| Shimano
Deore XT
2008 - Whats it like?
2008
SHIMANO Deore XT Marks 25 Years of Off-Road Innovation
In 1982, what started as a phone call
from Yoshi Shimano to the HQ in Japan about a growing
cycling movement resulted in a full set of components
designed specifically for mountain bikes. Here Shimano
Deore XT was born. The new XT has taken some design cues
from the new 2007
XTR groupset. But as usual it is not as flash and
but just as capable.
Having had a sneak peak at
the new XT, here are a few highlights.
 Cranks
– For me the major advance here is the fact that they
did not make an advance. What does that mean? 2008 XT
will retain the non – drive attachment system of the
previous XT. They have not taken on the fancy system of
the new XTR and I think this is a great move. The middle
chain ring also features a composite body but with steel
teeth as opposed to the titanium used on XTR. Expect
everyone with new XTR to be buying up XT chainrings when
they realize they cannot afford the XTR ones
 Brakes
– these show the most technology of the whole group and
they have improved on some of the XTR features. There a
no-tool lever reach adjustment and also a (tool) bite
point adjuster. The new brakes feature a system whereby
the pistons can open wider and once the lever is pulled,
the first 20% of movement happens rapidly and the final
80% more slowly. Adding more power than XTR.
Shifters – These are the
biggest disappointment for me in the group. They look
very much like the old shifters and still feature
(removable) gear display windows. Also XT does not have
the multi-release feature that the XTR has, but does
have multi-shift, meaning that you can shift with thumb
only or thumb and forefinger. The leavers can be mounted
in-board or out-board of brake levers.
 Rear
derailleur – There is a multitude of options here. There
is normal and rapid rise, available in the old cage
style. Then there is the new cage that sits in-board of
the wheel skewer. The idea being that when the bike
falls it will hit the axle before it hits the
derailleur. This new cage also allows a more direct
cable routing, like that on SRAM.
That is all I have had
the pleasure of seeing. I look forward to seeing the
wheelset. And other bits and pieces.
More ..
Deore XT 2008 specs
and pics Shimano Deore XT 2008
pics and reviews
Full specs and pics of the
Shimano Deore XT 2008 groupset
Bike Magic
Shimano Deore XT revealed article
MTBR discussions on the
2008 XT (Good the bad and the ugly) |