Shimano XT Deore M8000: First look and ride
Shimano’s original, and still most important, mountain groupset, the XT Deore M8000, has been overhauled with trickle-down tech from XTR. Key among the updates is the increase to 11-speed, and front shifting that is so smooth and consistent, it will have many questioning their desire for a 1-by drivetrain.
Although XTR is often what we all lust after, the reality is most of us will ride bikes equipped with XT or SLX. In light of last year’s update to XTR, the new XT groupset shows how Shimano’s technical know-how translates to more realistic price points for the rest of us. As Shimano’s product manager Tim Skerrit puts it, “The development of XT started already with XTR, because we do not do these projects one by one. The engineers that were developing XTR were already thinking, ‘Can we use the same technology and standards, trickle it down to next level, in more affordable price points?'”
Rear derailleur with adjustable clutch
The new rear derailleur (US$120) retains the low-profile Shadow+ design, and offers a slightly lighter shift action, when combined with the new shifters (US$150/pair, US$75 for rear only) and cables. But the big news is the inclusion of adjustable clutch as a standard feature. Rather than making one rear derailleur for XC and one for trail riders, with and without a clutch, the new XT rear derailleur allows the rider to adjust tension with a simple turn of an Allen key. According to Skerrit, “Why adjustable? Because you can tune it. An enduro rider can have better chain retention, where as a cross country rider on the other hand might choose lighter shifting action.”
11-speed cassette
As expected, Shimano XT now goes to 11 speed, following the lead of XTR. The whole cassette grows 1.85 mm in width, the space of the added cog. However, riders won’t have to junk their existing wheels to gain 11 speed. By making the carrier for the largest few cogs concave, Shimano has managed to cram the extra cog into the space for existing 10-speed cassette, ensuring backward compatibility, a nice perk. Skerrit says, this setup will work with all current Shimano wheels. “Of course, I can’t give a 100 per cent guarantee for all other third-party wheels because some have very a high flange that could interfere, but so far we have not found any interference issue with any big brands.”
For riders running a double or triple setup, 11 speed will add an extra 40-tooth bail-out cog to the existing 11-36 norm ($US130). There is also an 11-42 tooth cassette ($US140), but that is for the 1-by drivetrain option only.
All-new front shifting
Going with current trend, Shimano will offer a dedicated 1-by setup for the new M8000 XT. Utilizing a proprietary tooth profile on the chainring ($US75), which aims for a balance between chain retention and efficiency, in concert with the wide-ranging 1-by specific cassette. The chainring features steel teeth with carbon backing to ensure durability for the added wear from a 1-by setup, while still remaining lightweight.
The hugely improved front shifting for double and triple setups is perhaps even more noteworthy than the dedicated 1-by arrangement. The new side swing front derailleur addresses the two major complaints against previous front derailleurs: tire clearance and shifting performance with modern suspension. “We changed the movement of the mechanism to side swing,” says Skerrit, “Instead of a swing mechanism going up from the rear, which is in the tire zone, side swing moves forward from the side, next to the tube. This way you get more clearance for the tire.”
“Because it is a linear and not a swing movement,” Skerrit adds, “the inside plate of the front derailleur is flat. Previously, front derailleurs would have perfect shifting as long as the chain was within a certain range of angles. But if you are at the extreme of your suspension range, it becomes problematic. The new XT is the same throughout. Because of the flat inside and linear movement of side swing, it is a very consistent shift, no matter what angle the chain is at.”
Also playing a role are the new chainrings, which are intricately machined and shaped to work in concert with the new side swing derailleur. Kichinosuke Kubo, engineer on the XT development team, says with some measure of pride, “Every single tooth has been designed with specific purpose. Climbing, shifting, picking up the chain—each tooth has a role.”
XT Deore 8000 Pricing
Currently, only U.S. pricing is available.
| Component | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rear derailleur | $120 | |
| Shifters | $150/pair | $75 for rear only |
| Front derailleur | $50 | |
| Crank | $280 | 2×11 |
| Bottom bracket | $40 | |
| Cassette 11-40 | $130 | |
| Cassette 11-42 | $140 | |
| Brake | $160 | Front or rear (lever, hose, caliper) |
| Wheels | $800 | Race or trail |
| Pedals | $120 | Race or trail |
| 1×11 chainring | $75 | 30-, 32-, 34-tooth |
First ride: A 1-by killer?
I was able to get two rides in on the new groupset at Shimano’s preview event, not enough for a thorough review, but enough for a first impression. The overwhelming feeling is one of familiarity. The shift action, while lighter than the former XT, has only a subtle difference from its predecessor.
Braking is reliable and consistent as ever, no surprise given the internals are the same as previous version, a good thing, considering their effectiveness.
The obvious development of note is the front shifting, which is a big step forward. There was no hesitation or slop, no matter whether going from big ring to small or vice versa. Approaching short, sharp climbs, rather than downshifting multiple gears in the back, I would simply drop to the small ring with one click, and then shift back to the big ring once I crested. But is it good enough to retake the high ground from 1-by drivetrains? That depends. Terrain, riding style, fitness and experience will all factor into the decision, each rider will have to decide what works best.
Shimano’s side swing front shifting won’t sway the die hard 1-by converts, while dedicated double or triple users will rejoice. For everyone still on the fence, the new XT offers functional and compelling options in 1-by and 2-by trim, potentially making for some tough choices. You have until August 2015 to mull it over. That’s when the groupset will be available. I, for one, am looking forward to spending more time on the new groupset and deciding for myself.
