Shimano Launch XT M8000 - Components of Adventure

This time last year we were pressing our noses close to the screen looking at images of the new XTR group sets, both the M9000 Race, and M9020 Trail variants. In 2014, Shimano turned their top mountain bike group up to 11, with a 1×11 option, and 2×11 and 3×11 options for those who wanted even wider ranges. They followed that with the not so secretive arrival of XTR Di2.

Today, Shimano has launched a new version of one of their most popular group sets, XT. Long known as the workhorse group set in the Shimano range, XT often has almost all the performance and features of XTR, with a bit more weight and often half the cost. XT cranks, pedals and brakes especially have often set the bar very high for components that try to match them for value, performance and ease of use.

For the 2016 model year, Shimano relaunch XT as M8000, with a 1×11 option, plus 2×11 and 3×11 options too. But it’s more than just an extra sprocket. The whole group set has been rider tuned, with lengthy research and development from riders and not just racers – which is who XTR M9000 has been made for. M8000 has been made for getting out and riding, and running gear that is just going to perform faultlessly. The XT M8000 group sets are aimed at anything from cross country, to aggressive trail riding or all-mountain (and therefore enduro racing). A lot of the changes have been to match up with the styles of bikes people are riding, making sure it’s big wheel and full suspension friendly.

The Cassette

This is where many will look, and there are actually two cassettes available. One is 11-40, like the XTR M9000, but with an alloy carrier not a carbon one. The other is 11-42, gaining the slightly larger range. Shimano have dictated that the 11-40 is for use with the 2×11 and 3×11 setups, and that the 11-42 cassette is just for the 1×11 group. Given the precision engineering that Shimano employ, this is how they have designed it to work. But as many people have made 40t and 42t step up converters work with regular 10 speed Shimano rear derailleurs, chances are you could put the 11-42 on the double or triple setup – or even M9000. But it hasn’t been designed for it, and won’t work as well as it will on the dedicated 1×11 M8000 group.

Like M9000, the larger sprocket hangs over towards the spokes, so there’s no need for new freehubs or wheels if you’re on a 10 speed setup at the moment.

Shifters

The big change is to 10 clicks to access 11 gears obviously. But the lighter action of M9000, in part thanks to a lighter clutch feel, is here on M8000 too.  Being XT, there are removable shift indicators. But there are also options too. Along with a regular bar mount option, there is a shifter version with the latest iSpec mount to suit the new brakes. But, if you just want to do a part group set upgrade to get rolling with 1×11 M8000, you can get iSpec shifter (or shifter) to suit the current, and brilliant, XT brakes and original iSpec.

There is a new cable too, with an “Optislick” coating. Expect smoother shifting, for longer, over the standard stainless steel cables.

Cranks and Bottom Bracket

Lots of changes here, with models for 1×11 and 2×11, and separate arms for the 3×11 setup. The single chainring has a carbon laminate, with a stainless steel finish on the teeth. The tooth profile is the same as M9000, and is said to have 150% increase in retention over a narrow-wide shape. We’ve never dropped a chain off our M9000 1×11 chainring, so we’d believe it. The chain rings are available in 30, 32 and 34 tooth sizes.

The bolt pattern is different from M9000, which is pretty normal for XTR vs XT.

The double setup is available in 26/36 or 28/38, and the triple is 22/30/40.

There is a new bottom bracket too, in both BB92 press fit and BSA thread in. It’s not sexy and flash, but does boast better seals and smoother action. Less thinking about it and maintenance, more riding.

There is a B-Spec (Boost) crank set too, with the chainline offset by 3mm. The XT option is with a 32t single, or 26/36 double. XTR cranks are available with 30 or 32t single chain rings, plus there’s a non-group set crank for 10 speed setups with  22-36 chain ring setup (and matching front mech to handle the 14t shift)

Rear Derailleur

This has had quite a change, but mostly it is modelled off the M9000 rear derailleur. So the top jockey wheel sits further forward, really helping wrap the chain around the cassette. On M9000, this dramatically reduces ghost shifting on long travel bikes – and that is one of the places M8000 is going to end up. The jockey wheel is also bigger, which means the chain runs over it with less drag. The shift actuation has very similar lever feel the whole way through the range, and the clutch is tuneable with an allen key via the small cap underneath the lower knuckle. Along with getting the B-tension set right, tuning this makes your bike go from pretty good to amazing. There are GS (medium cage) and SGS (long cage) options available for 1×11, 2×11 and the 3×11 variants respectively.

The latest shadow design is very low profile as well, and is nicely tucked out of the way greatly reducing your chances of snagging it.

Front Derailleur

While there’s a good chance many will jump at the option to have a Shimano 1×11 group set with XT pricing, you can still add another chain ring or two to the group set with minimal changes. The front derailleurs have been refined and are wide swing, like XTR (so are SLX and Deore too, actually) for more clearance with large wheels. The down swing and top swing versions have wider cages so there’s less chance of rub on longer travel bikes.

All of them have shorter cages so they are clear of wide tyres, even on short chain stays.

There’s a direct mount front derailleur to work with 148mm rear wheels too, and B+ cranks.

Brakes

There aren’t massive changes here, save for refinements and the new lever clamp. The master cylinder is integrated better and is much cleaner. You can expect the same adjustments for lever reach, feel, modulation, and of course lots of controllable power. The new lever is the latest iSpec mount, which does gain greater adjustability to get your ergonomics right with your shifter and brake lever. Cross country riders will like the option for a 140mm rotor.

Chain

This is also new, to match the M8000 group. It’s directional, and Sil-Tec coated for smooth shifting. It doesn’t have the hollow pins like the M9000 chain does.

Wheels

26″ is dead. Or so say Shimano in terms of M8000 wheels. They just do 27.5″ and 29″ options in Race and Trail options. The rims are full alloy, but have shed about 40g per rim, and are still tubeless. The Race rims have a 20mm internal width, and the Trail have a 24mm internal width. Quick release is an option on the Race wheels, but not on the Trail wheels. The hubs are a little lighter too, using a plastic sheath inside to help seal the bearings internally for longer service intervals

Of note, the E-thru axles are available for the rear, for a cleaner finish and to make it easier to adjust how tight the axle should be on the same side the lever is on – tool free.

Pedals

XT pedals are everywhere, and Shimano have updated the Race and Trail options with slightly lower heights (0.5mm), and slightly wider platforms for more contact. Weight is at 343g for the Race Pedals, or 408 for Trail.

The parts should be available in July, but go and see your Shimano dealer for pricing and ordering.