Di2 technology lands at DEORE XT level
Di2 now features wireless customization capabilities with upwards compatibility to XTR level
Sitting between the granite-hewn professional racers and the weekend warriors you’ll find a group of highly competitive and highly skilled mountain bikers. These are the privateers and the self-supported riders. These are the riders who put the hours in to keep themselves race-fit and have the skills to test themselves against the best. These are the amateur mountain bike racers. And these are the riders Shimano had in mind when it developed DEORE XT Di2 M8050.
If you’ve dreamt of winning races, if you’ve sent in a race application and started to wonder if you’ve got what it takes, if you’ve pinned on race numbers and glanced enviously at the other riders’ bikes then you know what the trail to triumph involves. If you crave the latest components in search of the technology to change your ride, then the answer is Shimano DEORE XT Di2 M8050.
The technology to change your ride
Two years after launching the world’s first commercially available mountain bike electronic shifting system, Shimano brings the power and the technology to drastically change the way you ride to DEORE XT level.
At the touch of a button and with just one lever you can now change gear with extreme accuracy, speed and precision. When the trail suddenly turns up hill, your DEORE XT drivetrain can now respond to your every demand. When your hands are aching from gripping your bars, a light touch of your Di2 button is all you need to move to a more efficient gear. And together with Synchro Shift technology, which adjusts your front derailleur and your chain line automatically, you´ll always have the right gear options to quickly switch between tough climbs, technical descents and pure-adrenaline racing.
Much like the Shimano DEORE XT M8000 mechanical derailleur, the DEORE XT Di2 M8050 rear derailleur also includes Shadow RD+ technology, which is designed to eliminate chain bounce and keep chains on sprockets over multiple types of terrain, leading to a more stable shifting platform.
The most groundbreaking technology featuring on DEORE XT Di2 M8050 though is a new wireless Bluetooth connection to Shimano’s E-TUBE program, which is the system Shimano 
uses to set up and control the Di2 shifting behaviour. Through Bluetooth technology riders or mechanics can wirelessly communicate with their computer, tablet or a smart phone via the SC-MT800 system information display and a new battery. As well as allowing wireless workshop customizability, it allows riders to customize their shifting preferences on the trail via an app on their smartphones.
Additionally, Shimano’s wireless D-FLY Data Management system will allow riders to see battery and gear information on their compatible third party display devices (eg bike computers). This technology will be rolled out with DEORE XT Di2 components and will be available as an upgrade for those currently riding Shimano XTR Di2, either with SC-MT800 or SCM9051 system information displays and a new internal or external battery.
The components of adventure
In terms of the components themselves, it’s the drivetrain where DEORE XT Di2 M8050 developments have focused.
SW-M8050 front and rear FIREBOLT shifters are designed to provide easy operation and accurate shifting with an ergonomic rotary action, short single-click action and effortless multi-shift possibilities. The FIREBOLT shift button placement is customizable and can be positioned exactly where the rider’s thumbs naturally rest. This allows you to shift faster and match your efforts like never before.
The SYNCHRO SHIFT technology inherent in the shifters means riders can rely solely on one shifter to take care of their rear and front gear changes. A customizable shift map means riders can program the exact gear ratio at which Di2 automatically shifts into the big ring when going up through the gears, or into the small ring when going down through the gears. Whichever gear ratio you choose, Shimano’s Rhythm Step philosophy ensures that riders make the minimum amount of incremental steps when changing up or down gears, allowing the rider to maintain an even cadence and fluid riding style. No large gear steps, no over-working joints and muscles, just effortless pedaling throughout the gear range. No compromises, just a focus on simplicity and enjoyment.
The shifters are designed to work in harmony with the SC-MT800 system information display, the RD-M8050 rear derailleur and the FD-M8070 front derailleur. Not only does the SC-MT800 system information display give a visual display of the rider’s gear and battery level, but it is also the control point for operating the trim adjustment and reboot function and wirelessly adjusting the multi-shift speed and SYNCHRO SHIFT operation via computer, tablet or smart phone.
