It has been 33 years since Shimano launched the Deore XT, the first groupset developed specifically for mountain bike use. A lot has changed since then: the chain has climbed from 8 to 9 to 10 sprockets in the latest evolutionary stage. The Shimano M8000 now becomes the first XT groupset with a total of 11 sprockets, with a maximum of 42 teeth, jostling for position on the freewheel.
A lot has also changed visually. While the XT has looked playful over the years, sometimes even a little cheap, the latest version of the long-running favourite looks really classy. Matt black surfaces and a clear design give the rider an almost some Shimano XTR feeling. The fact that the M8000 version of the XT is even closer to its big sister is particularly noticeable in the design of the crank. The spider, which is now available as a 1x, 2x or 3x version, clearly borrows from Shimano's top groupset. There have also been some changes to the front derailleur. The front derailleur is now no longer mounted classically from above, but from the side, as with the XTR. On the one hand, this is intended to give the frame designers more freedom in the rear triangle design, and on the other hand to lift the chain even more smoothly and powerfully onto the large chainrings. The shift levers are now also almost indistinguishable from XTR levers. We wanted to find out how they feel on the trail immediately after the presentation on Lake Garda.
The first ride test of the Shimano Deore XT
So off to the Shimano stand. A Cube Stereo, fully equipped with the new XT groupset, is already there, ready for the ride. Shimano has fitted the 2x XT version for the test ride. This means that a maximum of 40 teeth are available at the rear. The 11-42 cassette is currently reserved for the single crankset. There you have the choice between 30, 32 or 34 teeth. The double crankset is available with 38/28, 36/26 or 34/24 teeth. Depending on the steep climbs on Lake Garda, I use the middle 36/26 ratio to crank up the hills. This means that even with my still lean spring form, I still have room for manoeuvre on the steep ramps.
Better adjustment options with I-Spec II
The first surprise awaits me before the start. When aligning the gear lever, I notice the revised I-Spec II clamp. Compared to its predecessor, it is somewhat more delicate. The real benefit, however, is the extended adjustment range. If you open the screw that secures the shift lever to the brake lever, the shift lever can be moved both horizontally and vertically. There are also two positions for attaching the shift lever. Inside or further out. This means that everyone - no matter how big and long their fingers are - should be able to find the optimum position on the handlebars.
Lever ergonomics like the XTR
I start rolling. To familiarise myself, I first shift through the entire cassette. The levers feel really good on the finger and are visually reminiscent of Shimano's premium XTR groupset. A little pressure on the slightly ribbed, longer lever shifts the chain smoothly and without any noticeable loss of time to the next largest sprocket. The gear is in place.
Easier gear changes, increased chain tension
Shifting with the new Shimano XT is said to be 20 per cent lighter. I would describe it as crisp and direct. The Shimano engineers have apparently been able to reduce the idle travel when shifting gears. The cable is in contact with the shift lever after just a few millimetres. The chain moves smoothly and easily up to the eleventh sprocket without any noticeable rattling. The bigger surprise comes when I shift down: I press the rear 2-way release lever and nothing happens. Only when I press a little harder does the shift lever release the shift cable with a distinct click - you can hear and feel it. This is something I've never experienced before with other Shimano groupsets. Clearly defined, but with an almost somewhat hard pressure point, I let the chain move over the cassette. As with its predecessor, two gears can be changed at once using the multi-release function, at least when pressed. If you pull from behind with your index finger, the shift lever only releases one gear at a time. As before, the rear derailleur is equipped with the Shadow Plus standard. Only the clamping force has been increased slightly. The derailleur cage reliably keeps the chain under tension. Even in the rumble on the Lake Garda trails, the chain hardly hits the right chainstay.
Smooth-running side-swing front derailleur
There is also an innovation in the front derailleur: it is now articulated from the side. This means that the cable runs more directly to the front derailleur and is less deflected. Fewer deflections, less friction - this should not only reduce the effort required, but also increase the pulling force of the front derailleur. Shimano claims to generate 50 per cent more power in this way. In fact, the chain can be shifted very easily onto the larger chainring. However, the distance that the thumb has to cover is quite long. It's quicker on the way down: just tap the lever and the chain drops straight onto the small chainring without much delay. Shifting on the front derailleur is also very smooth, fast and without major delays.
Test summary of the new Shimano XT drivetrain
To call it a revolution might be a bit of an exaggeration. But the new XT is more than just the next evolutionary stage of Shimano's best-selling groupset. The improved lever ergonomics and the numerous adjustment options on the shift lever are definitely a highlight. Crisp, fast and defined: when it comes to shifting, the M8000 is even closer to the Shimano XTR. Only the long shifting travel on the front derailleur and the very hard pressure point on the 2-way release lever give some cause for complaint. All options are now open to the customer: whether single, double or triple, the new Shimano XT can be perfectly customised to the rider's needs. This is mainly because it is relatively easy to switch between a single and double setup by changing the spider on the crank. And for those who still don't want to say goodbye to the triple crank, the 33 gears offer an unprecedented range.
Stefan Frey
Editor
