Shimano's M7200 Deore groupset is the most recent MTB drivetrain release we've seen, and we've got our hands on an early set.
While wireless groupsets, such as Shimano's Deore/XT/XTR Di2 and SRAM AXS Transmissions often rule the airwaves, many bread-and-butter bikes run mechanical drivetrains.
Shimano's Deore has, for a long time, been the drivetrain of choice for budget-conscious riders and product managers, with Shimano successfully utilising the trickle-down effect to ensure this entry(ish) level groupset feels almost as good as its shinier XTR sibling.
The new Deore groupset features tech we saw introduced on the wireless Di2 versions, as well as some new-look brakes that hopefully will pack a punch.
But what are the features of Deore M7200, and how much do they weigh and cost? I headed into the workshop to find out, before these pocket-friendly parts get bolted to a bike.
Shimano Deore RD-M7200-SGS derailleur
The derailleur is the heart of the groupset.
There are three derailleurs with a Deore badge on them. This is the M7200 – it's 12-speed and built with the new Shadow ES shape, which uses a spring mechanism to control chain tension, rather than the clutch of old.
There's an 11-speed Linkglide version, built for eMTB durability, and a cheaper M6200 derailleur, which still features a clutch.
This M7200 derailleur borrows the form of the new Di2 derailleurs, with a new wedge shape that is designed to scuff past trail debris easier, and the bulk of the body sitting inboard of the main attachment bolt.
The lack of a clutch means pushing the derailleur cage out of the way when you're removing or fitting a rear wheel is a bit of a pain, but the purported advantages include less hampering of the suspension's sensitivity than the previous clutch design, and improved chain wrap around the sprockets.
Being Deore, the cage is made from steel to save on cost. Its SGS cage is designed to run with the associated 10-51t cassette.
- £79.99 / $100
- 430g
Shimano Deore FC-M6200 cranks
The next most prominent component is the crankset, sitting boldly in the middle of the bike.
The steel chainrings feature Shimano's Dynamic Chain Engagement+ narrow/wide profile to help keep the chain engaged when rattling over rough and tough terrain.
30 and 32t chainring options are provided, as are 165/170/175mm crank arm lengths. Ours is a 170mm crank with 32t ring.
Speaking of the crank arms, as you'd expect, these are alloy Hollowtech II crank arms, built for the direct-mount chainring – this is secured with a lockring.
The two-piece design uses a steel 24mm axle with a 176mm Q-factor and 55mm chain line.
- £99.99 / $100
- 735g
Shimano Deore SL-M6200 shifter
Heading up to the bar, we have the new shifter, which although hidden by the grips is, in my opinion, usually one of the highlights of Shimano's groupsets.
The shifter has had a slight tweak to the arc of the main paddle-shift lever, with the angle of the pad altered to better match the 'swing' of your thumb as you shift.
The paddles are textured to give you a little more purchase as you push, while the main paddle can shift three gears at once, and the other smaller paddle has dual-release, so it can be clicked in either direction.
The cable exit is designed to run closer to the bar, tidtying up the cockpit.
While this version is for 12-speed groups, there's an 11-speed option, as well as a single-shift shifter, for eMTBs.
- £39.99 / $30
- 129g
Shimano Deore CS-M7200-12 Hyperglide+ 10-51t cassette
Hyperglide+ is the latest iteration of the Japanese brand's tooth profiling to help the chain move from sprocket to sprocket under load.
The shift speed has increased, and the clunks as the chain drops to a smaller sprocket are meant to be reduced, too.
The largest 51t sprocket is made from alloy to shave some weight, while the rest of the cassette is constructed from steel. It fits to the rear wheel via a Microspline freehub.
The cassette is paired with the old SLX-level chain, which comes with a quick-link joiner.
- £134.99 / $180
- 510g
Shimano BR-M6220 brakes
These could prove to be popular stoppers – the latest 4-piston brakes from Shimano.
As we saw with the XTR and XT brakes launched last year, the new lever design runs the hose closer and more parallel to the bars for a much cleaner look.
The levers have the Servowave link inside, which modulates the lever-pull ratio to improve feel, power and pad/disc gaps for better performance in muddy conditions.
Inside, the Deore brakes now use the low-viscosity mineral fluid found in higher-priced brakes. This should, in theory, make the brakes more stable at higher temperatures. But beware, using the wrong (old) fluid could ruin the seals.
Down at the caliper, there's a more refined-looking two-piece design, holding the four dual-diameter pistons. The bleed port is at the opposite corner of the caliper for an easier bleed process.
There are 220mm and 200mm Center Lock rotors to squeeze the ultimate power out of them.
In a departure from Shimano's past, the 203mm option is no more.
- £149.99 / $160
- 322g