The FD-M8070 front derailleur and RD-M8050 rear derailleur retain the accurate and stable shifting developed for XTR Di2 components. Computer-controlled auto trim on the front derailleur keeps the drivetrain running smoothly. Meanwhile, at the rear, changes are seamless, even under high loads, on steep inclines or when cassettes are more mud than teeth. The derailleur motors are twice as powerful as those on Dura-Ace and Ultegra Di2 to give precise shifting in difficult conditions.
Battery performance is identical to that of its big brother, XTR Di2, giving a minimum of several hundred kilometres of power under heavy usage (eg lots of shifting over three chainrings plus control of ancillary devices). The visual LED display indicates battery charge and the LED screen shuts off after a few seconds of inactivity to save battery life. If you do find yourself running low, charging the battery takes around 90 minutes and internal batteries work on a simple plug and play operation so can be easily swapped.
Durability is also in line with XTR Di2 components. A sealed, waterproof system means DEORE XT Di2’s electronic signals will stand up to mud, water and dirt from the worst of winter. Plus, with no worrying about cross-chaining, cable stretch, or cable adjustments, your gear changes will be incredibly consistent.
Shimano DEORE XT Di2 components will be available from September 2016. Get ready for the trail to triumph.
- DEORE XT Di2 components:
- SW-M8050 front and rear shifters
- SC-MT800 system information display
- FC-M8070 front derailleur
- RD-M8050 rear derailleur
Common components
- Built-in battery BT-DN110
- Battery mount BM-DN100 with external battery SM-BTR1
- Upwards compatibility: Shimano’s XTR M9050 mountain bike groupset can be updated to incorporate the new wireless function with a new display (SCM9051), battery (BT-DN110) and battery mount (BT-DN100).
SHIMANO SLX M7000 11 speed groupset
The launch of Shimano’s new mid-range off-road SLX groupset brings many of the performance features of DEORE XT with affordability, durability and compatibility to make it suitable for almost every type of mountain biker.
Provision for a wide range of MTB riding styles was the focus of the new SLX M7000 design. Three types of riders are catered for within the drivetrain options; those who favour a single chainring 1×11 set up for simplicity, those looking for an optimal 2×11 double chainring set up, or those riders needing the enhanced gear options and convenience coming with a 3×10 speed set up.
Drivetrain efficiency
The lightweight and durable 11 speed-compatible FC-M7000-11 chainring (1×11 and 2×11) teeth feature Shimano’s new Dynamic Chain Engagement technology and are designed for the different power outputs delivered in each ring, offering enhanced chain retention, driving rigidity and highly efficient, precise shifting.
In the 2×11 set up, close gear ratio combinations ensure a minimum shifting gap between gears and allow the rider to maintain an efficient rhythm throughout the complete range of gears. Set up options are kept to a chainring capacity of 10-teeth with three options (34-24T, 36-26T and 38-28T). 1×11 riders have the option of 30T, 32T or 34T chainrings to combine with two cassette options (11-40T and 11-42T). B-spec options are also available in double and single ring set ups to ensure chain lines can accommodate 148mm rear hubs.
The system solution behind these rider optimized gear combinations is known as DYNA-SYS11, which blends Shimano shifting technologies and designs to allow riders to deliver consistent, efficient power while maintaining traction and momentum.
Meanwhile, the 3×10 crankset (FC-M7000-10) with its 40-30-22T tooth profile and DYNA-SYS shifting technology has been designed to give a consistent shifting performance with the most efficient drivetrain and practical gearing for recreational riders anywhere.
The new design of the 1×11, 2×11 and 3×10 cranksets is more than just a stunning aesthetics and outstanding mechanical design. Better bottom bracket sealings reduce water and dirt ingress and increase the long-term efficiency of crank rotation.
