The Short Version: New Shimano XT M8200
The key points you need to know about Shimano’s new XT groupset.
Two weeks ago, Shimano launched their latest XTR groupset, only 7 years after the last update. Their 2nd-tier groupset was also nearing retirement age, but after 6 years, it’s finally here: the new DEORE XT M8200 Di2 groupset.
In Short
To cut a long story short, there’s not a lot that’s different from the latest XTR group, which you can read about in more detail here. Effectively, new XT offers all of the latest features, just using slightly cheaper materials to deliver a slightly heavier, cheaper product.
What’s New?
We won’t go into all the exciting details here as it’s very similar to XTR, but here are the key points:
Wireless Electronic Shifting:
No more cables - XT M8200 Di2 is a wireless electronic groupset. The rear mech houses a concealed but removable battery inside the main body (think where the spring would be in a mechanical derailleur). The shifter uses coin cell batteries, much like the Shimano Di2 road shifters. Ebike versions for 12-speed and 11-speed LinkGlide will feature a wired connection from the derailleur directly to the ebike
battery.
Backwards Compatibility:
As with XTR, new XT Di2 offers a good level of backwards compatibility. The 10-51 cassette is slightly improved, but is interchangeable with all current Shimano 10-51 cassettes. If you have a Shimano 12-speed mechanical drivetrain at the moment, you can upgrade to the new Di2 system with just a shifter, derailleur and battery (and charger).
Shimano have finally decided to settle on a shifter mount standard, sticking with i-Spec EV for compatibility with other 12-speed era Shimano brakes as well as aftermarket adaptors. A band-on version is available for people with unusual brakes and unusual fit requirements. The rear derailleurs also stick to a standard hanger interface, although without the additional link found on older Shimano derailleurs. This makes them compatible with a wider variety of frames, with or without UDH.
Compact Drivetrain:
As well as the 10-51 cassette option, there’s a new 9-45 cassette and accompanying short cage derailleur. This offers almost the same range as the 10-51, but improves ground clearance by around an inch. With a normal size chainring, it should work for XC racers looking for big gears and closer ratios. With a matching smaller chainring, it should work well for Enduro riders looking for improved ground clearance and less risk of damage from obstacles.
A Powerful Build:
The new derailleur design is compact and robust. The slender M8100 derailleur was prone to damage from rock strikes, and split b-knuckles were not unknown. The new M8200 mechs sit further underneath the chainstays, keeping them further away from harm. They also feature a shorter, stout construction to better withstand knocks. The bulky adjustable clutch has been replaced with a slimmed down spring-loaded tensioner, while the new crash mode allows the derailleur to move out of the way in the event of impacts, and pop back to the right place immediately after.
Brakes:
Unlike XTR, the new XT brakes only have one lever option, which is the one everyone will use anyway. As with XTR, there’s new fluid and seals to improve consistency and temperature management. There’s 2 and 4-piston versions available for XC and Trail/Enduro riding. The lever design has been revised to improve ergonomics, moving the pivot point closer to the handlebar, and angling the lever blade to better match the angle of your finger.
Wheels and Hubs:
Shimano have finally given up on their longstanding loose bearing design for MTB. While it was traditionally very reliable, it has struggled to adapt to thru axles and the heavy loads of modern mountain biking, proving overcomplicated and hard to service. The new cartridge bearing design should allow longer intervals between servicing, and there’s less risk of damage to the hub if you leave it a little too long between services. Hubsets and robust aluminium wheelsets will be available.
In Short:
Nothing revolutionary, but a welcome update, with no expensive, proprietary tech. The upgrade potential is arguably more exciting than the whole groupset, allowing current Shimano customers to improve their brakes or upgrade to robust wireless shifting, without shelling out for a whole new groupset.
