If you’re looking for a new drivetrain and aren’t fussed about having the latest and greatest electronic options on the market, you need to check out this deal on Shimano XT.
Shimano’s XT M8100 remains a benchmark for mountain bike groupsets, with the 1x12 drivetrain offering shifting that, until the end of last year, was on a par with anything the Japanese brand had made.
This deal from Merlin Cycles bundles the crankset, bottom bracket, rear derailleur, cassette, chain and gear lever together for £249, which is less than half the original £632 list price.
With a 61 per cent saving, the drivetrain looks perfect for those wanting to upgrade to a high-performance mechanical groupset, or for those wanting to stash it away to keep their bike running long into the future.
However you plan on using the drivetrain, you can rest assured, knowing it provides near-peak mechanical shifting.
We tested the drivetrain when it launched in 2021, giving it a 4.5-star rating, comparing the shifting to Shimano’s flagship XTR model and praising its hard-wearing components and chain management.
At the time of writing, there appear to be a lot of options left on the Merlin Cycles site, with Boost and Super Boost available in differing crank lengths.
