Shimano has quickly followed the launch of XTR Di2 with two additional wireless groups: XT M8200 and Deore M6200. We got our hands on a sample of the XT group in the compact GS Enduro 1×12 flavor ahead of time, so naturally, we threw it on the scale before building it up. While the weight difference between some parts, like aluminum vs. carbon wheels, is obvious, the difference between other components may surprise you.
Shimano XT Di2 Weight: Brakes
Starting in the same order as the XTR Di2 weight post, the XT group begins with the BL-M8200/BR-M8220 disc brake. Like XTR, Shimano offers two different brake options, both with the new BL-M8200 brake lever, and either the M8220 four piston caliper for Enduro (or just more brake power), or the M8200 two piston caliper for XC or Trail builds. Other than brake rotor size, this is the only difference between the “XC” and “Enduro” groups.
Weighed with a full length 1700mm hose and lever pre-filled with the new LV brake oil, the total checks in at 331g. Claimed weights for the XT Enduro brake are only 3g more than the XTR Enduro Brake at 310/330g vs. 307/327g (F/R). The XTR brake has a slightly better feel to the lever blade, but the XT brake is $265 per brake, while XTR is $330.
The XT two piston XC brake has a claimed weight of 287/321g, and will sell for $240 per brake.
There are no new brake rotors for the groups, so they will use any existing rotor like the RT-CL800, shown here in 180mm at 135g.
Shimano XT Di2 Weight: Crankset
Unlike the XTR group, there is only one crankset for XT, the FC-M8200. This crank has a 55mm chainline, and comes in 160, 165, 170, and 175mm lengths. Shown here in 170mm, the crank weighs in at 524g with hardware, but no chainring.
The XTR Enduro crank is actually heavier at 532g, but it has a reinforced spindle for big hit durability.
There’s a typically large difference in price between XT and XTR, with the XT crank selling for $190 compared to $310 for XTR.
The cranks continue with the standard 24mm Shimano spindle, so existing bottom brackets will work like the BB-MT801 above which weighs 77g.
Shimano XT Di2 Weight: Chainring
The XT SM-CRM86 chainring gets a similar redesign to the XTR ring with more material placed where impacts are more likely. The smaller GS cassette begs for a smaller chainring, so we were sent a 30t ring which weighs in at 72g. XT rings are offered in 28-36T.
Compare that to a 32t XTR ring at 65g, and there are some grams to be won by upgrading. But maybe not at double the price with the XT ring selling for $73 vs. $150 for XTR.
Shimano XT Di2 Weight: Shifter
Getting into the electronics, the SW-M8250 XT shifter switch is nearly identical to XTR – including the weight. The XT shifter actually checked in 1g less than XTR, but both have a 97g claimed weight. They’re essentially the same, except the XT shifter is $30 cheaper at $190 in I-Spec EV or band clamp.
Shimano XT Di2 Weight: GS Rear Derailleur
The rear derailleur on the other hand, has some differences. XT is offered in the RD-M8250 SGS (long cage) or GS (short cage) versions like XTR. We’re weighing the GS version here at 468g. Compare that to the SGS XTR version at 415g, and it’s clear that XTR is lighter, even with a longer cage. But again, you have to ask if that weight difference is worth $100, with the XT derailleur priced at $570.
There are also two rear derailleur models for ebikes, which are hard-wired without their own batteries. Split into an 11-speed Linkglide model and a 12-speed Hyperglide+ model, both have claimed weights of 427g and retail prices of $570.
Shimano XT Di2 Weight: GS Cassette
Like the derailleur, the CS-M8200 12-speed Hyperglide+ cassettes come in two sizes: a 10-51t for SGS derailleurs, and a 9-45t for GS. This is where another chunk of the weight difference comes into play, with the 9-45t cassette weighing 421g, compared to the XTR 10-51 at 365g. The XT 10-51t has a claimed weight of 463g – nearly 100g difference.
But when it comes time to replace that cassette, you’ll be glad the XT is just $195 compared to the $500 XTR cassette.
Note that other than the 9-45t cassette for the GS group, all new Shimano Di2 groups will use existing 12-speed cassettes and chains.
Shimano XT Di2 Weight: Chain
The CN-M8100 is an existing chain that will be the XT level option with a 279g weight and $62 price tag.
Shimano XT Di2 Weight: Wheels & Hubs
One set of WH-M8200 aluminum wheels will be offered in both 27.5″ and 29″ with 110/148mm spacing. These are built around the new XT HB-M8210 Centerlock hubs. In 29″ with tape and tubeless valves installed, the front wheel weighs 934g and the rear is 1,071g. Pricing is set at $250 for the front, $325 for the rear, or $570 for the set.
The hubs have a claimed weight of 130/251g (F/R), and they sell for $75/180.
Total Weight Difference Between XTR and XT Di2
To compare the two complete XT and XTR Di2 groups, we focused on the Enduro builds complete with product-level brake 203mm brake rotors, chain, a 32t chainring, and the SGS rear derailleur and 10-51t cassette. Add it all up, and of course XTR comes out on top, but only by 166g. That does include the XTR Enduro crank with a reinforced spindle, but it’s not a huge difference. To be fair, it’s also not a huge difference in price, with XT upgrade kits priced just $125 less than XTR (though most of the weight savings comes from the cassette, which is not included in an upgrade kit).
Shimano Di2 Wireless XT & XTR complete Enduro group weights
XT 2,858g
XTR 2,692g
XT Di2 Upgrade Kits
When considering pricing, it’s important to mention that Shimano will be offering upgrade kits that include everything you need for the new Di2 group to update an existing Hyperglide+ 12-speed Shimano drivetrain.
The Di2 Drivetrain Upgrade Kit will include a rear derailleur, shifter, battery, battery charger, and a 12s Quicklink and will sell for $860. If you price it out, it’s basically the same price as buying all the components individually, except you get an additional Quicklink for the chain, which Shimano requires as they’re one-time-use-only. Shimano points out that this will be available full-time, not just at the time of the launch. There are also four versions of the upgrade kit with a choice of SGS 10-51t or GS 9-45t derailleurs, and I-Spec EV or Band Clamp shifter mounts. Everything will ship in a nice presentation box made from easily recycled paper and cardboard.
Shimano will also be offering disc brake upgrade kits, which will include right and left brake levers, front and rear calipers and hoses, metal brake pads installed and additional resin pads included, and 100ml of the new low viscosity oil. The brake upgrade kits will only be offered in the four-piston enduro brake spec and are priced at $530.
Availability
All of the XT components will be available starting today, from OEM partner brands and Shimano Dealers.
Make sure to check out our complete tech breakdown on the new Shimano XTR Di2 group here!
