Drive
Shimano's 1x chainrings will have completely revised ergonomics for the coming model year. After intensive testing with professional athletes from a wide range of bike categories, the new chainrings should guide the chain much more securely than before.
The new tooth profile is suitable for both the XTR and XT groupsets. Shimano calls the improved tooth profile "Dynamic Chain Engagement". The teeth of the CRM91 and CRM81 chainrings are shaped in such a way that they provide optimum support and improved chain guidance. Drive noise is also said to have been reduced and wear minimised. Coated steel teeth on the Shimano Deore XT guarantee maximum durability, while the reinforced aluminium teeth on the XTR side are designed to keep the weight low.
XT cassette with 46 teeth
The new Deore XT cassette has a gradation of 11-46 teeth and therefore provides an enormous range. This should benefit enduro riders in particular. Shimano specifies 450 grams as the target weight of the new cassette. It is suitable for both XT and XTR systems, but is only intended for use with single chainrings.
11-speed chain lock
For greater flexibility, ease of assembly and maintenance, Shimano will soon be offering a chain lock for its 11-speed chains (SM-CN900-11) for the first time. Developed for quick, tool-free chain installation on the road or on the trail, a new tool (TL-CN10) is also available for the non-reusable chain lock, which significantly speeds up and simplifies installation even further at a professional level.
New crank increments
Also new are the two gradations for 2x and 3x gear ratios. With 34-24 teeth and 40-30-22 teeth, they are primarily intended to provide smaller gears for steeper terrain. The two cranks FC-MT700 and FC-MT500 feature the latest Hollowtech II technology and are equipped with stiff and robust 2-piece crankarms.
Brakes below Acera
Below the Acera level, Shimano offers two new groupless hydraulic disc brakes, the M365 and the M315. The M365 has a lighter aluminium lever and, like the M315, has been equipped with technologies that were originally developed for high-end brakes, such as low-noise, stable braking performance or the simple, clean bleeding option.
To complement the M365 and M315 brakes, there are the new SM-RT10 and SM-RT26 brake discs. While the SM-RT10 centre-lock version is characterised by a new locking ring design, the SM-RT26 uses the tried-and-tested self-locking washers that are also used in the higher-quality 6-hole discs.
Stefan Frey
Editor
