Shimano is relaunching the Deore XT product line. The new XT Di2, technical designation M8200, is therefore also wireless and brings the technologies of the top XTR groupset into a broader market segment. The centrepiece of the new development is the RD-M8250 wireless rear derailleur, which adopts Shimano Shadow ES technology and a wedge-shaped design from the XTR. This should make the rear derailleur, which continues to rely on a classic design with derailleur hanger, particularly robust. The good news is that, like the new XTR, the XT Di2 does not introduce any new standards and can even be retrofitted to bikes with classic technology.
Robust rear derailleur with impact protection
The new Deore XT rear derailleur has a stabiliser unit seamlessly integrated into the housing and a design with as few corners and edges as possible. This allows the rear derailleur to avoid most collisions on the trail or slide off obstacles without sustaining damage. In the event of unavoidable impacts, the servomotor decouples itself briefly to protect against damage. The new automatic impact recovery function immediately returns the rear derailleur to its original position. In contrast to the carbon cage of the XTR version, Shimano uses a robust aluminium cage for the Deore XT.
New cassette with 9-45 teeth
Like the XTR, the XT Di2 for classic mountain bikes also comes with a cassette with 9-45 teeth. This is intended to save weight compared to conventional 10-51 cassettes. In addition, the same gear range can be achieved with a smaller chainring - keyword ground clearance - and the rear derailleur is not as long. This should prevent collisions with obstacles.
Wired and without 9-speed sprocket for E-MTB
The wireless XT Di2 is also available with a cable connection to the main battery, especially for E-MTBs. This eliminates the need to charge a separate battery. Also useful: Shimano continues to use cassettes with 10-51 teeth on E-MTBs, thus avoiding the wear problem with the small 9-tooth sprocket. If you want something particularly durable, you can opt for the Linkglide version with a more stable 10-51 cassette and only eleven gears, which is also in the programme. The E-MTB version therefore has a long cage, while the centre cage of the new XT Di2 is designed for use with a 9-45 cassette on an organic bike.
The new Shimano XT Di2 at a glance
- Twelve gears (Linkglide: eleven gears)
- Known microspline image
- Wireless technology (wired for E-MTBs)
- SGS (long cage for 10-51T cassette), GS (medium-length cage for 9-45T cassette)
- Particularly robust thanks to edgeless design
- Price rear derailleur: approx. 500 euros (old XT mechanical approx. 100 euros)
Improved brakes and new wheels
The Deore XT M8200 brakes have also been updated. The BL-M8200 brake lever comes with a new pivot point, which should ensure a more natural finger movement when braking. In combination with the revised brake caliper design and a newly developed mineral oil with low viscosity, the brake should deliver consistent performance over a wide temperature range.
Versatile aluminium wheels for Enduro and XC
The Deore XT M8200 line-up is rounded off by the new WH-M8200 aluminium wheels. These are available for both Enduro and XC use and in 29 and 27.5-inch versions. The wheels are characterised by an improved hub design for increased ease of maintenance and optimised sealing performance. The aluminium hooked rims have a rim width of 30 millimetres and are tubeless-ready.
- Material: Aluminium
- Sizes: 27.5 and 29 inch
- Jaw width: 30 mm
- Spokes: Robust J-Bend stainless steel spokes
- Number of holes: 28
- Engagement angle: 3.5 degrees
- Features: MICRO SPLINE, CENTER LOCK brake disc mount
Assessment by BIKE
The new XT largely adopts the technologies presented with the new XTR. As before, the main difference between the two groupsets is likely to be the weight. Functionally, the new XT is certainly a bank, but unfortunately it is also quite expensive. At around 500 euros for the rear derailleur alone, it is drastically more expensive than the previous mechanical XT. A look at the similarly lavish price tag of a GX Transmission wireless derailleur puts this into perspective somewhat. The update for the popular XT brakes should also be well received. - Adrian Kaether, Editor Test & Technology
Adrian Kaether
Editor
