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New Shimano 11-Speed XT 8000 Brings a 42T Cog, Plus More Crank & Axle options

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2016 Shimano XT 8000 11-speed mountain bike component group details

Lots of new shiny parts today as Shimano has updated its workhorse Deore XT groupset to the same new 11-speed standard we’ve seen in the current XTR group. Plenty of tech makes its way into the new 8000 group, while still keeping the Trail and Race options that have helped make these upper level Shimano groups successful even as mountain biking specializes itself. Like XTR, the new XT offers 1×11, 2×11, and 3×11 setups with Shimano’s Rhythm Step progression aimed at keeping gearing steps smooth and consistent to maintain ideal pedaling cadence.

Shift past the break for all the trickle-down update details, new crank spindle options and expected availabilities…

Shimano_New_Deore_XT_11-speed_mountain-bike_groupset_FC-M8000_1x-single-double-triple_crankset

The single, double, and triple ring cranks come in what Shimano calls Rider Tuned options, meaning each one is targeted at a separate mountain biking demographic from cross country to enduro and feature the same atypical four-bolt spacing as the XTR cranks. Single ring cranks will be available at the end of the summer in 30 or 34 tooth options, with the same extended hooked tooth profiles of XTR 1×11 rings. The Trail doubles are available with either 34/24, 36/26, or 38/28 tooth rings, while the triple has a 40/30/22 spread. In addition to these standard options, the 36/26 and 32 single cranks are available in wider 148 OLD-specific options.

Shimano_New_Deore_XT_11-speed_mountain-bike_groupset_BL-BR-M8000_hydraulic-hydro-brakeset

Shimano’s benchmark XT brakes get an upgrade, claiming to drop weight and add a more durable master cylinder design. With a refined short lever pull and an updated slimmed-down clamp should also take up a bit less space on the bar, freeing up some more space for better adjustability.

Shimano_New_Deore_XT_11-speed_mountain-bike_groupset_FD-M8000_direct-mount_side-swing_front-derailleur Shimano_New_Deore_XT_11-speed_mountain-bike_groupset_RD-M8000-SGS_long-cage_Shadow-Plus_rear-derailleur Shimano_New_Deore_XT_11-speed_mountain-bike_groupset_RD-M8000-GS_mid-cage_Shadow-Plus_rear-derailleur

Both front and rear derailleurs get big makeovers. XT gets Side Swing on all of the direct mount options for double or triple setups with bigger travel bikes in mind. Both mid and long cage XT derailleurs will only be offered with Shimano’s Shadow RD+ clutch for excellent and adjustable chain retention. Derailleur pulleys have been updated and include taller teeth for better shifting and smoother function when cross-chained. All of the derailleurs get optimized cable routing and improved pivot geometry that is said to drastically reduce shifting effort across the board.

Shimano_New_Deore_XT_11-speed_mountain-bike_groupset_SL-M8000-IR_i-spec_trigger-shifterShimano_New_Deore_XT_11-speed_mountain-bike_groupset_SL-M8000-R_trigger-shifter Shimano_New_Deore_XT_11-speed_mountain-bike_groupset_CS-M8000_11-42_cassette

Shifters get an update for a claimed 20% lower shift effort with a long sweep lever. The 2-way multi release that came from XTR lets the rider drop shifts with either the thumb or index finger, something that is surprisingly convenient when moving your hands around on the bar. The new shifters are available with standard band clamps, the new XT/XTR I-SpecII or the older I-Spec for close to universal compatibility.

Gear ratios are a big asset, with the new XT cassette available as either a 11-40 or 11-42, the widest range Shimano has ever made. This gives a couple more teeth than the comparable XTR cassette offering a bit more versatility, versus the more race and cadence-oriented XTR.

