Shimano XTR M9200 Di2: Finally here: the new wireless XTR from Shimano

With the brand new XTR groupset, Shimano is also sending the cables into retirement. The component giant took a whole seven years to develop the new electronic XTR. The revised flagship now sorts the gears wirelessly and is also said to be the most stable MTB drivetrain that Shimano has ever built since the XT from 1982, the world's first specific MTB drivetrain. The XTR Di2 M9200 offers a wide range of options to suit trail, enduro, e-bike and cross-country bikers alike. A particular highlight: a cassette with a small nine-tooth sprocket, which allows a smaller chainring size without making too many restrictions on the gear ratio. Of course, the Japanese also emphasise attractive weight and suitable ergonomics in their revised high-end drivetrain. However, the major update not only includes the gears, but also a whole host of exciting parts, from the brakes and cranks to the pedals and wheels. We took a close look at the new Shimano XTR parts.

>> BIKE has already tested the new Shimano XTR groupset. Click here for the article.

The first wireless gearstick from Shimano

For Shimano, the future of MTB gears also lies in wireless shifting. The XTR M9200 is based on a newly developed Di2 system that is designed to shift faster, more precisely and more reliably than its wired predecessor. In collaboration with world-class athletes, Shimano has optimised the durability of the drivetrain on tough race courses. The rear derailleur now has a more powerful damping stabiliser called Shadow ES, which is based on a double tension spring and is designed to improve the retention of the chain on the teeth.

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The design also dispenses with edges on which the XTR rear derailleur could get stuck. If the 665 euro part hits an obstacle, it should simply slide off without sustaining any permanent damage. If an impact does occur, Shimano's Automatic Impact Recovery function should ensure that the rear derailleur disengages, absorbs the impact and returns to its original position by itself. If something does become misaligned, the derailleur can be fine-tuned from the handlebars while riding. A wider joint structure and a more robust design of the derailleur cage are also said to have contributed to the reinforcement. The idler and tension pulley have been redesigned to make it more difficult for dirt to penetrate.

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The battery of the new Shimano XTR Di2 sits deep inside the rear derailleur under a plastic cover and should not be able to move or come loose even when riding hard. The battery can be removed for charging. According to the manufacturer, one battery should provide juice for 30040 to 500 kilometres. The two button cells in the gear lever promise a service life of up to two years. With the RD-M9260 model, Shimano also offers an optional E-MTB rear derailleur that is powered by the main battery. This has both a free-shift and an auto-shift function. This allows you to shift gears without pedalling and, if desired, the smart automatic system can even change gears automatically. The e-bike version is available with a twelve-speed derailleur for chains and cassettes with Hyperglide technology or an eleven-speed version for parts with Linkglide standard.

>> 53 years of gear shifting: What the new XTR and the first MTB gearbox have in common

The new XTR rear derailleur can be ordered with two different cage lengths. The long cage allows the use of cassettes with ten to 51 teeth and thus the already familiar sprocket option. The medium-length cage is optimised for use with the new 9-45-tooth cassette. The small sprocket is designed to allow the use of a smaller chainring (e.g. 30 or even 28 teeth) without missing a gear at high speeds. The gear range is 500 per cent. Compared to its predecessor, the derailleur cage is up to 23 millimetres shorter and the smaller chainring protrudes around eight millimetres less downwards, resulting in more ground clearance, which should benefit the durability of the parts. Shimano's Hyperglide+ technology should ensure smooth, low-wear shifting even under load.

>> Shimano has a particularly affordable mechanical gearstick in its programme with the Cues. We tested it here.

For their new wireless shifting system, the developers at Shimano naturally also had to rethink the shift lever from scratch. The result should be particularly ergonomic and customisable. Tactile feedback is provided with every shift and there are various shift modes to choose from. For example, users can opt for classic gear changes via individual clicks or for multi-shift. The system shifts twice when the button is pressed. The buttons can be orientated in four directions. There is another button on the body of the gear lever, which can be assigned customised functions using the E-Tube app. For example, to control compatible bike computers. The new shift levers can be mounted either with a clamp or directly using the I-Spec EV standard.

>> Using the Sram GX AXS as an example, we discuss whether the switch to a wireless drivetrain is really worthwhile.

Shimano XTR M9200 Di2 wireless drivetrain in detail

Shimano XTR rear derailleur

• 12 gears switchable via radio
• Shimano Shadow ES stabilisation technology
• Robust structure with sliding plate and solid castors
• Removable and rechargeable battery
• Optional wired version for E-MTBs incl. auto and free-shift function
• Price: 664,95 Euro
• Unit price battery: 63,95 Euro
• Unit price charger: 56.95 euros
• Weight rear derailleur: 388 g (BIKE measurement, short cage)
• Battery weight: 22.5 g (BIKE measurement)

Shimano XTR shifter

• Shimano Rapid ES technology
• Versatile adjustment with selectable switching modes
• Additional customisable button
• Price: 234,95 Euro
• Weight: 101 g (BIKE measurement)

Shimano XTR cassette

• twelve sprockets, either 9-45 t. or 10-51 t.
• Micro-spline mounting standard
• Hyperglide+ technology
• Gear ratio range: 500 / 510 %
• Price: 504,95 Euro
• Weight: 322 g (BIKE measurement, 9-45 t.)

