Of course, a major relaunch also brings with it a new look. Practically all parts of the groupset have become a little more delicate, and in some cases more angular - a little more aggressive compared to the old groupset, which is more in keeping with the race look. The Shimano engineers emphasize that function was the main factor here. In general, the new look fits perfectly, and so the groupset would be recognizable as XTR even if it wasn't labeled.

A good feeling

At first glance, some details of the shift lever have changed. However, the grip pads on the thumb levers are not the only new features. The connection between the shift lever and brake lever is called "I-Spec EV". This enables a larger adjustment range for the shift lever - it can now be pivoted by up to 60 degrees and moved by 14 millimetres, which means it sits much better on the thumb.

The first gear changes in place are remarkably easy. The lever can be operated with so little effort that the difference to the electronic XTR-Di2 is much smaller than with the "old" XTR. Whether the rubber plates in the levers provide an advantage cannot yet be determined during the parking lot test.

Full and precise - even under load

It is undisputed: The shifting precision of the groupset is noticeably higher than before. The gear changes are crisp and perfect. Even under load, up and down, and on all sprockets, from the tenth to the biggest jump to the 51st. Even some deliberately rough gear changes are mastered without jamming or disturbing noises. In general, the chain also runs very quietly.

Shimano has chosen gear steps that are comfortable on most climbs. This may not be generalizable, but the gradation should be suitable for most users.

The initial shifting sensation from the parking lot test is then confirmed on the trail and in practically every situation: when shifting quickly back and forth between descents and climbs or changes of direction, the gears are always very precise. And upshifting in particular requires less thumb force and is even more intuitive thanks to the improved ergonomics. Shifting also happens less often. The grip plates in the shift levers are particularly beneficial in the wet, but hardly at all in the dry.

Bigger equals better, but not everywhere

The size of the cassette brings advantages, such as a larger chainring and a wider range, but also some less than ideal properties. For example, there is no other technical solution to the fact that the derailleur cage is relatively long. This is less of a problem on twentyniners, as the lower derailleur pulley on 27.5-inch bikes is quite close to the ground and obstacles. So it can get stuck there - but we've already seen this with the Sram Eagle.

To be fair, however, it should be mentioned here that the derailleur cage has not suffered any damage apart from scratches so far. If you're looking for the same shifting performance but don't need the 51 t cog, you're better off with the "smaller" 12-speed cassette with a maximum of 45 teeth. The changer arm for this cassette is 28 millimetres shorter.

"True to track" and stiff at the front

The clutch hardness on the lower sprockets has been reduced in favor of shifting quality. However, this is not too much, as the chain remains firmly on the chainring even in rough terrain. How well the chain stays on the chainring with increasing wear remains to be seen.

In contrast to the old XTR crank, the new one is said to have a stiffer connection to the directly mounted chainring. Whether this is actually stiffer is difficult to determine in a practical test. However, it can be said that the crankset is very stiff and feels comparable to its carbon counterparts.

"Seamless" and quiet at the rear

The hub is not conspicuous - it runs almost silently. This is thanks to the new, in-house Sylence system. This does not consist of conventional pawls that engage in a toothed ring, but of rings with face toothing, similar to that used by DT Swiss. The big difference here: As long as you are not pedaling, these toothed rings have no contact, which means that the freewheel rotates virtually silently. This is only unusual if you pay attention to it, otherwise you just have a quieter bike.

The gear rings inside offer 47 engagement points, which means that the idle travel between load changes is very short - it feels almost seamless. So far, there have been no misfires when engaging, or should not be possible due to the system.

Conclusion

In terms of ergonomics, shifting quality and precision, Shimano's new 1x12 XTR groupset is a stunner. It can't be said to have any faults - the long derailleur arm, which sometimes comes a little close to the floor, is system-related according to the current state of the art. There have been no failures (so far) because of this. Nothing can yet be said about the durability of the drivetrain, but overall Shimano has not made any empty promises.

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