At the beginning of June 2025, Shimano presented a new XTR Di2 after around seven years. This relies on wireless technology, button cells in the shift lever and a battery in the rear derailleur - cables are history. Shortly afterwards, the XT Di2 followed, and in many respects it follows the virtues of the group above it in the hierarchy.

While the XTR's cage is made of carbon, the XT has to make do with aluminum. However, the shifting capacities remain the same. With a long and a mid-cage version, cassettes with 10-51 and 9-45 teeth can be shifted. The flat design of the derailleur, which is designed to avoid obstacles even better than before and automatically returns to its starting position on impact with an obstacle, has also been adopted. An e-bike version of the rear derailleur is also available, which draws power directly from the electric bike battery. 

Crank and shift lever

The XT crank looks confusingly similar to its XTR counterpart, is available in chainring sizes from 28 to 36 and relies on the proven Hollowtech II design. The XT shifters come very close to the XTR component: these no longer have any cable connection, i.e. they work wirelessly and are equipped with so-called paddles. These can be individually configured - also using a third switch - to set shifting directions, control the bike computer or operate Free Shift and Auto Shift on the e-bike. Two button cell batteries are integrated for the power supply, which should last for around two years. 

Everything new: the brake

The newly designed brake lever is a must: it brings the outer casing closer to the handlebars. The XT disc brake with four pistons is available for enduro use, while those who ride cross-country prefer the two-piston version. The Japanese round off the XT compo with new hubs and an aluminum rim wheelset. 

Also at the start: Deore Di2

In one run, the Japanese also bring Deore components to the new Di2 level. At the start is a Deore Di2 rear derailleur, which is available in the Long Cage version and accommodates cassettes in 10-51 format. A new shift lever is also included, which also operates via button cell and radio, but the shift levers do not offer the extensive ergonomic adjustment options of XT or XTR.

bike.shimano.com