Shimano’s XTR Di2 group impressed our testers with its performance, but the price of admission is incredibly high. If you're tempted by the possibilities of electronic shifting, but want a slightly more affordable option, XT Di2 kit might be the group you’ve been waiting for.
In addition to lowering the price point, Shimano focused on refining ergonomics, improving durability and making the group "smarter" by adding some wireless functionality.
We’re in the process of building up our XT Di2 test bike and wanted to bring you some real-world weights and updated pricing.
The build
I’ll be testing XT Di2 in a 1x11 configuration with the long-anticipated wider range 11-46t cassette. The test rig is a Santa Cruz Tallboy 3.
Here’s the rundown of the components...
Deore XT SW-M8050 Firebolt shifter
The XT-level Di2 shifters have been tweaked from the top-tier XTR version. The size of the rotary shift paddles has been increased slightly, while the lever throw has been made slightly shorter. Unlike XTR shifters, which offer the ability to shift one or two gears up and down with stepped clicks, the XT paddles shift one gear per click, though the user can still hold the lever down to continue shifting.
Like XTR, these shifters offer adjustable lever positioning.
Pricing is set at £200 / $220 /AU$336 for the pair, or £100 / $110 / AU$168 for a single rear shifter.
Deore XT RD-M8050-GS Di2 Shimano Shadow RD+ rear derailleur
The XT Di2 rear derailleur comes in a single cage length. It's compatible with Shimano’s 11-40t and 11-42t cassettes, as well as the recently-released 11-46t XT cassette for 1x drivetrains.
Like the Shimano's cable-actuated mountain derailleurs, it has low-profile design to protect it from obstacles on the trail (a growing concern as axle spacing stretches ever wider). It also uses Shimano's clutch system to reduce chain slap and improve shift performance through rough terrain.
Pricing is set at £289 / $315 / AU$488.
SC-MT800 system information display
This new display unit offers a wider range of display options and functions than XTR. It can display battery level, shift mode and FOX iRD suspension position when used with an electronically-controlled Fox fork and shock. Users can also toggle between various shift modes and make derailleur adjustments.
The big news is the introduction of wireless functionality.
To be clear: XT Di2 uses the same wired system as the XTR version, connecting the derailleurs to the battery, shifters and head unit. Shimano has, however, added wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and ANT private.
This opens up a world of possibilities for third-party integration in the future, such as pairing the drivetrain with cycling computers, or controlling auxiliary components such as the suspension or even dropper seatposts.
The immediate user benefit is that it allows the rider to customize, fine-tune or update the firmware on the trail or at home.Until recently, all updates and adjustments used a PC-based platform. Shimano now offers Apple owners the ability to update the system using an app that works with iPads (iPad versions 3 and higher).
It’s highly doubtful that anyone’s going to make trailside adjustments with a tablet, but it’s the first step in catering to the Apple crowd. The iPhone-based app is due out in December with an Android version to follow early next year.
Pricing is set at £130 / $160 / AU$218.
BT-DN110 battery
Shimano’s electronic XT group relies on similar internal battery to Shimano’s existing systems, but it addition to powering the system it also has additional RAM.
This forward-thinking memory capacity upgrade is what allows Shimano to roll out the aforementioned future functionalities.
The battery is backwards compatible with XTR Di2, but is required for XT Di2.
Pricing is set at $146 / £140 / AU$180
Shimano E-Tube Wires
Shimano’s electronic XT group relies on a similar internal battery to Shimano’s existing electronic drivetrains, but in addition to powering the system it also has additional RAM.
This forward-thinking memory capacity upgrade is what will allow Shimano to roll out the aforementioned future system upgrades.
The battery is backwards compatible with XTR Di2, but is required for XT Di2.
Total price for these three cables is £68 / $70 / AU$88.
SM-JC41 Junction Box B
While Shimano has introduced wireless functionality into XT Di2, it is still a wired drivetrain. This build uses several shorter wires — though I may replace them with a single 1,600mm wire in the future.
The junction box is priced at £27 / $30 / AU$49.
The non-wired drivetrain bits
Rounding out the build are the same drivetrain bits used on the good old-fashioned, cable-actuated system.
- 1x crankset with 30t chainring: 679g
- Bottom bracket: 82g
- 11-46t cassette: 437g
- Chain: 257g
Total system weight as tested: 1,990g / 4.39lb
Click here to read our First Ride Review of this new electronic group.
