Following the release of Shimano’s GRX Di2 RX825 – its long-awaited new 12-speed electronic gravel bike groupset – we think it's about time the Japanese component giants brought out a new XTR range.
The most recent update to the brand’s flagship MTB groupset was back in 2018 when it released its 12-speed M9100 range. Six years later, we haven’t seen a significant refresh since.
In this time, long-term rival SRAM has released two versions of its 12-speed electronic AXS drivetrains: the original Eagle AXS and the latest Eagle AXS Transmission.
So, what has Shimano been doing with its top-tier MTB groupset? We have no idea and we don’t know when it might get overhauled.
However, we do have a wishlist for the features we want to see – and those we don’t – when it finally arrives.
Plus, we look at what it’ll have to achieve to at least put it on an even keel with SRAM’s impressive offerings.
Full-wireless
Shimano is going to be behind the curve in electronic mountain bike drivetrains if it doesn’t go fully wireless. Maybe this is why it's taking so long to release new XTR.
Shimano’s latest Di2 (electronic gears) systems are semi-wireless, such as the new GRX Di2 RX825. This uses a wireless shifter that communicates with the derailleur. However, the derailleur remains wired to a central Di2 battery, most often housed inside a gravel bike seatpost or seat tube.
With mountain bikes' inconsistent frame shapes and dropper posts filling the seat tube, there’s no convenient way to place a battery inside a full-suspension mountain bike frame.
Shimano will have to go fully wireless as SRAM has done, or have a battery attached externally to the frame. This is an ugly and cumbersome option that won’t cut it in today's world of sleek integration.
Fully wireless XTR, please, Shimano. Nothing else for electronic MTB gears is going to cut it.
No new standards
Often, when Shimano releases a new groupset range, it comes with different interfaces for how things connect.
Shimano might introduce a new I-Spec standard to succeed its current I-Spec EV system. We’re all for the development and progress of products, but the lack of backwards compatibility between new standards can be frustrating.
We’d like to see any electronic XTR shifter or gearing be compatible with new and current I-Spec EV braking systems, for example.
The same could be said for its chain/cassette/chainring interface. Hyperglide+ seems to be fine. So, if we wanted to upgrade to any future XTR Di2, it would be nice not to need to buy a new set of cranks with a new chainring mount, chain and cassette. Wink wink, SRAM.
Multiple shifter options
Speaking of shifters, we’d like to see Shimano XTR Di2 take advantage of the possibility of a shifter makeover. Without a gear cable, there’s no need to have a chunky shifter body to house it and two large paddles that require a certain amount of throw.
All that's really needed is enough space for the battery. Most important will be ergonomics and positioning. The less you need to move your thumbs when riding to press a lever, the more grip you’ll maintain on the handlebar – and the more control you’ll have.
Plus, bike designers have entered a period rich with integrated designs. So, something small, discreet and well-positioned for demanding off-road riding can only be a good thing – something well integrated with a grip clamp or brake lever. Subtle, out of the way, but easy to reach. Is that so complicated?
There are already aftermarket brands such as Zirbel and Leap that are making compact shifters for SRAM AXS products. So, let's not be confined to the necessities of mechanical shifting. We want smaller, well-placed shifters.
Clutch control
We like Shimano’s adjustable clutch tension. That’s a feature we’d like to see carried over from the current mechanical model. Hopefully, the power of the derailleur’s motor is enough to provide the derailleur with a range of possible clutch tensions.
Still, Shimano’s on/off clutch switch isn’t as useful as the SRAM cage lock button for taking wheels out. We’d like Shimano to find a way to add this ease of use. It’s a small thing, but a big help.
While we’re borrowing SRAM ideas, a modular design would be great too. If we could split a derailleur into three smaller parts – a cage, a body and a mount – that would be useful.
It would be ideal if, when you broke one of these parts, it could be replaced without having to throw away two parts that are fully functional. Or, if you did buy a new derailleur, these could at least be used as spare parts.
A modular-design rear derailleur would be a welcome addition too.
Direct-mount derailleur
We have to thank SRAM for bringing in a rear derailleur mount standard. The Universal Derailleur Hanger has saved riders a lot of headaches if they break a derailleur hanger and are without a spare. Now, you can find one in any decent bike shop.
It paved the way for SRAM’s direct-mount Eagle AXS Transmission derailleurs, which bolt directly to the frame. This gave SRAM the opportunity to do away with B-tension and limit screws. The derailleur was effectively fit-and-forget.
While Shimano might need to swallow its pride and find its way around a patent, a few of us here would like to see a new XTR rear derailleur follow suit. This would make the derailleur laterally stiffer, delivering more stable and crisper shifts.
Taking away the hassle of fiddling with cable tension, limit screws, and B-tension is a big plus for the average rider.
We also want to see Shimano’s cassette and chain equal SRAM’s performance when shifting under load, but do so quicker. That small performance boost would help elevate Shimano over SRAM’s current offerings.
BikeRadar bonus
Here are a few extra features the BikeRadar team would like to see from Shimano XTR:
- Please find a way to stop the finned brake pads from rattling inside the caliper
- Add a brake lever free-stroke adjuster that works
- Improve the finish on the cranks so it doesn't rub off after the first couple of rides
- Make cranks in shorter lengths, from 160mm to 175mm
- Make a monoblock, or at least a two-piece cassette, so it's not so fiddly to fit
- Keep the Shadow+ derailleur design, tucking it under the cassette to reduce the chance of impacts
- Introduce integration with GPS to check shifting behaviour
- Enable off-bike battery charging (if electronic)
