Earlier this week, Shimano’s Deore lineup benefited from that lovely trickle-down treatment, but boy, has Shimano been busy? Only a few days later, the cycling component (and fishing reel) giant has revamped its XT range, developed thicker brake rotors, and brought two new pedals to the market. There’s a lot to get through here, so strap in…
XT mechanical gets a long-awaited update
Much like the brand’s Deore range, Shimano’s XT mechanical drivetrain was pretty darn good – again, I’m left wondering why it’s been updated. However, XT M8200 is more than just a superficial glow-up, as it promises improved ergonomics, better shifting, and “flagship-level innovation”. Whatever that means…
Starting off with the XT M8200 derailleur, it’s built to keep shifting smoothly, knock after knock. Featuring Shimano’s Shadow ES design, the mech now follows a wedge-shaped design that’s said to help impacts glance off it, rather than catch and cause serious harm. That also means that the new-style derailleur uses the brand’s more modern dual-spring design in a bid to achieve more than tension for better retention on the chainring.
Shimano then says that it uses a slim stabiliser and it’s complete with long and mid cage options, with the latter able to provide more ground clearance. It uses solid jockey wheels, which should stop twigs and such from getting stuck and wrecking the wheels. Both cages are made using an alloy construction, and the long cage is built for use with a 10-51t 12-speed cassette, whereas the mid cage is crafted for 9-45t 12-speed cassettes. This mech also uses Shimano’s Hyperglide+ system.
It’s not all about 12-speed for XT M8200, though, as there’s also an 11-speed option available that’s sorted with a long cage that’s suitable for an 11-50T Linkglide cassette.
Crafted to provide fast and precise shifting (says Shimano), the revamped 12-speed Hyperglide+ shifter. It’s compatible with previous Shimano 12-speed drivetrains, comes sorted with Rapidfire Plus tech and a two-way release, as well as up to three shifts per full lever throw with the main lever. It’s been re-shaped to offer cleaner cable routing, and there’s a replaceable rubber pad on that main lever. This shifter is available in three options with a single shift-only lever for high-torque e-MTBs, and an 11-speed model.
If you’re keen for an updated XT drivetrain, the derailleur can be picked up for £119.99, and the shifter is £64.99. This drivetrain is compatible with other components from Shimano’s range.
2.2 mm-thick rotors ‘raise the bar on braking performance’
Coming as a premium upgrade, according to Shimano, is the new, snappily named RT-CL6B750 and RT-CL750 rotors. Available in six-bolt and centerlock configurations, as well as 200 and 220mm sizes, these rotors are 2.2mm thick, up from the brand’s usual 1.7mm.
The brand reckons that the new thickness isn’t just about more material, which should make for a longer-lasting rotor. As well as that, we’re told that the new vent hole layout will bring better braking control and more predictable modulation. The thicker rotor also brings better durability and resistance to impact. And yes, the brand is now using more ‘normal’ sizes. Rather than the 203mm size, it comes in more regular 200 and 220mm sizes, meaning that you won’t have to hunt around the spares bin for the correct spacers.
The new rotor is compatible with XTR, XT, and Deore four-piston brakes, and it’ll set you back £49.99 for the 200mm variants, and £54.99 for the 220mm sizes.
Two new pedals for trail, gravel, and commuting
As well as a fresh drivetrain and new rotors, Shimano is bringing two new pedals to the market in the form of the PD-M8220 and PT-MT520. The former, constructed for trail riding, brings a larger platform to the brand’s renowned SPD mechanism, much like the XTR PD-M9220 Enduro pedals we reviewed earlier this year. In fact, it’s inspired by that very pedal in a bid to offer traction when not clipped in. Along with the newer CL-MT001 cleats, the pedal is said to offer easy engagement, and it uses a sealed design to keep it running smoother for longer. Of course, the mechanism’s tension is adjustable.
If it’s lightweight you’re after, the PD-MT520 takes the SPD mechanism and refines its shape. Again, these use a durable sealed design, but these are ‘optimised’ for easy engagement when paired with Shimano’s SM-SH51 cleats. These are said to weigh in at 380g per pair, and are available in black and silver colours.
