight is 398g.

Shimano xtr m985 trail pedal:

Wheels (WH-M985/88)

New XTR hubs and wheelsets are available, which are once again split between XCR (cross-country race, M985) and Trail (M988) options. All the wheels come with scandium tubeless rims – 19C and 21C respectively – and Center Lock rotor mounts.

The M985 hubs are cup-and-cone units with double contact seals. There's a new freehub body design for quicker engagement. The rear hub is quick-release only, while up front you can choose Shimano's 15mm E-Thru axle if you prefer.

The M988s are again cup-and-cone units with double contact seals, but the rear gets a titanium freehub body. The front wheel is only available with a 15mm E-Thru axle, while at the rear there's a choice of quick-release or 12mm E-Thru. At 312g for the hub and 96g for the axle, this new standard is said to weigh about the same as an XT quick-release hub but offer greater stiffness than Shimano's Saint freeride/downhill hub. 

Shimano xtr m988 trail wheel:

Shifters (SL-M980)

  • Advanced Light Action shifting – the idea is that it requires the same amount of force to shift between the two largest cogs as it takes to shift between the two smallest
  • VIVID indexing – designed to give a more positive, pronounced click when you shift, but with a light action
  • Can be converted from x2 to x3
  • Feature Shimano's Instant Release (for quick, accurate shifting), Multi Release (for shifting several gears at a time) and 2-Way Release (thumb or finger actuation) technology
  • Anti-slip dimples on lever
  • Claimed weight: 207g a pair
  • I-Spec clamps (SL-M980-I) let you combine shifters with XTR brake levers to cut weight to 195g a pair

Shimano xtr m980 i-spec shifter: shimano xtr m980 i-spec shifter

Rear derailleur (RD-M980)

  • New low-profile Shadow design
  • Carbon fibre outer plate for light weight; aluminium inner for rigidity and durability
  • Lighter action than current XTR – optimised for full-suspension bikes with full outer cable runs
  • Top Normal spring design for compatibility with RapidFire shifters
  • Jockey wheels get sealed bearings to minimise friction
  • Two versions: medium cage (GS, up to 35T sprocket), which improves ground clearance and reduces chain bounce, and long cage (SGS, up to 41T)
  • Claimed weight: 175g

Shimano xtr m980 rear mech: shimano xtr m980 rear mech

Front derailleur (FD-M980/81/85/86)

  • 10-speed specific
  • Nine versions, depending on number of chainrings and mount type (Top Swing, conventional, E-type and Direct Mount)
  • Adaptable clamp fits 28.6-34.9mm seat tubes
  • Multi-pull design allows top or bottom cable pull
  • Improved cage profile for more tyre clearance; double crankset options get specific compact cage
  • Angled adjustment screws and clamp bolt make the new front mech more mechanic-friendly
  • Hollow link pins to save weight
  • Claimed weight: 125g

Shimano xtr m980 front mech: shimano xtr m980 front mech

Chain (CN-M980)

  • New HG-X directional (asymmetric) chain. Right side (logo side) is optimised for front shifting, left for rear
  • Hollow link pins to save weight
  • Zinc-alloy plated for durability
  • Special plate chamfers help shed mud
  • Uses standard connecting pin
  • Claimed weight: 259g

Shimano xtr m980 chain: shimano xtr m980 chain

Cassette (CS-M980)

  • Available in 11-36T and 11-34T options, with an 11-32T to follow next year
  • Five largest cogs are titanium for reduced weight and improved durability
  • Three-piece spider arm construction
  • New tooth profile to work with 10-speed chain
  • Alloy lock ring
  • Claimed weight: 255g

Shimano xtr m980 cassette: shimano xtr m980 cassette

UK pricing is as follows:

Chain: M980 (116L) £44.99
Cassette: M980 11-34T £179.99
Cassette: M980 11-36T £179.99
Brakeset: M985 front £169.99
Brakeset: M985 rear £169.99
Brakeset: M988 front £179.99
Brakeset: M988 rear £179.99
Chainset: M980/M985 (all variations) £399.99
Front mech: M980 (Top Swing/E-Type triple) £84.99
Front mech: M981 (conventional/direct mount triple) £64.99
Front mech: M985 (Top Swing/E-Type double) £64.99
Front mech: M986 (conventional/direct mount double) £84.99
Front hub: M985/M988 (all variations) £99.99
Rear hub: M985 (all variations) £199.99
Rear hub: M988 (all variations) £179.99
Rear mech: M980 (all variations) £139.99
Right-hand shifter: M980 (I-Spec or standard) £79.99
Pair of shifters: M980 (I-Spec or standard) £149.99
Front wheel: M985/M988 (all variations) £369.99
Rear wheel: M985/M988 (all variations) £449.99

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User Comments

There are 24 comments on this post

Showing 1 - 24 of 24 comments

  • nice but i think sram has the edge with aesthetics

  • I think they've missed the mark somewhat with the double ratios too, SRAM's done a better job there.

