New Shimano Deore XT M8000 groupset goes to 11

Shimano has released a new Deore XT M8000 groupset. Changes to the second-tier mountain bike components include an 11-speed cassette, redesigned shifters and redesigned pedals.

Deore XT cassette

The latest Deore XT cassette takes its cues from the XTR cogset, which sits at the top of Shimano’s MTB offerings. The XT now has 11 cogs. The 11-40 tooth set has a cog progression of 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 24, 27, 31, 35, 40 – identical counts to the XTR M9000. The XT 11-42 tooth set goes slighter larger with the final four cogs: 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 24, 28, 32, 37, 42. Shimano says both cassettes follow its Rhythm Step progression, which make for smooth transitions, keeping your rhythm and energy consistent on the trail. The tooth profile is designed for the HG-X11 chain, which has its outward-facing side designed to improve shifting at the front and its inward-facing side designed to improve rear shifting. The HG-X11 was made for muddy mountain biking conditions, and will continue to work well in the muck.

Deore XT chainrings and cranks

While things go up a number in the back, they go down in the front. Shimano added a 1-by crank to the XT lineup. It’s a feature that first appeared with the XTR, but with the XT group, there are two cassettes to choose from. The 11-42 tooth cassette broadens the range from the race-oriented 11-40 tooth set. The chainring uses Shimano’s Dynamic Chain Engagement, which the company says increases chain retention by 150 per cent. It’s made from stainless steel for durability. Ring sizes for the 1-by include 30-tooth, 32-tooth and 34-tooth. The XT group will continue to have double- and triple-ring offerings. The 2-by setups include 34/24 tooth, 36/26 tooth and 38/28 tooth. The triple is 40/30/22 tooth. The 1-by and 2-by cranks have a chainline that’s 3 mm outboard to work with 148 OLD hubs.

The gearing on the XT is what Shimano calls the Dyna-Sys11. The range, especially on the cassette, means you keep an efficient cadence and require less shifting at the front.

Deore XT derailleurs

The old XT front derailleurs used a down swing or Shimano’s top swing action. The new derailleurs now, like their XTR siblings, XT derailleurs use side swing. The side swing configuration means less cable is needed making for a more efficient route. The top swing derailleurs have linkage that juts out behind the seat tube toward the tire. The side swing derailleurs put everything to the side, improving clearance. Chainstay length ceases to be an issue.

The rear derailleur continues to sport the Shadow RD+ design. It has a low-profile design, sitting more inboard and close to the cassette. The rear derailleur is direct-mount compatible. All derailleurs lead to easier, smoother shifting.

Deore XT shifters

The levers on the XT shifters are longer and have a new textured surface. They work in conjunction with new Optislick cables, which Shimano says lower shift effort by 20 per cent. The shifters continue to feature multi release, the ability to shift up or down two gears in one stroke.

Deore XT disc brakes

The XT disc-brake system gets a new master cylinder, which means the levers take up a little less real estate on the bars and you’re carrying a little less weight. Shimano has also refined its Servo Wave lever action. With Servo Wave, the initial pull on the lever activates the brake pads quickly. As you continue to pull on the level, the power applied to the pads (and thus the rotor) increases for better stopping power and control.

Deore XT wheels

Shimano has released four wheels within the Deore XT line. The WH-M8000 hoops come in 27.5″ and 29″ diameters and are designed for the XC racer. The WH-M8020 wheels (in both 27.5″ and 29″ diameters) are for trail. Compared with the previous XT WH-M785 wheels, the WH-M8000 have a higher spoke count: 28 instead of 24. The WH-M8020 also have 28 butted spokes on both the front and rear wheels. Both of new XT wheels are tubeless-ready: 24c rim on the WH-M8020 and 20c rim on the WH-M8000. They’ve increased their internal widths, too. The 27.5″ wheels are 20-mm wide, while the 29″ are 24-mm.

Deore XT pedals

The new XT pedals have a larger contact area for the SPD cleats, increasing stability. The race-oriented PD-M8000 is 2.8 mm wider than the old PD-M780. Shimano says the 7.7 per cent increase in contact area (compared with the PD-M780) makes the PD-M8000 more efficient. With the new XT PD-M8020 trail pedals, the platform is 3.3 mm wider and has 11.7 per cent more contact area compared with the PD-M785.