The new Shimano XT Di2 benefits from its big and expensive sister. When the Shimano XTR Di2 saw the light of day in summer 2014, it was both the exotic and the non-plus-ultra of the shifting market. Shimano had transferred its expertise in electronic shifting from the Ultegra Di2 to mountain bikes, creating something unprecedented: shifting at the touch of a button on a mountain bike.
The XTR Di2 was particularly impressive when operating with multiple cranks, as it automatically operated the rear derailleur and front derailleur simultaneously with just one switch, thus always providing the optimum gear combination with the lowest chain skew. Simplified and more efficient shifting was therefore the great strength of the XTR Di2, and it also cleared up the cockpit due to the lack of a second trigger. However, the XTR Di2 had one decisive disadvantage: it was wickedly expensive. Shimano initially charged a good 3000 euros for the electronic shifting system, but it is now available in a double or triple version for around half that price.
Shimano XT Di2: Electronic shifting in the mid-range MTB category
Shimano itself has now reacted and is transferring electronic shifting to the more affordable XT groupset for 2016. According to the press release, the main focus was on amateur racers, who will now be able to utilise the technology of the pros for significantly less money. The exotic status of the electronic drivetrain has been cancelled and the drivetrain will now probably be available for less money. However, final prices and weights have not yet been finalised.
In addition to proven technology such as Shadow Plus technology and shifting the front derailleur and rear derailleur with a single control unit, the new Shimano XT Di2 with the model designation M8050 also utilises new wireless technology. It is designed to allow riders and mechanics to easily connect to the derailleur with a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth in order to make settings or read out any faults particularly easily. The drivetrain can also be connected to some bike computers in order to read the battery status or gear on the computer while riding. Owners of the XTR Di2 can retrofit this function with an upgrade to the new information display and the new battery.
The shifters of the XT Di2 have been redesigned and their function is freely programmable. According to the press release, the operating travel is short, something we had criticised with the XTR Di2. However, only practical testing will show whether the lever travel is now short enough. Of course, as is typical for Shimano, several gears can still be shifted with a single thumb movement. Proven technology from the XTR Di2, such as the Rythem Step technology, which guarantees the lowest possible number of equalisation shifts, and the insensitivity to water, mud and snow as well as the protective return of the rear derailleur to a middle position in the event of a fall have been retained.
The Shimano XT Di2 will be available from September 2016.
New Shimano SLX groupset
The Shimano SLX has always been a favourite of price-conscious mountain bikers. For relatively little money, it offers top technology and perfect function combined with good durability. This has not changed for the new SLX model. Visually, the new SLX has been given an extreme facelift and its design is now reminiscent of last year's XT with the eleven-speed cassette.
Obviously, this connection is no coincidence. The SLX now also offers 1x11 and 2x11 as options, and 3x10 remains an integral part of the groupset. Shadow Plus technology and improved chain guidance for single cranks with wide and narrow teeth, so that no chain guide is required, almost go without saying. The new SLX should also have an improved front derailleur and be compatible with both side and top and down swing systems as well as the Boost standard (148 millimetre rear hub width).
Table of cranks and cassettes for the new SLX groupset
New brakes and hubs
Like the drivetrain, the hubs and brakes have also been revised. The hubs now weigh 148 and 189 grams respectively, the freewheel is equipped with 36 engagements over 360 degrees, the rear hubs weigh 357 and 384 grams respectively.
For the brakes, Shimano promises increased braking power and overall performance with less manual force. A new brake lever design called Servo-Wave is responsible for this. With organic or sintered metal pads and optional cooling fins, the brakes can be adapted to the rider's personal preferences, with disc sizes of 160, 180 or 203 millimetres.
The new SLX groupset will be available from June/July 2016, prices and weights are not yet available apart from those mentioned.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
