Editor's note: M6000 has since been replaced with M61000, which you can read all about here.
Updated with pricing and availability 23 February.
Shimano has just released details of a trio of updated mountain bike groups. The company’s XT, SLX and Deore components all receive updates to bring them up to speed with the needs of modern mountain bikers.
Shimano Deore M6000 offers more gearing options, cosmetic refinements
Deore holds its position as Shimano’s entry-level group for off-road enthusiasts. Unlike the higher-end SLX and XT groups, Deore M6000 holds steady with a 10-speed drivetrain.
While most mountain bike drivetrains are slimming down to a single chainring, Deore branches out with a wider range of options for mountain bikers, commuting and trekking purposes.
The 2x10 crankset is offered in 38-28t, 36-26t and 34-24t options. This 2x crankset also gets a cosmetic update with design cues from Shimano’s high-end mountain bike groups. There are also “Boost” versions of this crank with 3mm of additional offset.
A Deore triple crankset is also available with a wide-range 40-30-22t option.
Both the 2x and 3x drivetrains are compatible with the new 10-speed Deore 11-42t cassette. This is the standout addition to this group — one that is sure to be a hit with mountain bikers looking to upgrade a their existing 10-speed drivetrains to 1x10 set ups.
A new Shadow RD+ rear derailleur handles shifting duties.
In addition to these drivetrain additions, this Shimano Deore M6000 group gets updated Rapidfire Plus shifters that retain visual gear displays.
Deore brakes already incorporated Shimano’s Servo Wave technology for improved power and modulation. The brake calipers are compatible with Shimano’s Ice Tech brake pads, which dissipate the heat generated while braking. These new stoppers get a new finish and slimmer clamp to take up less space on the handlebar.
New Shimano SLX 11-46t cassette
Shimano’s third-tier group follows in the footsteps of XT with a wide range 11-46t cassette for 1x11 drivetrains.
SLX also gets updated 2x crankset options in a 36-26t version for 11- and 10-speed drivetrains. The 11-speed version is available in Boost and non-Boost versions.
Shimano XT M8000 wheels now Boost compatible
Shimano has been off the back with axle standards for several years. A new XT-level wheelset seeks to remedy this by offering 110x15 front and 148x12mm rear axle options.
Pricing and availability
Deore M6000 group
- Front chainwheel, FC-M6000-2: £TBC / $124.99
- Cassette sprocket, CS-HG500-10: £TBC / $64.99
- Disc brake assembled set, BL-M600 (front): £TBC / $99.99
- Disc brake assembled set, BL-M600 (rear): £TBC / $99.99
- Front derailleur, FD-M6000: £TBC / $37.99
- Rear derailleur, RD-M6000, GS or SGS: £TBC /$84.99
- Shift lever, SL-M6000-IL, Deore, left (I-SPEC II): £TBC / $36.99
- Shift lever, SL-M6000-IR, Deore, right (I-SPEC II): £TBC / $36.99
- Freehub, FH-M6000, Deore for center lock: £TBC / $43.99
- Front hub, HB-M6000, Deore for center lock: £TBC / $24.99
Shimano estimates that the Deore M6000 group will be available this May.
XT M8000/M8020 wheels
- WH-M8000-B Deore XT, front wheel: £TBC / $259.99
- WH-M8000-B Deore XT, rear wheel: £TBC / $289.99
- WH-M8000-B Deore XT set: £TBC / $549.99
- WH-M8020-B Deore XT, front wheel: £TBC / $259.99
- WH-M8020-B Deore XT, rear wheel: £TBC / $289.99
- WH-M8020-B Deore XT set: £TBC / $ 549.99
Shimano estimates that the XT M8000/M8020 29in wheels will be available this May and the 27.5in will be available this June.
SLX CS-M7000 cassette
- Cassette sprocket, CS-M7000, SLX, 11-46T: £TBC / $74.99
Shimano estimates that the SLX CS-M7000 cassette will be available this May.
