Shimano has updated its Deore XT Di2 drivetrain for the first time since 2016, adopting much of the tech seen on its flagship XTR groupset released earlier this month.
The Deore XT Di2 M8200 range features a new derailleur, shifter, cassette and crankset, as well as updated brakes and a new alloy wheelset. Also hot off the press is the more affordable Deore Di2 M6200 groupset, which completes Shimano’s trio of wireless mountain bike drivetrains.
Shimano’s XT offering has been a firm favourite among keen mountain bikers since its debut in the early 1980s, delivering much the same performance as the flagship XTR range at a more attainable price point.
The M8200 iteration is no different; it features the same technology as XTR Di2, with a few cost-saving differences. Here’s everything you need to know about the new Deore XT range.
Read more about Shimano's new Di2 mountain bike groupsets
Shimano XT derailleur – key details
The heart of Shimano’s new wireless tech lies in its derailleurs. Just like its XTR stablemate (and unlike its direct competitor, SRAM’s Eagle AXS Transmission), the new XT derailleur connects to the frame traditionally, via a derailleur hanger.
It also features low and high adjustments and a B-tension screw to set the distance between the top jockey wheel and the cassette.
This marks a big difference compared to SRAM’s latest wireless drivetrains, which mount directly to the frame and can thereby forgo derailleur hangers and adjustment screws.
Drawing on the design introduced with the XTR M9250 rear derailleur, the Deore XT derailleur features a streamlined build that’s designed to avoid obstacles in the trail.
Its integrated skid plate and lack of harsh edges should help it glance off any obstacles it does encounter, rather than getting hung up on them.
In the event of a substantial knock, the derailleur can move out of the way before returning to its normal position, thanks to Shimano’s Automatic Impact Recovery mechanism.
The derailleur is set to cost £429.99, plus £39.99 for the battery and £29.99 for the charger.
Shimano XT derailleur options
Just like its XTR range, Shimano is offering two families of Deore XT – one for mountain bikes and one for electric mountain bikes. The mountain bike version has its own onboard battery, while the eMTB incarnation is powered by the bike's main battery.
Each family will have two options – long and mid cages for the standard derailleur, and 11- and 12-speed versions for eMTBs.
The long SGS derailleur is built for the new 10-51t cassette. The mid SG derailleur is built for the new 9-45t cassette.
In an update to the current Di2 MTB and eMTB-specific derailleurs, both Free Shift and Auto Shift will be available on the 12-speed setup. These features were previously reserved for 11-speed Linkglide drivetrains.
The presence of Free Shift means you can change gears without pedalling, by independently rotating the chainring via the Shimano EP8 motor. This enables you to pre-select a gear for an upcoming trail feature.
Auto Shift uses speed and torque sensors to shift gears automatically, without rider inputs at the shifter, to keep the pedal cadence within an optimal range.
All Deore XT derailleurs use an alloy cage construction, which is less expensive than the carbon cage used on XTR.
Shimano XT shifter
Shimano’s latest wireless shifter has been designed to replicate the feel and layout of its mechanical counterparts. The button positioning will feel instantly familiar to existing users, and Shimano says the tactile response remains reassuringly similar, with a defined click for each shift.
Tucked neatly beneath the handlebar, the shifter is offered in two mounting formats. Riders can choose between a bar clamp mount or the I-SPEC EV system, which integrates directly with compatible Shimano brake levers.
Riders can tweak both the shift paddles and button positions to suit their preferences. The system supports multiple shift modes too, such as multi-shift via a press-and-hold function or a two-step click-through shift.
There’s also a third, programmable button that expands functionality. Shimano suggests this could enable integration with devices such as Garmin head units or other third-party accessories.
Shimano Deore XT cassette and crankset
Completing the revamped XT drivetrain is a new cassette and crankset. The M8200 12-speed cassette uses the tried-and-tested Hyperglide+ tooth profiling found on current-generation cassettes and features a 10-51t range.
There’s also a new 9-45t option, aimed at riders looking to shave some weight, or increase ground clearance by running the shorter mid-cage derailleur.
Both cassettes feature a hybrid steel/alloy construction, with the largest two cogs made from aluminium and the smallest 10 cogs forged from steel.
The new XT crankset is offered in one configuration, claimed to suit trail, enduro and cross-country riders alike. The cranks feature a 176mm Q-factor with a 55mm chain line, and are available in 160, 165, 170 and 175mm lengths.
The cranks use Shimano’s Hollowtech II construction and are compatible with 28-36T direct-mount chainrings.
Shimano XT brakes
Just like the new XTR groupset, there will be two versions of the new XT brakes, aimed at trail and XC riders, respectively.
Both new brakes are claimed to address the issue of wandering bite points, which Shimano claims was due to the inconsistent nature of its mineral oil brake fluid.
As with the XTR brakes, the new XT stoppers use a new type of mineral oil that’s claimed to be less viscous and should therefore flow consistently through the system in a wider temperature range.
The new XT brake lever sits closer to the handlebar and uses a larger fluid reservoir, with the brake fluid now being pulled through the system, rather than pushed, by the master piston.
Shimano has also subtly changed the brake lever ergonomics.
The lever blade pivot has been moved closer to the bar, which is claimed to give a more natural-feeling pull, while the lever is tilted 5 degrees upwards from the pivot, to better match your finger’s position when in use.
Shimano hasn’t released much information on the new XT calipers; however, if the new XTR calipers are anything to go by, we can assume the cross-country stoppers haven’t changed a whole lot, apart from getting updated seals designed to work with Shimano’s new low-viscosity mineral fluid.
The trail/enduro calipers look to have had more of an overhaul, with a larger brake pad to increase surface contact with the rotor.
Shimano XT wheels
- Price: £219.99 (front), £279.99 (rear)
Completing the XT overhaul is a new alloy wheelset, available in 27.5 and 29in sizes.
Designed for both XC and trail/enduro riding, it features a 30mm-wide rim (internal diameter), laced to Shimano’s Microspline hub by 28 stainless steel J-bend spokes.
The hub features a 3.5-degree engagement angle and uses Centerlock rotor mounts.
