The Short Version: New Shimano XTR M9200 Di2
The key points you need to know about Shimano’s new XTR groupset.
A lot has changed in the 7 years since Shimano last updated their flagship XTR mountain bike groupset. While it’s hard to deny the appeal of a good mechanical drivetrain, XTR M9100 is beginning to show its age. The long, lightweight rear derailleur is prone to damage from rocks and stumps, particularly when using a 27.5” rear wheel. The brakes, while generally reliable, are prone to a wandering bite point with intense use, and the finned pads can be very rattly. The shift quality isn’t always great by the time the cable has been jammed under the stem, through some spacers and through the headset bearings.
XTR M9100 was designed when some mountain bikes still had front derailleur mounts; now you’re more likely to find a bike with no mechanical shifting compatibility at all. It’s time for a change.
So, what’s new?
The new XTR is effectively two different groupsets lumped together, M9200 for XC and M9220 for Enduro and Trail riding. It seems like Shimano have finally killed off the elderly SAINT Downhill groupset, replacing it with a beefed-up version of XTR instead. While SRAM focused on robustness at the expense of bulk and shift speed for their latest Transmission drivetrains, Shimano have instead decided to double down on weight and speed, putting more emphasis on fast shifting and compact size, while maintaining some backwards compatibility. The marketing spiel promises it to be “Robust. Intuitive. Consistent”, directly addressing some of the criticisms of the outgoing groupset. Let’s see.
Brakes
There are no huge changes for the 2-piston XC brakes. The lever looks very similar to the M9100, gaining a magnesium master cylinder alongside the carbon lever blades. The key change is the new low-viscosity mineral oil, which promises consistent performance across a broader range of temperatures. The matching IceTech discs have also received a face-lift. Riders with flat mount frames can use the new non-series MT805 callipers.
BL-M9220 / BR-M9220 Enduro / Trail Brakes
The more exciting developments have happened to the 4-piston brakes, with a completely new lever design to improve ergonomics. Servo-Wave has been updated to improve pad clearance. The master cylinder sits closer to the handlebar, with a re-positioned pivot and up-swept lever blade. This should allow your finger to follow a more natural arc as you pull the brake to reduce strain.
The new design also routes the hose closer to the handlebars for better compatibility with headset cable routing. Apparently the pads don’t rattle as much either due to a revised shape. Again, the new fluid is said to offer more consistent performance over a wider range of temperatures, hopefully eliminating the wandering bite point issue of the previous brakes. Are they as powerful as the SRAM MAVEN? We’ll see.
Shifter
SW-M9250IR Di2 Shifter
To keep the traditionalists happy, the shifter still looks and feels like a shifter. You get a nice tactile click with each shift, and the shifter paddles have independent reach and angle adjustment. Multiple gear shifts can be enabled via the e-tube app, the option of either hold-down multi-shift or click-through multi-shift (this works a bit like a traditional shifter - press the lever further and you get another gear). A bonus button can control additional functions such as ebike AUTO SHIFT, as well as pairing to other Di2 compatible accessories.
For once, Shimano have resisted the urge to come up with yet another I-Spec “standard” - apparently they got it right the 4th time. This means compatibility with the most recent generation of Shimano I-Spec EV brakes, as well as aftermarket mounts for other brakes. There’s also a band-on version to remove any compatibility or fit issues.
Cassettes
CS-M9200 9-45
The star of the show is the new 9-45t cassette, which offers 500% gear range - effectively the same as the original SRAM Eagle 10-50t, but with improved ground clearance. This allows the use of a shorter, more compact rear derailleur (26mm higher off the ground) which will be less vulnerable to rock strikes. It also allows for smaller chainrings, or just gives you a bigger top gear. Construction is typical XTR, with a mix of steel, titanium and aluminium sprockets to balance weight and wear resistance.
Shimano have stuck with their HYPERGLIDE+ system of shift ramps, promising fast and smooth shifts in both directions. While it fits onto the standard MicroSpline body, it does require a special lockring tool (TL-LR201, if you’re wondering). If you’re racing XC or Enduro, this is probably the option for you.
