Shimano's XTR undergoes a complete overhaul

Shimano is launching a mechanical 1x11 XTR groupset onto the market. However, the Japanese company is packing a few more innovations into the new XTR than just the 1x11 and is even launching a new standard. The groupset is still available in a race and a trail version.

Shimano presents a new XTR groupset. How could it be otherwise, the Japanese are launching a 1x11 groupset onto the market. The eleven-pinion cassette only has a range of 11 to 40 teeth compared to the Sram cassette. However, this makes it more finely graduated. XTR lovers for whom one chainring is not enough still have the option of riding with two or even three chainrings. The XTR is still available in a Race and a Trail version, with different cranks and brakes. While the Race model can be used with one or two chainrings, up to three chainrings can be fitted to the Trail version. In addition, the lighter Race crank has a Q-factor of 158 millimetres, while the Trail crank has a Q-factor of 168 millimetres.

Shimano has dispensed with differently profiled teeth on the chainring for the 1x11 system in order to secure the chain, as with Sram. To keep the chain on the chainring, the chain tension can be adjusted on the rear derailleur using the Chain Stabilizer. Shimano is introducing a new standard for the derailleur cable linkage. In addition to "Top Swing" and "Down Swing", there is now "Front Swing". The advantages are more powerful and crisper shifting. The derailleur also moves outwards on a new axis, the "Side Swing" system, which also enables faster shifting and results in less noise from a slapping chain.

The brakes have also undergone a change. This now has a "carbon phenyl resin" piston instead of the previous ceramic one. New brake pads with better heat dissipation and lower weight are also used. Another innovation concerns the trail brake. Until now, the only difference was the brake lever. The trail brake now also has a trail-specific brake calliper.

This also comes with the new i-spec 2 system to attach the brake and shift lever to a clamp. This was also possible with the old i-spec system. With the new system, the shift lever can be moved not only laterally, but now also vertically, independently of the brake lever. The brake discs with "Freeza" cooling fins remain unchanged in the range.

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