You can always count on Shimano to quietly release a bunch of other products on the heels of a big launch. The new 12 speed Deore M6100 group will likely get the majority of the attention, followed by the easy-to-upgrade-to Deore M5100 & M4100 groups, but behind the scenes there are a number of new additions to almost every product level to check out.
Flat mount brakes for mountain bikes? Yup. While it’s still not super common, there are a growing number of XC race mountain bikes that have started using the flat mount standard like the BH Ultimate EVO. Others include the Canyon Lux, Mondraker Chrono & Podium RR, Kross Earth, and Cannondale FSi. If you’re riding a mountain bike with Shimano SLX, XT, or XTR, you don’t want to have to run a 105, Ultegra, Dura Ace, or GRX brake caliper, so now Shimano is offering flat mount calipers to match those mountain bike groups.
The two piston calipers can run resin or metal pads, with or without the Ice Tech cooling fins. Note that the XTR caliper can only run 140 or 160mm rotors, while the XT and SLX versions can run up to 180mm rotors.
New XTR Cranks for Wide Tires + Cranks for Days
Shimano has added even more 12 speed cranksets to their line up, bringing the running total to 22 different 12 speed crankset options. That breaks down into 14 1×12 cranks (three XTR, DEORE XT, SLX, and DEORE, plus two non-series options), and 10 2×12 cranksets (two XTR, DEORE XT, SLX, plus two non-series options).
New to the mix is an XTR crank meant for 157mm Super Boost Bikes with a 56.5mm chainline. The FC-M9130-1 is a 1×12 crank with a 171mm q-factor thanks to the narrow crank arms. Also, a 2×12 Deore level crankset has been added with 26/36t chainrings. The FC-MT610-2/B2 is meant for bikes with 142/148mm rear spacing and comes in 170 & 175mm crank arm lengths.
Alivio 2 x 9 or 3 x 9
The 12 speed, or even 11 and 10 speed groups are usually the most exciting, but there are a lot more bikes sold with more affordable drivetrains. Shimano is known for offering a wide range of components, and often improves those more affordable options with borrowed tech from previous high end models. That’s what’s going on here as both the Alivio and Tourney groups have been updated.
The Alivio M3100 group now offers 2×9 or 3×9 drivetrain options with new shifters and derailleurs.
You’ll find a Shadow rear derailleur, HG shifting, and Rapidfire Plus Mono shifters to give the group a high end feel, while also dropping the price.
Updated Tourney 3 x 7 and 3 x 6 Drivetrains
At the Tourney level, you’ll find 3×7 and 3×6 drivetrains with new Revoshift twist shifters and new derailleurs with SIS index shifting.
The group also includes new freewheels with improved corrosion resistance and wide gear combinations up to 14-34. Remember when 34t for a high end mountain bike cassette was a big deal? ‘Member?
New 12 speed Wheels
Adding to the options for complete wheelsets, the WH-MT601 is a Micro Spline version of the WH-MT600. Available in 27.5 or 29″ tubeless rims, the hubs include options for 142mm or Boost 148mm thru axle hubs.
New STEPS Additions
Want to ride further on a single charge? The new battery additions for Shimano STEPS will help you get there. The internal BT-E8306 is now Shimano’s largest e-bike battery with a 630Wh capacity. There is also the BT-E8035L which uses the same battery dimensions, but offers 504Wh capacity and a faster 4 hour charge time. The two options give frame manufacturers and consumers the ability to run different battery capacities in the same frame.
For external use, the BT-E8016 provides the same massive 630Wh capacity with a new fitting port and BM-E8016 battery mount.
Now Shimano has 10 different batteries to choose from including rear carrier, external type, and downtube integrated options with 418, 504, or 630Wh capacities.
Urban e-bikes get a new SC-E5000 computer display that is also able to control lights and operate the assist modes. Compatible with existing STEPS systems, the display will come standard on 2021 e-bikes later this year.
Finally, Shimano is expanding their STEPS e-bike tire capabilities with the new 12 speed SM-CRE80-12-SB chainring meant for 157mm Super Boost rear hubs. The wider chainline allows the chain to clear the rear tire, and is available in 34 or 36t options with Dynamic Chain Engagement+ tooth profiles.
