SRAM has been offering 12-speed technology for various groupsets for some time now. Now Shimano is following suit and offering it for the popular XT and the attractively priced SLX. Until now, this technology was only available for the high-priced XTR groupset, but now it is becoming affordable for the masses. In addition to the new drivetrain, the 4-piston brakes have been updated, as have the Deore XT hubs.

More details on the new groupsets can be found here: link

Processing & details

As usual, the workmanship of both groups is impeccable. Visually, both look very high quality. They have a different surface design and individual differences can be seen in the details, mainly because the SLX has received less technology from the XTR than the Deore XT.

In use - XT drivetrain

While the XTR's gear changes are smooth and barely noticeable, the Deore XT's are nice and crisp. Even under high loads - when sprinting or on very steep climbs - the gears change precisely and quickly. The tension of the rear derailleur is high and the chain is well tensioned. Nothing rattles or wobbles. The rubberized shift levers provide good grip, especially in adverse weather conditions, a pleasant detail that is missing on the SLX.

In use - SLX shifting

Under normal load, the SLX shifts just as precisely as its more expensive sister, with the only noticeable delay. The Deore XT shifts gears noticeably faster. Under high load, there are greater differences in the shifting process. The SLX acknowledges high loads with loud and rough noises, but changes gears flawlessly.

Note: As only test bikes with 1x gears were available, we are unable to comment on 2x gears.

In use - brakes

In all honesty, it would probably take a blind test to feel the differences in the braking behavior of the XTR, XT or SLX products. And you would have to ride the three brakes one after the other. Both of the new groupsets ride identically. The braking power is high without having to apply unnecessary force. Since the descents in the Press Camp were a maximum of 500 meters in altitude, no statement can be made about durability.

There were clear differences between the 2-piston and 4-piston brakes. The latter can be controlled a little more finely, while the 2-piston version is a little more direct. The braking force appears to be the same.

In use - hubs

After two and a half days of testing, no relevant statement can yet be made about the new Deore XT hubs. They run with a noticeable ring and lose momentum late, everything else is inconspicuous and does its job.

Conclusion

The Deore XT is noticeably different from the XTR groupset. The latter is a whole 365 grams lighter and understandably has more performance and technology. Just 148 grams make up the difference between XT and SLX, as well as slightly rougher shifting in the cheaper version and the purchase price.

Recommendation

Frequent riders are certainly better served with the Deore XT, primarily due to the faster shifting. But if you want to save a decent chunk of money, the SLX offers good quality at a fair price, without any really relevant drawbacks.

Prices:

• Deore XT 1x12, from CHF 1208.90
• Deore XT 2x12, from CHF 1325.90
• SLX 1x12, from CHF 721.60
• SLX 2x12, from CHF 775.60

Manufacturer/distributor: www.bike.shimano.com / www.fuchs-movesa.ch