The Deore XT groupset from Shimano has been one of the most popular MTB drivetrains on the market for years. The Japanese company is now presenting a completely revamped XT groupset for 2016. With the introduction of the new M8000 groupset*, the XT success story is set to continue seamlessly. In terms of technology, the XT is state-of-the-art, with many details of the current eleven-fold XTR group have been adopted. The new Deore XT is designed to fulfil all requirements, from cross-country to tough trail and enduro use. In contrast to the XTR, it is particularly interesting for bikers because of its lower purchase price. However, we do not yet have exact prices for the new XT groupset.
The most important innovation of the new Shimano XT: 11-speed cassette
In line with the latest state of the art, the Deore XT from shifting giant Shimano has also been equipped with the most modern 11-speed systems that already characterise its big sister, the XTR. This raises the bar to a new level both in the demanding race segment and in tough enduro use. The "Dyna-Sys11" 11-speed shifting system is designed to maximise gear efficiency at all times. In addition, the technology with its sophisticated use of materials and new derailleur, front derailleur and chainring designs ensures improved drivetrain stability in all weather conditions and greater shifting comfort.
Can be combined with single chainring, double and triple cranks
As with the XTR, the entire range of 1x11-speed, 2x11-speed and 3x11-speed gear ratios is available for the new M8000. Shimano calls this concept "Rider Tuned". Whichever of the many options is selected, high-end materials such as carbon or metallic composite constructions ensure shifting precision, optimum chain guidance and long durability. The double cranks are available in three gear ratio variants with 34/24, 36/26 and 38/28 teeth, which are designed for maximum drivetrain efficiency. The reduced crank range resulting from the 10-tooth jumps is partially compensated for by the wider range of the 11-40 cassette. Nevertheless, a 36/26 crank with an 11-40 cassette (503 % gear range) is no longer as wide as an old XT crank with 38/24 teeth and 11-36 sprocket (518 %)
Triple crank with 22 teeth on the smallest blade
In addition, the triple version with 40/30/22 teeth offers the smallest gears and the widest range for maximum versatility. The double XT crankset with 36/26 teeth and the single option with 32 teeth are also available in a B version with a chainline that is 3 millimetres further out. The tooth profiles of the single chainrings on the new XT cranksets have - like the XTR - a significantly wider shape of the steel teeth and a special hook design. While the former ensures secure guidance of the chain, especially when pedalling, the latter guarantees efficient protection against the chain jumping off - even in rough terrain. Overall, this new tooth design holds and guides the chain 150 per cent more firmly on the chainring, which significantly improves both safety and durability.
New cassette with 11-42 gradation is added
Thanks to the "Rhythm Step" gradation*, the new Shimano XT ensures uninterrupted propulsion. To this end, the gear steps have been selected precisely so that the jumps are small and the cadence remains as constant as possible. Regardless of the choice of single, double or triple system, this helps to ensure that the energy expended by the rider is always efficiently converted into propulsion and the flow on the trail is maintained. In figures: With the new 2x and 3x drivetrains, this provides a wide gear ratio which, thanks to the combination with the 11-40 cassette, is still designed for narrow gradations between the gears and enables efficient gear jumps. New to the Deore XT, on the other hand, is an 11-42 cassette (CS-M8000) developed specifically (and exclusively) for the single-speed systems. With this gradation, it is the widest-ratio cassette that Shimano has ever introduced. In combination with the 11-speed chain with asymmetric HG-X11 plates (mounting direction dependent) and SIL-TEC surface coating, the XT cassettes ensure smooth shifting behaviour.
Lighter and more durable bottom bracket
The new Deore XT cranks rotate in a revised HOLLOWTECH II bottom bracket, either as a press-fit or threaded type. Thanks to smaller and lighter bearings and a sealing system already tried and tested on the XTR, the new bottom brackets are both lighter and more rotationally efficient and therefore ensure improved resistance to dirt as well as more speed.
11-speed rear derailleur with lower operating forces and adjustable friction damper
The rear derailleur and front derailleur of the new Deore XT have undergone a complete overhaul. The new rear derailleur naturally features Shimano's optimised SHADOW+ technology and is also characterised by a flat angle of attack and a flat profile. The Japanese company has also worked on lower shifting forces and improved chain stabilisation. The newly designed derailleur pulleys have been optimised even more for chains running at an angle and, with their larger teeth, help to improve shifting performance. As with the XTR, the friction damper of the SHADOW+ mechanism has been equipped with an adjustment option that allows the mechanism to be optimised for either maximum stability or minimum operating forces. The new XT rear derailleur is Direct Mount compatible and is available in the GS version (medium-length cage) for 1x and 2x systems and in the SGS version with a long cage for 3x drivetrains.
Powerful front derailleur with optimised cable routing
Shimano has also given the new Deore XT derailleurs "Side Swing" technology. The 2x and 3x derailleurs are designed to take front shifting behaviour to a whole new level with smooth yet powerful shifting - even on modern bikes with long suspension travel. In addition to the optimised cable routing, which improves shifting efficiency, the new front derailleurs are characterised by optimised clearance for wide tyres. This enables manufacturers to develop bikes with shorter chainstays and thus improve handling and manoeuvrability. The classic versions with high and low clamp position, D-Type and E-Type are available for mounting. In addition, the double front derailleurs are also available in a top swing or down swing version.
New XT shift levers: better ergonomics, less operating force
As it is well known that the interaction between the rider and their drive system primarily takes place via the shift levers, these human-machine interfaces have been given the highest priority in the new Deore XT groupset. According to Shimano, the shift and release levers with tactilely different surfaces and the "Optislick" cables reduce shifting forces by 20 per cent and noticeably improve ergonomics. INSTANT-RELEASE, MULTI-RELEASE and 2-WAY-RELEASE ensure fast and flexible operation, while the further optimised "Vivid Index" mechanism provides clear tactile feedback and precision. The levers are available for classic clamp mounting as well as in two I-Spec versions. While the new I-Spec II standard offers even more adjustment options, I-Spec B ensures compatibility with older brake levers.
The new Shimano Deore XT should be available from June/July 2015.