Shimano_New_Deore_XT_11-speed_mountain-bike_groupset_PD-M8020_R_trail-pedals Shimano_New_Deore_XT_11-speed_mountain-bike_groupset_PD-M8000_R_race-pedals

The new pedals both get wider platforms, an increase of 3.3mm for the Trail version and 2.8mm for the Race version. They also shrink 0.5mm in height. Small gains, but welcome, they amount to a 12% boost in shoe contact on the Trail and 8% for the Race versions.

Shimano_New_Deore_XT_11-speed_mountain-bike_groupset_FH-HB-M8000_QR-thru-axle-hub Shimano_New_Deore_XT_11-speed_mountain-bike_groupset_WH-M8000-TL-F15-275-650b_Race-wheelset-rear Shimano_New_Deore_XT_11-speed_mountain-bike_groupset_WH-M8000-TL-R12-275-650b_Race-wheelset-front

Separate hubs get mostly carry-over tech, simply rebranded to match the group and come in all varieties. Wheels have come down in weight a little bit, knocking about 40g off each wheel size, while getting wider. The Trail wheels get 24mm internal widths and the Race get 20mm inside for their wider tubeless-ready aluminum rims. Both wheelsets are offered in 27.5″ and 29″, come with thru-axles, and are built up with 28 3x straight-pull spokes front and rear on offset flange hubs.

Availability for all the new XT components is generally June, with a few items expected a month or so later like the bigger 11-42 cassette, the single and triple ring cranks, and the Trail wheelsets. No word on pricing yet, but Shimano is having a launch event tonight in Monterey leading in to Sea Otter, and we’ll see what else we can find out.

Shimano_New_non-series_11-speed_mountain-bike_FC-MT700_double_crankset

On the other stuff front, Shimano added a new non-series crankset that offers 11-speed compatibility with the XT and XTR groups but at a much lower price point. The MT700 crank still uses Hollowtech II forging and the same non-symmetrical (at least not-radially) 70° bolt spacing as the higher-end cranks. In theory this again could be seen as a step towards more affordable replacement rings since Shimano is moving away from industry standard BCDs. The crankset will only be available in a 36/26 toothed double.

Less flashy, but useful for those looking for 148 OLD compatibility, Shimano also announced a new single ring XTR 9000 crankset in a ‘B’ option with an extra 3mm wider chainline for better shifting with the wider hub spacing. Lastly there are a couple of new E-thru-axle variants (78 and 58) that have a hollow aluminum axle for 12mm rear hubs.

Bike.Shimano.com

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27 Comments
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chsad
chsad
8 years ago

So can the XTR M9000 medium cage rear derailluer be used with 42T XT M8000 cassette?

dogboy
dogboy
8 years ago

@chsad – It works flawlessly with a 10-42 XX1 cassette, so I don’t see why not.

George
George
8 years ago

@dogboy. How about xx1 cassette, m988 derailleur , 9series trigger 😉

Ryan
Ryan
8 years ago

Hmmmm, do I get the new XT M8000 brakes or try to score some recently antiquated XT’s while supplies last?

marycane
marycane
8 years ago

trail pedals look great and different than xtr.
11-42 cassette will retail 50% cheaper than low end offer from sram…
no need of a new rear wheel.
thank you shimano.

pepelepau
pepelepau
8 years ago

Ryan, chainreaction is selling the “old crappy” XT brakes F&R for $164 shipped. But, they are not good anymore, since the new black lever performs better. Industry, industry!!

Mac
Mac
8 years ago

Nice to see they reduced that huge brake lever clamp.

Sardinien
Sardinien
8 years ago

@Ryan : wait till you see the new XTs in person and if they have a smaller reservoir over the old ones get them. Got the old ones on my 2015 Canyon and coming from 2013’s XTR it’s reservoirs just look huge…

Chris L
Chris L
8 years ago

I’m assuming the throw is different than their 11s road as was the case with their 10s? Would love to build up a 1×11 for my monstercross bike.

feldy
feldy
8 years ago

Do the rear hubs still have the a’sploding freehub “feature?”

