The XTR Di2 (M9050) complements the recently introduced new mechanical XTR M9000. Shimano emphasizes extremely precise, fast, consistent and powerful shifting under all conceivable conditions as the most significant and obvious advantages of the Di2 platform compared to a mechanical shifting system. Shifting requires significantly less effort and is literally done at the touch of a button.

In the case of the XTR Di2, the direct interface between human and shifting system is not a classic shift lever, but an electronic switch. And precisely because this rather inconspicuous interface is so important, the engineers have tried out dozens of versions of this shifter. The new so-called Firebolt shifter is characterized above all by short operating distances, compact dimensions, easy-to-reach buttons and excellent tactile feedback.

Intuitive operation...
One of the main advantages of an electronic groupset is the programmability of the system, as road cyclists with Di2 groupsets already know. With the new XTR Di2, the optimum shifting logic can be implemented for every individual riding style and for all individual requirements.

The XTR Di2 is based on the same E-Tube platform as Shimano's current Di2 road bike groupsets. This E-Tube cable system connects all Di2 components via a plug-and-play connection, conducts both power and information to the individual components and thus enables the entire system to be programmed. Thanks to E-Tube, it is also possible to customize the system by assigning different switching functions to the individual switch buttons. For example, the front derailleur can be operated from the left-hand switch to the right-hand switch and/or the rear derailleur to the left-hand switch.

... including the option of customization
Of course, as with the road bike groupsets, the so-called multi-shift function can also be programmed, which is activated when the shifter is held down. Both the shifting speed and the number of gears shifted via multi-shift - i.e. just one gear, two gears or all 11 gears - can be selected as required. Compared to conventional mechanical shift cables, the use of an electronic cable system means that corrosion or functional impairments caused by elongated cables no longer play a role and maintenance should be reduced to a minimum.

Automated shifting
A special function of the XTR Di2 is the so-called Synchro Shift option. Over around 20,000 test kilometers, the engineers gathered information on the most frequently used and most efficient gear combinations under all conceivable conditions. Based on this information, it was possible to program the system so that the rear derailleur and front derailleur can be controlled with just one switch. The front derailleur constantly recognizes the position of the rear derailleur and automatically rides the front derailleur to ensure the most efficient gear ratio and ideal chainline at all times. By no longer having to worry about shifting gears at the front or corresponding compensation shifts at the rear, the rider is relieved and can devote all his attention to the route ahead. A detailed explanation of the Synchro Shift function can be found in this video.

Preprogrammed switching patterns
There are two pre-installed shift layouts for Synchro Shift on board, which can be selected as standard in the system. However, these Synchro Shift modes can be changed at any time using the E-Tube, and you can also program your own shift layouts. You can then switch back and forth between these two Synchro Shift modes and manual mode at any time during the ride.

Powerful shifting
The XTR Di2 rear derailleurs and front derailleurs are responsible for performing the shifting operations. They are designed to ensure powerful, high-precision and consistent shifting. The Di2 front derailleur, for example, shifts twice as powerfully as the current M980 front derailleur, which guarantees reliable, fast and smooth front shifting even under high loads. And all this - regardless of the terrain or topography - at the touch of a button. The rear derailleur uses the new Shadow+ technology for Di2, in which the friction damper can not only be switched on or off using a toggle switch, but can also be adjusted using an Allen screw (see video). Both the rear derailleur and front derailleur react immediately and directly to the rider's commands and assume the correct position in relation to the respective sprocket or chainring for all gear combinations - for example thanks to the front derailleur's auto-trim function.

Clean look and an expandable system
The "brain" of the XTR Di2 system is the digital system display. This display shows important information such as battery charge status, gear position, shift mode (manual or synchro) or suspension mode. A selection button on the display housing makes it possible to select or change the desired shift mode - Synchro 1, Synchro 2 or Manual - while riding. The display unit also serves as a charging port and as a connection port for the E-Tube software and has three E-Tube slots for peripheral system components. E-Tube not only keeps the inside of the frame tidy, but also gives every mountain bike a tidy appearance on the outside.

In addition, thanks to E-Tube, the Fox iCD suspension system can also be integrated, which means even fewer cables and cable routing on the bike are required. The XTR Di2 M9050 is powered by the same batteries as the road bike Di2 groupsets, the external model SM-BTR1 or the internal type SM-BTR2.

According to Shimano, the electronic XTR Di2 components will be available on the market for the first time in the fall.

WEIGHT TABLE:
Front derailleur: (FD-M9070 D-Type): 115 grams
Rear derailleur (RD-M9050-GS): 289 grams
System display (SC-M9050): 30 grams
Shifter (SW-M9050): 64 grams

www.shimano.com