Shimano’s Deore-level shifting and braking components have become renowned for being rather good for relatively little cash. In fact, it’s so good that I never thought that it needed updating. However, the brand has gone and done it anyway with its 11 and 12-speed Deore drivetrains, promising better shifting under load and improved durability, while the Deore brakes now follow a similar design found on the more recently updated XT and XTR models.
Deore M7200 and M6200 get pushed into the modern age
Starting off with the drivetrains, Shimano’s new M7200 and M6200 setups offer both 11 and 12-speed options, but now, both use a heavily updated derailleur that’s said to shift more smoothly in all scenarios, including under heavy load, which has been the main story packed into most recent drivetrain releases.
In fact, the derailleur follows a similar look to Shimano’s newer Di2 systems, as it uses a ‘low-profile wedge shape stabiliser design’. It’s then been slimmed down to help deflect impacts and avoid snagging on that dastardly trailside foliage. Its linkage is then wide and ‘well-braced’, says Shimano, which apparently makes for a stronger design.
The mech then forgoes a traditional clutch design for chain tension. Rather, it uses the Shadow ES system that uses a pair of springs to achieve a higher spring tension. This is said to help keep the chain on the chainring better than previous designs. Of course, there are Hyperglide+ and Linkglide options, with the former prioritising shifting speed, and the latter prioritising durability and smoothness.
Then, the M6200 derailleur is built to appease those on more of a budget. It features Shadow+ PD, the clutch design we’re used to seeing on Deore kit, and Hyperglide+ tech.
As for the crankset, there’s only one on offer. It uses a two-piece construction with a 24mm steel axle. It achieves a Q-factory of 176mm, uses a direct mount chainring and is available in 265mm to 175mm lengths. Producing a 55mm chainline, it can accommodate chainrings of 30t and 32t in size. Then, the new Dynamic Chain Engagement tech is said to boost efficiency, durability, and chain retention.
Moving on to the cassette, there are two available. Both offer 10-51t gears and fit Microspline freehub bodies, but the CS-M7200-12 is built to shed grams with a group of steel cogs and a single alloy cog. The CS-M600-12 is crafted more for durability, featuring steel cogs across the range.
Yep, there’s a refreshed shifter, too. It’s shaped to provide cleaner cable routing with headset-routed systems, and regular internal cable routing while receiving Rapidfire Plus and two-way release tech. e-Bike offerings get single-shift limits to boost durability further, and the shifter is backwards compatible with previous 12-speed drivetrains. It’s available to fit I-Spec EV brake levers or available with a band clamp.
New Deore brakes conform to modern Shimano design
Upon the launch of its Di2 drivetrains, Shimano unveiled refreshingly refined XT and XTR brakes, but despite launching wireless Deore shifting, it left its Deore brakes as is. After quite the wait, Shimano has finally revitalised its low-mid end brakes, using tech found on the spendier models.
Available with one lever, and the choice of four or two piston calipers, each uses upgraded internal deals and now runs on the newer low-viscosity mineral oil. According to Shimano, this should fix the infamous wandering bite point of some of its previous models, while providing a consistent feel in a range of temperatures.
Promising faster pad engagement, the new brakes use Shimano’s Servo Wave power curve, and the lever is shaped flatter to the bar, offering a cleaner look.
