Just days after rolling out updated Deore mechanical drivetrain components, Shimano is taking the wraps off redesigned XT derailleurs and shifters. The latest Shimano XT components promise improved performance, though at higher weights and prices than the previous generation. At the same time, Shimano is rolling out new and updated mountain bike pedals.
The Shimano XT derailleur becomes more robust… and significantly heavier
Taking a cue from the Shimano Di2 mountain bike derailleurs that launched last year, the updated mechanical XT derailleurs (officially known as RD-M8200) feature a wedge-shaped design meant to deflect trail impacts. The M8200 also ditches the clutch previously seen on mechanical XT derailleurs, opting for a spring-based chain stabilizer instead.
Rounding out the major changes, the updated Shimano XT derailleur has moved to solid pulley wheels that are said to deliver “long-lasting reliability in demanding conditions.”
With the solid pulleys and more closed-off, wedge-shaped design, the XT derailleur sees massive weight gains, going from a claimed 284g to 370g for the SGS model. That’s close to 100g heavier, a 30% weight gain. Though the XT group isn’t designed for weight weenies, the added weight will likely disappoint many riders.
Shimano hasn’t announced an updated version of their mechanical XTR derailleur. If and when they do, it will be interesting to see if they apply similarly robust design changes. The XTR group has traditionally represented the pinnacle of low weight and performance, so any weight gain would likely be met with a cold reception. Today’s XTR derailleur weighs just 240g.
SRAM recently updated their line of mechanical mountain bike derailleurs and saw weights creep up as well, in some cases significantly.
In addition to the weight increase, prices for the rear derailleur models are slightly higher, from $145 for the previous generation to $170 for the M8200.
Long- and mid-cage versions of the mechanical XT derailleur are available, along with an 11-speed Linkglide option.
A shift in ergonomics
Shimano says the updated XT shifter provides a “shorter lever stroke, crisper actuation, and firmer secondary click.” The shorter stroke should be welcome news to riders who have experienced electronic shifting with its more responsive controls. Updated XT shifters are compatible with previous-generation Shimano 12-speed mechanical derailleurs.
As you can see in the photo comparison above, there’s a new texture on the lever pads and an interesting-looking rectangular pad located on the body of the shifter in between the levers. Could this be useful as a thumb rest? We’ll have to give it a try to find out.
The other big change at the shifter is the cable exit angle, which you can clearly see in the comparison photo above. This should lead to a cleaner cockpit look, with the cable running more parallel to the bars. This complements recent updates to Shimano’s brake hose routing.
The price for a Shimano XT shifter was $75 and is now $85. Weights for the updated XT shifters were not available as of press time.
XT and M520 pedals get an update
Shimano is also updating their XT “enduro” pedal today, bringing the design in line with the updated XTR pedals released last year. The platform gets a more rectangular shape, and Shimano added four pins to each side for added grip.
Claimed weights for the latest Shimano XT pedals are up, from 438g for a pair to 472g. Fortunately, the increase isn’t as dramatic as it is for the XT derailleurs.
The affordable M520 cross-country-oriented clipless pedal is getting an update as well, and with it a new designation: MT520. Shimano notes a “refined shape and rugged style,” though any design changes appear to be minor. In fact, the updated pedals have exactly the same 380g claimed weight as their predecessor.
New Shimano XT pedals are priced at $160, up from $150, while the MT520s are still $55.
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