Shimano recently announced a change to their mid range MTB group sets. Long time standard bearer LX has been relegated to become a touring group set. In its place comes the new rookie, SLX. This is not the first time Shimano has done something like this. Back in the 90’s the released STXRC, a racing version of its STX group set which sat below LX. This group was replaced by Deore, which was far more rugged than its predecessor.

SLX is actually more than a standard group as it serves many different types of rider. There are two types of cranks for example. One is aimed at the all mountain crowd with a 38/22T combination and a rugged construction including a bash guard and steel pedal insert. The other is aimed at the cross country market in a 44/32/22T set up. Both are HollowTech II and cost 115 euros as oppose to 160 euros for XT

The Shadow rear derailleur mirrors its more expensive cousins XT and XTR. The extra thin profile and shorter more direct cable routing lead not only to a fantastic shifting platform but also an incredibly light weight at only 260 grams. The mech is available in both medium and long cage at a mere 44 euros.

Again like XT and XTR the SLX Rapidfire Plus shifters feature multiway release levers, the XT version of which we have found to be excellent. It also comes with an inboard/outboard option allowing it to work with all braking systems. Brake levers are almost identical to XT.

In addition to the normal quick release front hub there is also a 20mm though axle version for an extra rigid hub/fork combination.

Undoubtedly Shimano has produced another top notch group set that seems on the face of it to be almost identical to XT but significantly cheaper. In addition it has widened its appeal by providing an all mountain chain set (not available in XT or Deore) and 20mm front hub. Expect to see SLX adorning mid range bikes from July as we hear that they are working flat out to produce the group for new summer bikes. No dates yet for availability of parts but it should be shortly after that. It could be set to become the parts of choice for most riders as it fulfils most of the functions of its more expensive cousins but at cheaper prices with only a sacrifice of a few grams.

More news to follow soon on the new Saint group.