Shimano launch XT Di2 and SLX M7000

Shimano have just unveiled their latest mountain bike group sets at Sea Otter in the USA. The new XT Di2 (M8050) group with Bluetooth tuning capability will grab a lot of attention – but the new SLX M7000 should not be overlooked, bringing 11 speed mechanical options to a lower price level.

Did you know we are giving an XT M8050 group set away, with a bike, and a trip to Italy??

XTR was meant as ‘XT Racing’ – and it’s fitting that XT M8050 know offers the features of XT at better value for a range of cyclists. Whether it’s an amateur XCO racer, trail riders looking for more precision from their drivetrains, or privateer riders on the Enduro circuit who want to make sure they have the best shifting, but need to account for spare parts in their race budget. XT M8050 brings that proven Di2 shift efficiency and reliability to a new market.

Chris Panozzo uses XTR Di2 for EWS and Australian Gravity Enduro races. That shifting precision is now available at XT level.

Electronic shifting is a bit more than just something new – the speed and accuracy of the shift cannot be under-rated. Given the variety of riding conditions we all ride in, the precise shift from Di2 means your shift performance is the same in mud, sand, uphill, downhill, or cranking out of a corner.

Much like the Shimano XT M8000 mechanical derailleur, the new XT Di2 M8050 rear derailleur also includes Shadow RD+ technology, which is designed to eliminate chain bounce and keep chains on sprockets over multiple types of terrain, leading to a more stable shifting platform.

The new XT M8050 rear mech.

What is new for Shimano with M8050 though is a new wireless Bluetooth connection to Shimano’s E-TUBE program, which is the system Shimano uses to set up and control the Di2 shifting behaviour. Through Bluetooth technology riders or mechanics can wirelessly communicate with their computer, tablet or a smart phone via the SC-MT800 system information display and a new battery. As well as allowing wireless workshop customisability, it allows riders to customise their shifting preferences on the trail via an app on their smartphones.

M8050’s display will also allow Bluetooth connectivity for E-tube programming. Is this a precursor to wireless shifting? We can hope…

Shimano’s wireless D-FLY Data Management system will allow riders to see battery and gear information on their compatible third party display devices (eg bike computers). This technology will be rolled out with XT Di2 components and will be available as an upgrade for Shimano XTR Di2, either with SC- MT800 or SCM9051 system information displays and a new internal or external battery.

XT Di2: THE COMPONENTS OF ADVENTURE

In terms of the components themselves, it’s the drivetrain where XT Di2 M8050 developments have focused. SW-M8050 front and rear Firebolt shifters are designed to provide easy operation and accurate shifting with an ergonomic rotary action, short single-click action and effortless multi-shift possibilities. The shift button placement is customisable and can be positioned exactly where your thumbs naturally rest. This allows you to shift faster and match your efforts like never before.

Firebolt shifters have a tactile feel and customisable ergonomics.

The Synchroshift technology inherent in the shifters means you can setup one shifter for your 2×11 setup. A customisable shift map means riders can program the exact gear ratio at which Di2 automatically shifts into the big ring when going up through the gears, or into the small ring when going down through the gears. With Shimano’s closer cassette spacing than their competition, it makes for smooth shifts, and the right cadence every time. This is a bonus on epic rides and races alike.

The shifters work with the SC-MT800 system information display, the RD-M8050 rear derailleur and the FD-M8070 front derailleur. Not only does the SC-MT800 system information display give a visual display of the rider’s gear and battery level, but it is also the control point for operating the trim adjustment and reboot function and wirelessly adjusting the multi-shift speed and Synchroshift operation via computer, tablet or smart phone.

The FD-M8070 front derailleur and RD-M8050 rear derailleur retain the accurate and stable shifting developed for XTR Di2 components. We haven’t been able to get exact details but it’s likely that they have a minor weight gain – similar to the differences in their mechanical counterparts. Computer-controlled auto trim on the front derailleur keeps the drivetrain running smoothly. In the rear, changes are seamless given the motor does the work for the shifting load.

Battery performance is identical to that of its big brother, XTR Di2, giving a minimum of several hundred kilometres of power under heavy usage (eg lots of shifting over three chainrings plus control of ancillary devices). The visual LED display indicates battery charge and the LED screen shuts off after a few seconds of inactivity to save battery life. If you do find yourself running low, charging the battery takes around 90 minutes and internal batteries work on a simple plug and play operation so can be easily swapped.

Durability is also in line with XTR Di2 components. A sealed, waterproof system means XT Di2’s electronic signals will stand up to mud, water and dirt from the worst of winter. Plus, with no worrying about cross-chaining, cable stretch, or cable adjustments, your gear changes will be incredibly consistent.

Shimano XT Di2 components will be available from September 2016.

SLX TURNS IT UP TO 11. OR 10.

Not to be left in the shadows, the new SLX M7000 group set cannot be overlooked, bringing many performance features from XT M8000 but at a more competitive price. The new group was designed with a wide variety of riding styles in mind, so there are M7000 solutions for riders who want 1×11, 2×11 and 3×10.

The new rear mech has a clutch and 11sp compatibility.

Coming to the SLX level, Shimano’s Shadow RD+ technology provides sharp and smooth shifts along with chain stability and a reduction in chain slap thanks to the clutch. The shifting power of the 11-speed (FD-M7020-11) and 10-speed (FD-M7000-10) front derailleurs has been increased allowing for rapid shifts with efficient cable routing and a light shift operation. Mounting options include Side Swing, Top Swing and Down Swing front derailleurs to offer compatibility with shorter chain stays and large wheels and tyres.

SLX gains side pull front mechs. And lots of other options.

SLX hubs have been redesigned to provide all-weather durability and reliable performance thanks to high quality seals and angular contact bearings. FH-M7000/7010 rear hubs also feature a refined and rapid gear engagement mechanism, offering 36 pick-up options over 360 degrees. The front hubs come in at a light weight 189g (HB-M7000) or 148g (HB-M7010), while the rear hubs are 384g (FH-M7000) or 357g (FH-M7010). The both front and rear hubs offer variations compatible with the Boost 110 and 148 standards.

The SLX BL-M7000 lever allows for smooth, consistent and predictable operation of the hydraulic disc brake system (BR-M7000) and, combined with heat-radiating, mud-shedding SM-RT70 160, 180 or 203mm rotors, you get high performance stopping power in all manner of riding conditions.

The new M7000 parts will be available in July 2016 – and could be the best value all-purpose mountain bike group set to date from Shimano.