Shimano’s Deore XT transmission for the masses comes in an 11-speed flavour and is cheaper than SRAM’s cheapest 11-speed offering, GX. But can it cut it on the trail?
Shimano’s 11-speed cassettes mount to a standard freehub body, unlike SRAM’s which requires an XD Driver body which can sometimes add cost. This means you sacrifice the smallest 10t sprocket SRAM’s design enables you to fit. But the XT cassette is cheaper and can be fitted to a standard freehub. Shimano offer the XT cassette in 11-40t too, but we’re suckers for that easy riding 11-42t option, to help save our legs on the climbs.
Although XT is available with a 2x option, we focused on the latest single ring offering, where much of the magic lies within the design of the chainring itself. Shimano’s DCE (Dynamic Chain Engagement) ring lacks any width profiling and instead uses (almost unnoticeable) hooking machined into the leading edge of each tooth, effectively hooking the chain on and into place. But does it work? After a brutal four month test period we haven’t dropped the chain once. The retention is almost too good though – the ring has a tendency to chain suck in muddy conditions whether you’re running a chain guide or not.
The crankset is a doddle to fit and feels solid underfoot when you put the power down. It’s tough too. We’ve clouted the cranks hard and taken chunks out of the arms, but they’re still straight. The finish isn’t as durable – we’d rubbed off the logos within a couple of weeks.
The mech has also taken its fair share of abuse, but remains straight and has no shifting issues. There’s a light action and a soft click when changing down, while the upshift has the same double shifting capability as XTR, with a decent, positive click – rather than the heavier SRAM clunk. Although it’s easy to accidentally shift twice when riding on rough trails. The new I-spec II mount does flex a little during gear changes, which can detract from the solid feel.
But overall the M8000 transmission has offered us total consistency.
The new XT 11-speed offers high-end consistency while being cheaper and better value than all its competition
Price 567$ (CASSETTE (11-42) 120$, CRANKSET 150$, RING 75$ SHIFTER 67$, MECH 112$, CHAIN 42$, EXCLUDING BB)