We can't normally complain about a uniformity of components in our BIKE test fields. However, the Sram Eagle 12-speed drivetrain dominates on bikes over 3000 euros. Shimano has simply not been able to compete with the practical single drives with their generous bandwidth. Last year, the Japanese company presented the new high-end XTR groupset, which is only found on luxury bikes, however. Simple drivetrains with a wide range at affordable prices are now on the way: Shimano presents the latest generation of the popular Deore XT (M8100) and SLX (M7100).
New Shimano XT and Shimano SLX: the facts at a glance
- 1x cassette: 10-51 teeth
- 2x cassette: 10-45 teeth
- 1x crank: 28/30/32/34/36 teeth (28 and 36 only XT)
- 2x crank: 26/36 teeth
- 2-piston brake for XC use
- 4-piston brake for All Mountain/Enduro
- Hubs for Non-Boost / Boost / Superboost with Micro Spline freehub
- Wheels XC / Enduro (XT only)
Visually, both new Shimano groupsets are very reminiscent of the XTR. So it is not surprising that all parts can be combined with each other. The SLX is still aimed at beginners and marks the lower end of Shimano's high-quality MTB components in terms of price. The XT lies between the SLX and XTR and aims to offer good functionality at a fair price. Both gears are approved for E-MTB use.
In contrast to Sram, Shimano still believes in double drivetrains. As with the XTR, there are two possible setups: Either you ride a 1x12 drivetrain with a cassette with 10-51 teeth and thus 510 per cent gear range. Or you can combine the double crankset with the 10-45 cassette and get 620 per cent gear range. You can also choose between a lightweight two-piston brake and a more powerful four-piston brake. The Japanese only offer complete wheels in XT quality: an XC wheelset with 24 mm rims (according to the manufacturer 1840 grams in 29 inch, 1764 grams in 27.5 inch) and an Enduro wheelset with 30 millimetre internal width (according to the manufacturer 1932 grams in 29 inch, 1846 grams in 27.5 inch). Both wheels come with aluminium rims and are fitted with 28 spokes.
Shimano XT vs SLX: The differences
In the new XT cassette with 12 sprockets, the Japanese use two aluminium sprockets (the largest), while the SLX only uses one. The remaining sprockets are made of more robust steel. The SLX shifter is mounted with a plain bush, the XT trigger with two ball bearings. By comparison, the XTR lever has four ball bearings. While the new Shimano XT lever comes in aluminium with a rubber insert, mountain bikers will have to make do with a plastic lever for the SLX. As with the XTR, the front chainring is changed using a single thumb lever. The XT cranks are available in 165, 170, 175 and 180 millimetre lengths, the SLX in 165 to 175 millimetre lengths. All cranks can be selected to suit non-boost, boost and superboost. Both the chainrings and the sprockets as well as the chain have the features of the XTR and should therefore also shift very comfortably. All in all, the SLX groupset weighs slightly more (148 grams with a comparable configuration) than the Shimano XT drivetrain, but also costs less.
As with the XTR, there is a choice of different brakes: for gram-fiddlers and light riders, the Japanese company offers a two-piston brake in both quality levels, and a more powerful four-piston brake for heavier riders and enduro riders. At first glance, the XT and SLX brakes look very similar. The lever width of both stoppers can be adjusted without tools, but the free travel adjustment is reserved for the XT brake. Just like the top model, both brakes are supported by an additional bar on the handlebars. This ensures an extremely rigid connection, but also takes up more space.
Availability and prices
The single-speed versions of Shimano SLX and XT will be available from 14 June 2019, the double-speed versions from mid-July. The prices for the 12-speed Shimano Deore XT are based on the old XT groupset (M8000), but will increase by around ten per cent due to the additional sprocket and new technologies.
First driving impression
We have already had the opportunity to ride both MTB drivetrains in a single setup. In a direct comparison, it is noticeable that the XT can change gears better under load than the SLX. The shifting feel is also somewhat more defined and of higher quality. The biggest difference here is probably the higher quality shift lever, which allows you to shift up two gears and down four gears. The SLX lever only allows one gear up and three down. The 510 per cent range is sufficient even for steep climbs and fast descents. Both drivetrains work at a high level. On our enduro tour, the XT four-piston brakes impressed with good modulation, a stable pressure point and good braking power. The two-piston SLX brakes also left a very positive impression during the test ride, and it is difficult to tell the difference to the XT. Only the XT freewheel caused us to frown: sometimes it hummed quietly, sometimes the ratchet sound was completely silent. According to the Shimano developers, however, the issue is known and should be resolved in series production. However, the function should not be affected. We have not yet been able to test the SLX hubs or the double versions.
Conclusion
After a long wait, Shimano is finally presenting two affordable twelve-speed drivetrains for mountain bikers, which can impress with their usual quality. This means that more Shimano drivetrains are likely to be found on mid-range bikes again in the future.
