Shimano has decided to debut its new XTR M980 in two distinct flavors, Race and Trail, each with its own specific target user. We sampled the Trail version during our trip but all of the bits are interchangeable so end users can ultimately craft a package that best suits their particular needsJames Huang
The overall appearance of Shimano’s new XTR brake levers is more compact than before – and the brake levers are now especially short for natural one-finger brakingJames Huang
The new XTR Trail master cylinder abandons the old one’s radial layout in favor of a more compact inline setup. Note the dimples at the end of the lever blade, too, which lend a noticeable boost in fingertip gripJames Huang
Shimano’s latest XTR brake master cylinder features a unique double barreled layout that’s cleaner looking than before but also easier to bleed, according to ShimanoJames Huang
The Trail version of Shimano’s new XTR brake levers features tool-free reach adjustment plus Servo Wave technology, which brings the pads to the rotor more quickly but also provide excellent modulation and power. The Race version does without in both cases to save weightJames Huang
Finally! All new Shimano XTR brake levers will include hinged clampsJames Huang
The ‘Free Stroke’ screw adjusts the top-out position of the master cylinder piston, effectively allowing users to customize lever throwJames Huang
Shimano’s new Ice Tech disc brake pads feature cast aluminum heatsinks to help dissipate heat. They’ll come standard in Trail-edition XTR brakes but are also compatible with the otherwise identical Race calipersJames Huang
