Almost exactly one year ago Shimano presented the XT Di2 and the SLX drivetrain with 11 sprockets. Now the Japanese have set their sights on the mid-range Deore groupset. The latest evolutionary stage goes by the acronym Deore M6000. And the most important thing up front: contrary to what you might think, the Shimano Deore continues to be a 10-speed drivetrain! However, it adopts some familiar details from higher-quality drivetrains and also takes a step forwards in terms of design.
New Deore: 2x10 or 3x10 plus an 11-42 cassette
In future, you will also have the choice of riding a double or triple set-up with the Deore. The double drivetrain of the Shimano Deore thus ties in with XTR, XT and SLX in terms of gear range. The four-arm cranks come in the proven Hollowtech II design. The double crankset is available in the three gear ratio variants 38-28, 36-26, 34-24 teeth and alternatively as a B version with a chainline that is three millimetres further out for frames with the Boost standard. If the 10-tooth jump of the double cranks is not enough for you, you can opt for the triple cranks with a gradation of 40-30-22 teeth. A new cassette has also been added to the Deore groupset: The CS-HG500 with Dyna-Sys technology guarantees a wide spread of the ten sprockets with 11-42 gradation. This means that even bikers with a 10-speed drivetrain can ride an 11-42 cassette for the first time.
However, the tried-and-tested cassettes with 11-32, 11-34 and 11-36 gradations will continue to be available. Combine cassettes. At the rear, a Shadow RD+ rear derailleur on both Deore versions ensures precise and smooth gear changes and more chain tension when the going gets rough downhill. As there is no 1x10 version of the Deore, you always need a front derailleur. There are three types to choose from: Side Swing (side-hinged), Top Swing or Down Swing. To take the confusion out of the front derailleur and to have suitable models for a wide variety of MTB frames, there are five additional mounting options - one with a high, medium and low clamp, then a direct mount version and finally as an E-Type.
The rear derailleur and front derailleur are controlled and operated using Rapidfire Plus shift levers, which allow you to shift several gears with the press of a thumb. The Deore shift levers also have a visual gear indicator that shows the currently selected gear at a glance. The new Shimano Deore is also on a par with the top groupsets when it comes to disc brakes. The new hydraulic disc brakes with powerful servo wave levers and thermally insulated brake callipers can now also be fitted with Ice-Tech pads as an option.
Prices for the new Shimano Deore have not yet been finalised, but the groupset should be available from May 2017.
Boost wheels for the Shimano XT
Two new 29- and 27.5-inch wheelsets will expand the line-up of XT wheels with wider hubs - one with wider rims for trail and touring bikes and one with narrower rims for cross-country use. At the front wheel, the mounting width increases by ten millimetres to 110x15, while at the rear the increase is six millimetres to 148x12. There are also two new thru axles available, which have been completely redesigned. The adjustment mechanism for the quick-release lever has been housed inside the axle instead of on the outside. The advantage: despite the smaller overall outer width, the clearance between the quick-release lever and the hub flange, spokes or brake callipers has increased.
Groupless MTB components
At a similar level to the new Deore groupset, Shimano is also launching a new group-free 2x11 crank with 36-26 teeth, which is characterised by low-wear teeth and Dyna-Sys technology. The crank is available in both conventional and Boost designs. There will also be a version for 10-speed drivetrains. As a group-free version of the Deore disc brakes, the new BL/BR-MT500 stoppers are the perfect complement to these cranks. In addition, the PD-ED500 is a new double-sided SPD pedal with an easier release function. At SLX level comes a new, more affordable cassette with 11-46 teeth for MTB drivetrains with one chainring.
