Shimano XT: Endurance test

Tomek

· 27.11.2007

Photo: BIKE Magazin

Shimano XT: Endurance test

The new "XT" from Shimano was barely on the market when the BIKE testers were already bludgeoning it over the Transalp.

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The new "XT" from Shimano aroused the desires of the BIKE editors and testers. BIKE was able to enjoy the new groupset-Tester Michael Veith. After eight days with more than 600 kilometres and 20,000 metres of altitude difference at race pace, he was full of praise for the new Japanese group.

The highlights of the Shimano XT:

crisp shifting feel, the crank allows many gear combinations without rattling and without chainsuck. Veith was enthusiastic about the brakes. The modulation (good), braking power (strong), fading (none) and wear (low) were exemplary. Veith used the 2008 carbon hardtail Fuji "MT Fuji SL" as his test bike.

Rear derailleur/shift lever:

The shifting is precise and even feels crisper on the "XT" than on its more expensive sister "XTR". However, you still need a little sensitivity: If you shift gears frantically or on steep ramps under full load, it can crack from time to time.

A practical feature of the new "Shadow" rear derailleur, which is 18 mm narrower at the derailleur hanger, is that you can finally lay the bike on both sides without risking a bent derailleur hanger.

Brakes:

In the words of the BIKE tester: "The real hit: super modulation, brute braking power even with 160-millimetre discs, no fading even on long, steep descents. Hardly any pad wear. But that may also have been due to the nice weather."

Crank handle:

We liked the simpler clamping technology compared to the "XTR". Very precise shifting, in combination with the front derailleur (the previous model was still fitted to the test bike) you can even shift down under full load. In addition, all gears can be ridden without any chain rattling. Michi didn't have a single chainsuck on the entire Transalp.

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Shimano XT: Endurance test

The highlights of the Shimano XT:

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