At the rear, lightweight and minimally designed 467g 11-40T cassette sprockets are in line with DYNA-SYS philosophies, allowing the rider to make smooth and precise gear changes and keep riding in the most efficient front driving gear for longer. 1×11 and 2×11 riders also have the option of choosing a wider 11-42T cassette for an expanded low end range. Meanwhile 3×10 riders can choose from 11-32, 11-34 or 11-36T set ups with the existing CS-HG81-10 cassette.
Shifting on the SL-M7000-11/10 levers is taken care of by ergonomically designed 
RAPIDFIRE PLUS shift levers, allowing riders to downshift three gears in one stroke and release shifts by the index finger or the thumb. This simple but incredibly useful feature also provides light and consistently stable shifting across front and rear gears. I-spec II (SL-M7000-I / SL-M7000-10-I) and I-spec B-type (SL-M7000-B-I / SL-M7000-B-I) mount options allow for adaptable and versatile, rider- tuned cockpit options.
Where shift levers command, derailleurs respond. Now featuring at SLX lever, Shimano’s SHADOW RD+ technology provides sharp and silky shifts along with chain stability and a reduction in chain slap thanks to a lockable rear derailleur position. The medium cage 11-speed rear derailleurs (RD-M7000-11-GS) offer a drivetrain capacity of 41-teeth, whilst the long cage 10-speed rear derailleur (RD-M7000-10-SGS) offers a larger drivetrain capacity of 43-teeth to accommodate its triple chainring.
The shifting power of the 11-speed (FD-M7020-11) and 10-speed (FD-M7000-10) front derailleurs has been increased allowing for rapid shifts with efficient cable routing and a light shift operation. Mounting options include Side Swing, Top Swing and Down Swing front derailleurs to offer compatibility with shorter chain stays and large wheels and tyres.
Rolling reliability
SLX hubs have been redesigned to provide all-weather durability and reliable performance thanks to high quality sealings and angular contact bearings. FH-M7000/7010 rear hubs also feature a refined and rapid gear engagement mechanism, offering 36 pick-up options over 360 degrees. The front hubs come in at a light weight 189g (HB-M7000) or 148g (HB-M7010), while the rear hubs are 384g (FH-M7000) or 357g (FH-M7010). The both front and rear hubs offer variations compatible with the Boost 110 and 148 standards.
Stopping supremacy
The Rider Tuned position of the SLX BL-M7000 lever allows for smooth, consistent and predictable operation of the hydraulic disc brake system (BR-M7000) and, combined with heat-radiating, mud-shedding SM-RT70 160, 180 or 203mm rotors, you get high performance stopping power in all manner of riding conditions.
In all in, the new SLX M7000 groupset achieves an unrivalled level of high performance, efficiency, durability and value. Competitive-level technologies found in Shimano’s premium MTB components have been transferred to the new SLX M7000 cranksets, derailleurs, cassettes, shifters, levers, rotors and hubs, letting you focus on what matters, getting maximum fun and enjoyment out of your rides.
- Component availability list:
- SLX Crankset: FC-M7000-11/ FC-M7000-10 June/July 2016
- SLX HG Cassette: CS-M7000-11/ CS-M7000-10 June/July 2016
- SLX Front hubs HB-M7000/7010 June/July 2016
- SLX Rear hubs: FH-M7000 / FH-M7010 June/July 2016
- SLX Shift Levers: SL-M7000-11 / SL-M7000-10 June/July 2016
- SLX Rear Derailleurs: RD-M7000-11-GS / RD-M7000-10-SGS June/July 2016
- SLX Front Derailleurs: FD-M7020-11 / FD-M7000-10 June/July 2016
- SLX Hydraulic disc brake set: BL-M7000, BR-M7000, SM-RT70 June/July 2016
- Drivetrain options:
- 2×11-speed: 34-24T, 36-26T, 38-28T CS: 11-40T, 11-42T
- 1×11-speed: 30T, 32, 34T CS:11-40T, 11-42T
- 3×10-speed : 40-30-22T CS: 11-32T, 11-34T, 11-36T
Source: Shimano Europe
