Practical endurance test for the Shimano XT M8000 in everyday racing

Stefan Loibl

· 28.06.2016

Photo: Georg Grieshaber

Practical endurance test for the Shimano XT M8000 in everyday racing

1000-kilometre test: We put Shimano's new 11-speed XT groupset through its paces at the BC Bike Race in Canada and at the Craft BIKE Transalp - and were surprised.

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Shimano's new volume model XT with the abbreviation M8000 is undoubtedly having a tough time with us. Two outings in stage races. It could hardly have been more ruthless. But the endurance test could have been even tougher. Because while the more expensive sister XTR had to endure over 2000 kilometres in winter (Endurance test in BIKE 5/15), the XT was spared the extremely muddy kilometres for the time being. So this is an initial status report, the endurance test continues.

1st rear derailleur: The new, narrower XT rear derailleur shifts gears super-fast, very precisely and reliably. We didn't have a single botched gear change during the 1000 kilometres. As with the more expensive XTR, you can adjust the spring tension of the Shadow Plus function. We had this damping of the derailleur cage constantly activated. Wear: not an issue so far.

2nd crank: On the BC Bike Race, steep climbs and descents are constantly changing, so the crank with its 10-speed gradation (36/26) was ideal. For short, steep ramps, you simply shift to the small gear at the front and don't have to counter-shift at the rear. The lightest mountain gear 26/40 was just enough for the steep 2015 Craft BIKE Transalp. The crank has suffered a few wounds, quirks in the aluminium that can't be avoided. As with the XTR cranks, the black surface coating is already rubbing off after this manageable mileage. The chainrings still look flawless.

3rd brake: Its reputation precedes it: reliable, stable, easy to use, loved by customers and mechanics. The brakes also worked reliably for us, apart from the occasional shifting of the pressure point; the braking force was strong, but not outstanding. The pads are still good for another 1000 kilometres. The I-Spec clamp extends and facilitates the adjustment range on the handlebars.

4th cassette: The XTR version was available to us for the time being. We already know (BIKE 5/15) that the small sprockets wear out quickly in combination with a 36 t chainring at the front. However, you can theoretically replace them individually.

5. front derailleur: The Japanese can design first-class front derailleurs! In practice, the new side-swing front derailleur of the XT proved to be the biggest improvement in the entire system. With its lateral control, it shifts the chain from one chainring to the other with lightning speed and power, even under load. Even if you decide to change gear at the last second on a steep climb. We had no problems with chain suck or dropped chains.

7 Images

Photo: Georg Grieshaber

ConclusionBetter than ever: The Elffach XT groupset impresses with its flawless function, reliability and durability. Only the surfaces could be more resistant. Reasonable price compared to the XTR.

Photo: BIKE Magazin ¹BIKE measurement, ²Prices: Approx. sales prices

FUNCTIONALITY 6 out of 6 points
DURABILITY (AFTER 1000 KM) 5 out of 6 points

You can read this article or the entire BIKE 10/2015 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:

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Practical endurance test for the Shimano XT M8000 in everyday racing

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