    Cassette weighs a lot more than XX too, whilst still not being a bargain, be interesting to see what the new X.0 cassettes comes in at.

  • 180 quid for a cassette?

  • £200 for one non cartridge hub?

  • Those M985 platfom SPDs are awful pretty though.

  • Like the thinking with the finned brake pads to aid cooling.

  • I assumed they were just the spacers used when there is no pad in the brake? Would be interesting if they were in fact the pads to aid heat loss... Mind you, how expensive would the pads be?!

  • 40/28 is the lowest combination for xc racing? To big for me. I guess I will be going xx with their 39x26 then.

  • the wheels look, the pedals look great and the crankset looks amazing .............. its a shame the rest looks crap and is more expensive than XO and heavier than XX, will proably perform brilliantly, but its a shame the main cool looking components are so expensive

  • "180 quid for a cassette?"

    Cheap compared to XX at £320!

  • the xx cassette uses aluminium for the larger rings in order to give it an impressive weight on the scales, these are designed to be replaced more regularly when worn. i prefer durablity and reliability over a few grams in weight saving

  • Time to put a new groupset on my geared bike then :D epic win!

  • anyone got a price for the pedals please???

  • Always makes me laugh when forum users cringe at the price of high end equipment. Guess it's just not aimed at YOU then?

  • Im completely unimpressed and dissapointed...they made the XC stuff by taking away features? Yea, my bike would be really light if you took away all the adjustments that made it ride well. Seems like one step forward and 3 back.

  • ...not to mention the group looks ugly, cheap and chunky to me.

  • Loving the SRAM Bumming Session There People, Aesthetics of the Rear SRAM mech xx or X-0 or x-9........................ Quality product = No, Sieze very well.

    Gotta love the Bashing of SRAM over Shimano and vice versa

    go back 20 years Sram came along, Sun race died a death, Shimano have been there since day one, Any one remember PAUL gear ??, or am i going on too much,

  • Now that all main components have being unveiled I'm waiting from the first reviews for X0 and XT 10 speed (no budget for XTR or XX :-(

  • i don't care what you say i prefer shimano over sram any day

    i thought the aesthetics looked quite good too

  • Just why should cup and cone hubs be cheaper than cartridge hubs? While I have nothing against cart hubs at least cup and cone are adjustable and easily cleaned and regreased. Of course a lot of people seem to think it's better to have something that you can't adjust, is difficult/not designed for regreasing and is throwaway. Good old modern like eh?

  • not sure who makes the frame that the opening pictures shows the rear mech on, but the bolts are rusty, not very impressive...

  • Dear Shimano,

    It's rather confusing that there are actually *three* different cranksets, and that there are different lengths available for different models. Please make the FC-M980 (38x26 double) available in 172.5mm so I can buy a set.

    Thank you.

  • There seems to be a rather big flaw...

    The long rear mech can only handle 41T chainring, yet the triple comes with 42T chainring = D'oh !

    I fancy the crankset, but the rest isn't impressing me.

  • Craig... The 41T is referring to the REAR cassette capacity for the Rear Derailleur. No the front chainring.

    Langers... I just installed the 38-26 Double Crank on my Niner... 40 isn't the smallest available there. It's listed above in the spec as 38-24, that's a TYPO. It's 38-26.

    My entire last year racing about 18+ races including a 12 hour and Leadville 100 on SRAM XX has been punishment for me. It was great when it was shiny new, but the quality of those components - they're not meant for anyone unless they have the wallet to constantly replace parts. They simply don't hold up.

    I missed my XTR from my 26" Epic I sold last year. I've built a Niner and a Scalpel up with XX and it's sexy... weighs like nothing... smooth shifting, but for like a hundred miles tops. Then it's all about tune-ups and constant care. Forget that XX cassette. It's collecting dust in my garage. I was happier with an IRD 11-34. It shifts smooth as silk and it's a crappy quality cassette. I eventually replaced the IRD with the XTR Dynasys cassette when it came out. That one components sold me on moving over to XTR.

    I weighed my bike before and after the XX to XTR trade. It was not 1 single ounce different switching out components. The XTR has the good old XTR solid feel once again and shifts smooth as silk, even more impressive than the XX on it's best days.

    If you like a components set for it's looks, have at it, but if you're racing across Colorado with hours, week and months of training invested, those good looks are NOT going to get you to that finish line over the quality of another product.

    Oh... carbon crankarms? Forget that. Mine were trashed in a week from my XX. Those Ceramix BB bearings too? Forget those. Replaced those from loose seals washing out grease 3 times. Know how much THOSE cost??? I threw that out long ago and stuck an SLX crankset on with rotor rings and a XTR bottom bracket and never looked back. It's held up great. (Of couse now I realize the crankset is lighter on the XX and my weight comparison is off a bit. But that's a really crappy crankset XX/Sram put out! What a mess...)

    Have fun with your pretty bikes. I'd like mine to last and race fast without wondering if the Avid brakes are once again rubbing on my rotors slowing me down!

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