A_M _B_2015_02_03_

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also sits further forward so the chain wraps
around the cassette for longer. This was meant to
reduce ghost shifting, and I didn’t experience any
on a 150mm bike, where I did with the old version
on a 100mm bike. What really stands out is how
well hidden the derailleur is compared to other
1x setups. The Shadow derailleurs were always
out of the way, but this is really impressive. The
chance of hitting it on the trail is much lower –
and ours bears no signs of impact.

There is a small port on the lower knuckle where
you can increase or decrease the strength of the
clutch. While this was possible before, it wasn’t
nearly as easy. This really makes a difference
when getting the new XTR set up just how you
want it. It’s a great tuning option to make sure it
works the way it needs to on a given bike, or for a
given rider.

The new chain is actually just the current Dura
Ace chain. The Sil-Tec Teflon coating keeps
the shifting very smooth by assisting with mud
shedding. And while the chain is directional, it’s
not 1x specific. You can also use the lower grade
Shimano 11sp chains, if you need to keep your
costs lower. This one still cleans up nicely.

Cranks

With two models available, and lots of gearing
options, Shimano continue to provide some of the
stiffest and lightest MTB cranks on the market
with XTR. We have the Race model with a 34t
single ring, but double and triple versions, and
a Trail variant are also available with close ratio
setups. The Race model has a 158mm Q-factor,
while the Trail has 168mm

The teeth on the chain ring stand very tall, and are
squared off. So instead of narrow-wide, it’s more
wide-wide. But it works. In our whole test time
we haven’t dropped the chain on a 150mm travel
bike. The single ring options are 30, 32, 34 and 36.
If you need more or less, you might need to look
for a different crank, as it’s a unique bolt pattern

• a 96/64 BCD.

In use the XTR crank feels solid, just like all their
predecessors. Choosing the width will come down
to preference and compatability with your frame.

Our Race set felt great on an all mountain bike...

but the Trail is beefier if your riding requires it.

Braking

Matching the rest of the group, we had the Race

brakes. There are only small changes on the

previous model, and most notably it’s at the clamp

which is narrower with the iSpec update, and a

change to a different piston material for better

heat management. They are lighter again, but

even for regular trail riding they never really had

all the power we wanted from them. We changed

the units to XTR Trail when they were available.

To me, the XTR Trail brake is one of the best out

there. There are more adjustments for lever feel,

better heat management (with or without the

IceTech pads) thanks to the finned calipers – and

just a whole lot more power.

The changes to the Servo-Wave cam on the Trail

brake are minor, but the modulation available

feels better, there’s a little less initial grab. The

Race brakes seem perfect for just that – but the

Trail brake is the one I’ll be upgrading my bike

to. I found them far more confidence inspiring,

being certain they would pull up on just about any

terrain, at any speed.

VerdiCt

Having owned bikes with the four previous

editions of Shimano XTR, I was really keen to

try the latest version (or at least a version of the

latest version). The 1x11 Race setup is perfect

for that intention. But if you want the same crisp

and precise shifting, with low weight, in a trail

oriented group – Shimano have that too. More

braking power? Yes, there’s an option for that.

Electronic? Yes that’s available too. Set your

bike up 1x but want to change to 2x? That’s also

possible. Just about anything is possible

with the new XTR.

What I really like is that it isn’t a huge step

to make the upgrade to 11 speed. I was so

impressed that I invested in a M9000 cassette,

chain, shifter and rear derailleur for not just my

bike but my partners too. With some 1x specific

chain rings we’ve managed to upgrade our bikes

without having to change out the whole group set,

and just at the cost of replacing the worn out 10

speed parts anyway.

Hits

• Countless drivetrain options
  for your riding style


• The best feeling shifts in the business


• Versatility for upgrading

Misses

• Might lack the range to suit
  single ring popularity

Price: Varies – see your local Shimano dealer

From: Shimano Australia

essentiaLs

tested