Pistolero
Pistolero
8 years ago

Thanks you so much shimano!! Finally affordable 1×11 cassette. it will be heavy though, but… I don’t like that new standard for the chain rings, but alternative options will come to the market of course.

OldDocthedan
OldDocthedan
8 years ago

You can all thank me (and likely others) for this news.
I’ve been holding back…. Wait…. Wait…….
Then last week I went w/ a FrankenCog 1×10 set up thinking that Big S was still off the back on this change up.
I salve my financial wounds knowing that some of the best bits (1x crank and the 42t cassette) will still be a bit farther out.
But still…. Dang.

maz-o
maz-o
8 years ago

Well if the UK pricing is correct then I’m SERIOUSLY considering getting the XT 1×11.
£80 cassette, £45 shifter, £75 derailleur.
compared SRAM X1: £150 cassette, £45 shifter, £100 derailleur, £50 freehub.

Jeff
Jeff
8 years ago

What spacing is the spider? Doesn’t look like a standard 104 BCD

hjb
hjb
8 years ago

Nice work Shimano:
-Stainless steel chainrings for 1×11 is a great idea for durability.
-XT always has great options for crank length, although the q-factors are always quite wide.
-The elephant in the room is… HOW MUCH DOES THE 10-42T CASSETTE WEIGH!! If it’s under 380g, that would be awesome. If not, we’re into Deore territory.

Agung Utara
Agung Utara
8 years ago

Highlight the shifters…the one /wo indicator look like it’s lever paddles are a bit close together.
Is it adjustable paddles like Sram X0 or there are new alternative to rapidfire shifter that shimano make to accommodate folks with thumb n thumb in minds….
Eitherway it’s great thing if there is always a choice…
Ill grab this group as soon they’re land in Indonesia.

Ben
Ben
8 years ago

Seriously, Shimano? Still no fatbike cranks? Obviously not the mainstream, but it is becoming a much larger segment of the market. No cranks, no shimano gruppos on OEM fatbikes. Get with it!

Simon
Simon
8 years ago

While I’m certain it’ll all work with that familiar Shimano smoothness…Good GRAVY those cranks look like they belong on something from Wal-Mart.

Endurobob
Endurobob
8 years ago

This is awesome. I’ve been anticipating this since I first got hands on the new XTR 9000, knowing shimano would trickle down the best tech to the much more affordable XT level. The 42t cassette is great, although I share other commenters concerns about the weight on it.

The one thing I’d like to know, and maybe the bikerumor guys could confirm, but will the shifters use the same polymer cable system that the XTR comes with? Small thing I know, but it really makes a huge difference with shifter feel and makes the clutch feel substantially lighter when shifting up the cassette.

Goran
Goran
8 years ago

After this I am expecting xd driver bodies sold used at the same speed they were sold new.

gumby
gumby
8 years ago

@Agung Utara I see ‘adjustable shift force technologies’ mentioned elsewhere. I guess they’ve dropped the ceramic brake pistons for resin inline with the other groups.

slam man
8 years ago

still no fatbike crank aaarrrhh

barry
8 years ago

where is the official announcement about 148 wide XTR cranks?

AbelF
AbelF
8 years ago

Why would they reduce the range on the double crankset? I love my 38/24, whats wrong with it?

captain efficient
captain efficient
8 years ago

I echo what Feldy said…Fix your freehubs! Making dealers look bad…

elli eitan
elli eitan
8 years ago

i use a 11 speed xtr at the back, and an fsa double (9/10 speed) up front.
shimano 11 speed chain, but 10 speed chain work as well but noisy.
i am saying all that just to show how you can save a bout £300,
and use a much larger chin rings up front.
works great, no problems what so ever.

charliej
charliej
8 years ago

I liked when the crank arm and spider were one piece. 20 years ago… http://mombat.org/94XT.jpg

Hey, where’s the DF-M8000 chain deflector?

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