The Short Version: New Shimano Deore and Deore XT Mechanical Groupsets

Shimano caused some raised eyebrows last year when they launched Di2 electronic versions of their XTR, Deore XT and Deore groupsets, with no mechanical shifting option alongside them. Now there are new mechanical options in the lineup, alongside a few other new features. SLX is officially dead, while Deore has gained a more premium derailleur option using the old SLX series number. Prepare to be a little bit confused.

What's New?

Derailleurs and Cassettes

There are two key innovations here. Firstly, the jockey wheels, carried over from the electronic groupsets. Traditionally, jockey wheels have featured little cutouts to... I don't really know what they're there for, frankly, but they trap dirt and attract little twigs and sticks which can get stuck and lead to damage, or even tear your derailleur off if you're really unlucky. Anyway, SRAM recently solved this problem with their "Magic Pulley Wheels", which features a separate core which can rotate independently of the teeth when something gets stuck in the holes. Shimano's solution? Just stop putting holes in the jockey wheels, so things can't get stuck in them. It's hard to argue with the logic.

The second innovation is the new Shadow ES derailleur construction, again carried over from the Di2 components. This combines a new cage stabilisation system with a revised parallelogram shape to create a derailleur which sits further inboard on the bike, where it should be less prone to damage. The new ES design does away with the resistance band clutch mechanism found on the older Shadow+ derailleur designs, replacing it with two counter-wound springs, which work against each other to tension the chain and reduce chainslap. This should result in a lighter shift action compared with the older Shadow+ mechs. The derailleur parallelogram was a common failure point on the older XT derailleurs, but this has now been re-profiled and beefed up - Shimano say it's now wedge shaped to deflect the derailleur in the event of an impact, so the derailleur moves out of the way rather than getting damaged.

New XT features two new derailleurs. There's RD-M8200, which is the standard 12-speed option for Hyperglide+ cassettes, available in GS short cage for the 10-45 t cassette, or SGS long cage for the 10-51 t cassette. There's also the RD-M8230 11-speed option, featuring all the same tech, but designed to work with Linkglide drivetrains for ebikes and heavy duty applications.

Deore gets three new derailleurs, but one of them isn't very exciting. RD-M6200 is basically just a facelift of the old M6100 derailleur, with some new un-holey jockey wheels. It still features the older Shadow+ design with a resistance band clutch mechanism. RD-M7200 is where it gets interesting. Deore has now stolen SLX's M7000 product line for its more premium rear derailleurs, but only the mechanical ones. RD-M7200 is effectively just a heavier, cheaper version of the M8200 12-speed derailleur featuring the new Shadow ES design, available in SGS long cage only. There's also RD-M7230 11-speed derailleur for Linkglide drivetrains.

All of the new derailleurs are backwards-compatible with their older counterparts, so if you break an M8100 SGS derailleur, you'll be able to easily substitute it with a new M8200 SGS derailleur without making any other changes. 

Brakes

While the XT groupset received a full update last year (everything except the chain), Deore just got a Di2 electronic shifting kit to work with the existing drivetrain and brakes. Now, Shimano have filled in the blanks, including some new brakes. The new BL-M6200 levers look much like the old Deore M6100 levers, but feature a revised hose routing which works better with headset cable routing. They also use the new Shimano LV brake fluid, which is said to offer more consistent performance over a wider range of temperatures. There are two callipers, BR-M6200 2-piston for XC use, and BR-M6220 4-piston for everything else. The M6220 calliper is also compatible with the new 2.2mm thick rotors.

Speaking of rotors, Shimano have launched 2.2mm thick brake discs to accompany their usual 1.8mm lineup. The new 6-bolt RT-6B750 and Centerlock RT-CL750 discs are compatible with all of the latest generation 4-piston callipers using the LV fluid. The increased thickness should improve heat management and prove more robust for aggressive riding and ebike use. The new rotors are available in 220 or 200mm sizes, marking a departure from Shimano's usual 203mm size towards the 200mm size used by most other brake manufacturers.

Shifters

The new derailleurs are backwards-compatible with older 12-speed shifters, but Shimano have taken the opportunity to refine the designs and make some new ones. All of the shifters feature revised ergonomics, with a shorter lever throw and updated paddle angle designed to better match the natural movement of your fingers. The cable release levers features Shimano's 2-Way Release system, allowing you to click the shift lever forwards with your thumb, or pull it towards you with a finger, so it'll feel familiar for riders coming from SRAM or older Shimano setups.

12-speed XT shifters feature multi-release, allowing you to shift up two gears at a time, while 11-speed Linkglide shifters feature Instant Release, which initiates the shift before you have let go of the shift lever, unlike older Shimano designs. There are also Single Shift models available for ebike use. All shifters are available in an i-Spec EV version to bolt directly to Shimano brakes, while some are also available with an integrated handlebar clamp.

Chainsets and Cassettes

Alongside the brakes, Deore gets two new cassettes, and some new cranks. CS-M6200 is an all-steel cassette which at first glance appears identical to the older CS-M6100. Tooth profiles have been updated to Shimano's newer Hyperglide+ shape, so shifting up into harder gears should be noticeably more smooth. Shimano say that it's also lighter than its predecessor.

Then there's CS-M7200, which features an aluminium largest sprocket to save weight. It's effectively an updated version of the SLX CS-M7100 Hyperglide+ cassette, with some more aggressive machining to reduce the amount of material in each sprocket.

Deore also gains a new chainset, featuring a Direct Mount chainring as used on Shimano's higher end groupsets. Construction is typical Shimano, featuring their 24mm steel Hollowtech II axle, paired with forged aluminium cranks which tighten using two pinch bolts on the left crank. 165, 170 and 175mm crank lengths will be available. This chainset is aimed at Boost and Super Boost drivetrains, with 55mm chainline. Riders with older non-boost bikes will need to look at a non-series crank like FC-MT520 instead. 

Pedals

The Shimano XT Trail pedals have been updated, matching the update to the XTR Trail pedals last year. The new PD-M8220 pedals feature a revised platform designed to provide more contact with the shoe sole. The platform also features optional pins to reduce float, and provide more grip when not clipped in. PD-M8120 was already a very capable and popular pedal option, so this is more of an evolution than a revolution.

Shimano have also updated their venerable PD-M520 pedals, not that you would really know from first glance. The new PD-MT520 features the same durable steel axle and serviceable bearing system as the classic 520, now with a slightly lighter, more rounded pedal body. The SPD system now uses Torx head screws rather than JIS, but this is unlikely to make a difference to anyone outside of the factory. Thankfully, Shimano have decided not to change a winning formula here.

The Short Version

If you can get over the slightly confusing product codes within the Deore lineup, there's not much not to like. The new Deore XT mechanical system will be a welcome update for those who ride their bikes to escape the digital world, but still want the option of a high-performance drivetrain. It brings some welcome durability updates to what was already a capable component series. Meanwhile, the new Deore system should offer some genuine performance and durability benefits over the outgoing groupset, bringing Shimano's lower-tier offerings up a step. It's a shame to lose SLX, but reducing some complexity from the range can't hurt, especially as Deore has taken a step up in performance with Hyperglide+ shifting. We're excited to try it. Deore is available now, while XT is coming soon.

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