Shimano XTR gear upgrade set

• Price: 999 Euro

>> Does the future lie with gears after all? BIKE readers have tested the Pinion MGU.

Strong and lightweight cranks for trail and race

Shimano offers the new XTR crank in two versions. One option for trail and enduro riders is optimised for maximum durability. The developers focussed on stiffness, power transmission and resistance to collisions. The Enduro crank comes with a stronger axle. A short 160 millimetre option is provided for less crank contact. The new race crank is said to be particularly lightweight and optimised for cross-country racing and touring. It comes with a reduced Q-factor of 168 millimetres. Both versions of the new XTR crank are based on the proven Hollowtech II standard.

>> Shimano's GRX electronic gravel drivetrain now also shifts twelve gears. Click here for the test.

Shimano XTR M9200 cranks in detail

Shimano XTR crankset

• Hollowtech II technology
• Two variants: Trail and Enduro / Race
• Specific Q-factor: 176 / 168 mm
• Chainline: 55 mm
• Price: 334.95 euros (without chainring)
• Weight: 528 g (BIKE measurement, 176 / 170 mm)

Shimano XTR chainring

• Number of teeth: 28 / 30 / 32 / 34 / 36 / 38
• Price: 174,95 Euro
• Weight: 63 g (BIKE measurement, 30 t.)

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New Shimano XTR disc brakes

Shimano brakes have enjoyed great popularity for years and with the new edition, the Japanese have made their stoppers even more ergonomic and reliable. To this end, the lever has been completely redesigned and comes with the new Ergo Flow technology, which is intended to bring the pressure point closer to the handlebars. This means that the movement of the brake finger follows a more natural, anatomical path. The shape of the brake lever is now asymmetrically positioned upwards, which should enable a more aggressive riding position and better weight distribution on the bike.

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The new Shimano XTR brake comes in three different versions. The XC version with two pistons is designed for a particularly low weight, has a carbon lever, magnesium master cylinder and plastic pistons. The new, now one-piece Trail and Enduro brake calliper comes with four pistons of different diameters and should finally have rattle-free pads with cooling fins. The corresponding brake levers feature the further developed Servo Wave design, which is intended to convert the lever travel into braking power particularly smoothly and directly. Brake callipers and brake levers can be combined to create a third variant. All options now rely on a mineral oil with low viscosity and seals with a consistent reset speed. This should also prevent brake point wandering, which Shimano was repeatedly accused of with the previous generation.

>> Sram also recently presented a new range of brakes based on mineral oil. You can find all the information here.

Shimano XTR M9200 brakes in detail

Shimano XTR disc brake

• Available in Trail/Enduro, XC or combined version
• Number of pistons: 4 / 2
• Brake fluid: Mineral oil with low viscosity
• Improved ergonomics and smooth power curve
• Price: 274.95 - 314.95 euros per brake
• Price per brake lever: 114.95 - 124.95 Euro
• Unit price brake caliper: 154.95 - 174.95 Euro
• Unit price brake pads: 36.95 - 43.95 Euro
• Disc brake upgrade kit: 589.95 - 694.95 Euro
• Brake weight (front / rear): 296 / 312 g (BIKE measurement Trail/Enduro, without screws, with pads, 100/170 cm)
• Brake pad weight (organic / sintered): 20 / 33 g (BIKE measurement, with spring)
• Weight of brake calliper bolts: 14 g (BIKE measurement 2x M6x20)
• Weight centre lock brake disc (203 / 180 mm): 165 / 136 g + 10 g lockring (BIKE measurement)
• Weight 6-hole brake disc (203 / 180 mm): 170 / 130 g + 14 g screws (BIKE measurement)

>> New brakes are also available from TRP. Click here for a presentation and test.

Super-stable carbon wheels from the XTR family

The new Shimano XTR model range also has innovations to offer in terms of wheels. Shimano claims to have improved the bearings, seals and ease of maintenance in the new hubs. In addition, rolling resistance is said to have been reduced and protection against moisture and dirt increased. The rear hub comes with a new Direct Engagement freehub body, which is said to offer particularly low resistance with an engagement angle of 3.5 degrees. The hubs are installed either in a specific Trail, Enduro or XC wheelset. The latter uses 24 titanium spokes to optimise weight.

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Shimano XTR M9200 wheels in detail

Shimano XTR wheelset

• Available as Trail/Enduro and XC version
• Jaw width: 30 / 26.6 mm
• Number of spokes: 28 / 24
• Spokes material: Stainless steel / titanium
• Rim material: Carbon
• Standards: 29" / Microspline / Centrelock
• Price: 1649 - 2299 Euro
• Weight (front / rear): 849 / 957 g (BIKE measurement Trail/Enduro)

>> DT-Swiss also recently presented brand new carbon rims. Here's the info.