CS-M9200 10-51
Is it basically the same as the old CS-M9100 10-51 cassette? Yes. Is that such a bad thing? Probably not. 510% gear range, MicroSpline compatibility, updated HYPERGLIDE+ ramps for even faster-er shifting, all held on with a good old-fashioned HG cassette tool. If you’re upgrading an existing bike to wireless shifting, or you need maximum range for bikepacking and big days out, then this is probably the cassette option for you. Both cassettes work with existing Shimano 12-speed chains.
Derailleurs (brace yourselves)
There are 4 new derailleurs. I’ll cover the key points here, then break down the differences. First and foremost, it doesn’t require SRAM’s UDH mounting system - new XTR is designed for traditional derailleur hangers. While SRAM have beefed up their big Transmission rear derailleurs to withstand big impacts, Shimano have taken the opposite approach. The idea is to keep them out of harm’s way in the first place.
Each derailleur has the new Shadow ES derailleur design, which positions the derailleur further inboard, tucked under the chainstay. The main body of the derailleur is wedge shaped with a protective carbon skid plate, designed to deflect impacts. This is coupled with a new system called “RD Protection Function” (it must’ve been a long night in the marketing department), which allows the derailleur to move out of the way when knocked, before popping straight back to the original position (hopefully) unscathed. You’ll also find a slimmed-down, stronger clutch mechanism to deal with chain slap.
The removable battery is tucked away inside the main body of the mech, easily accessible but out of harm’s way (except for the ebike versions, which have no battery). Sticking with the ethos of keeping things simple, the new mechs feature solid jockey wheels. This should get rid of an annoying dirt/grease trap, while also making it impossible to get anything stuck in your jockey wheels.
Again, this shows quite a big difference in design philosophy between the two big groupset manufacturers - while SRAM came up with their clever 2-part Magic Pulley jockey wheels to stop your mech from seizing up if a stick gets into your jockey wheels, Shimano just decided to stop putting holes in the jockey wheels. Work smarter, not harder, eh?
Now for the specifics:
RD-M9250-GS Mid cage for non-electric bikes, for 9-45 cassettes
RD-M9250-SGS Long cage for non-electric bikes, for 9-45 or 10-51 cassettes
RD-M9260-12-SGS Long cage for ebikes, for 9-45 or 10-51 cassettes, no battery, compatible with AUTO SHIFT and FREE SHIFT functions.
RD-M9260-11-SGS Long cage for ebikes, for LINKGLIDE 11-speed ebike drivetrains, no battery, compatible with AUTO SHIFT and FREE SHIFT functions.
Cranks
FC-M9200 XC Crank
The M9200 crank has a lightweight construction and pedal-friendly 168mm Q-factor, available in lengths from 165 to 175mm. Chainline is 55mm to work with most new frame designs. 28 to 36 teeth chainrings available. Compatible with all Hollowtech II MTB bottom brackets.
FC-M9220 Enduro / Trail Crank
The M9220 crank has a sturdier construction, with a beefed-up axle and wider 176mm Q-factor for more frame clearance and a more aggressive stance, available in lengths from 160mm to 175mm. Chainline is 55mm, and both cranks use the same splined SM-CR96 chainrings. Compatible with all Hollowtech II MTB bottom brackets.
Wheels, Hubs and Pedals
Shimano have also launched new hubs and wheelsets to go with the new groupsets, featuring titanium spokes and cartridge bearings. There are also updated XC and Trail pedals, with a new easy-entry cleat option for aggressive off-road riding. That’s far too much excitement for one day, so we’ll cover these in a separate text.
The Short Version:
Nothing revolutionary here, but most of the complaints about the old XTR groupset have been addressed, some clever new features have been added, and there’s a good level of backwards-compatibility. This also leaves the door open to upgrade existing Shimano 12-speed bikes from mechanical to electronic shifting, which could prove a very popular option - there's even an upgrade kit available to do just that.
There are more crank lengths, more chainring options, two distinct drivetrain configurations, wireless gears and some lovely polished silver finishes. While it doesn’t re-invent the jockey wheel, there are some interesting solutions to the problems of modern mountain bikes, and it’s nice to see Shimano take a different route to SRAM while bringing their flagship groupset back up to date. We’ll see how it holds up out in the wild.
For more information, head over to the Shimano web