Shimano announces new XT Di2 Groupset
It’s an all-new XT group of components!
Not long after releasing their all-new XTR Di2 groupset, Shimano sent us details on the new XT groupset. Yes, it also has the new wireless Di2 electronic treatment and yes, there’s new brakes and wheels too. Here’s your overview.
The new XT Rear Derailleur features an alloy cage – as opposed to the carbon one on XTR. It’s a wireless electronic unit, that speaks to Shimano’s new XT Shifter, over-the-air. The derailleur has the same low profile and wedge shaped design, a braced linkage and solid pulley wheels that scream durability. Again, there’s two springs for chain tension (clutch-free), a sealed battery that can be removed for charging and an eMTB option for constant charging.
There derailleur is also available in a long-cage for use with 10-51T cassettes or a shorter mid-cage for use with 9-45T cassettes. The XT Di2 shifter appears to be the same as the XTR unit. The new switches can be placed in more locations on the bar, while the button functions can be optimized for different riding preferences, allowing riders to dial in their setup.
The new XT cranks are offered in one version that ticks the XC, Trail and Enduro categories. Shimano says they have optimized the balance of rigidity and weight of the new XT cranks, for these ride styles. Crank lengths are 160mm, 165mm, 170mm and 175mm and available chainring sizes are 28T to 36T.
Key to the redesign of the new XT brakes is the new pivot point and track that Shimano says gives the brakes both a more natural feel and a more progressive ramp in power, over the previous model. Shimano are using a low-viscosity mineral oil which works better across a wider range of temperatures. The XT brakes are available in a lightweight two-piston design for XC riding, or, a more powerful four-piston design for Trail and Enduro riding.
Rounding out the new XT lineup is a set of alloy wheels that are lightweight and durable enough for Enduro and XC riding. Available in both 29-inch and 27.5-inch options, the new wheels feature an improved hub design, a 28-hole J-bend spoke layout, a hooked aluminum design with the classic 30mm inner diameter. We’ve a test groupset on the way so stay tuned for a review. //