Shimano announced details of their new Shimano XTR groupset today.  Aimed at the XC and AM category it features a major redesign that brings XTR bang up to date.

The XC version of the XTR groupset

For years XTR was the groupset of choice for elite level riders.   This release is a complete redesign that includes a shift to a ten speed rear cassette, new cranks, brakes, wheels and pedals.  Actually XTR is really two groupsets with different products for All mountain and Cross country riders, specially designed for those markets.  This decision was made at inception so it is not a case of a product that was adapted after design to suit another sector.  XC is focused on lightweight and performance where as the All mountain parts are focused on durability, rigidity and importantly brake power.

The All mountain XTR groupset

The backbone of the group is the 10-speed Dyna-Sys drivetrain system with triple and double crankset options.  Unlike SRAM’s 2×10, Shimano are pushing a 3×10 system although they do offer a range of options at 2×10 aswell.  Dyna-Sys was introduced earlier this year on XT and SLX and pushes the idea that it is not an extra gear for the sake of it.  It’s about closer gear ratios for a smoother shifting performance and improved power transfer through optimized gear combinations that improve efficiency and durability.  We have yet to ride it so can’t comment on whether it works but in theory anyway it makes sense.

Ice-Tec

The major news in terms of  All mountain stopping is a new cooling technology called Ice-Tec.  Specific brake pads and rotors significantly reduce heat build-up in the disc brake system.  This in turn reduces fading, which assures consistently high braking performance even on long downhill stretches. Shimano also say that it results in longer pad life and substantially quieter braking.
Ice-Tec brake pads have been provided with an aluminum radiator fin with a stainless steel two layer back plate structure. The rotors have an aluminum core sandwiched in stainless steel for improved heat dissipation.

In general the brake system seems to have a complete reworking with a new lever and caliper.  The new XC lever is said to be 40 grams lighter than the prefvious model but 10% stronger.  A banjo style fitting means that the rear caliper is easier to fit and ease and effectiveness of bleeding has been improved dramatically.

I-Spec

Long overdue is a new integrated mounting handlebar system for the brake lever and shift lever, named “I-Spec”. Only one clamp band is needed which looks good and saves space on the handlebar besides saving around 10g. Horizontal micro-adjustment is possible for a customized set-up.

Pedals and wheels

Following the “Rider Tuned” concept, XTR will include two types of SPD pedals. One model has been developed for Cross Country usage focusing on a super lightweight design. The other model is targeted to All Mountain riders, with a wider platform for an improved grip. Shimano is the established market leader in the SPD market (indeed the word means Shimano Pedal dynamics) and it is one of the few areas where SRAM is conspicuously absent.

Also many wheel choices will be available for any kind of riding style from XC Racing to All Mountain including two different 15mm thru axle front hub options, one for each market and quick release and 12mm rear hub options.

For more information, please visit: http://www.ridextr.com
Overview of the new SHIMANO XTR components:

SL-M980 RAPIDFIRE PLUS Shift Levers 207 grms
· Precise, vivid index shifting in all gear positions
· Instant Release, Multi Release, Two Way Release for quick and versatile operation
· Improved ergonomics, anti-slip dimples for a better control
· 4-bearing construction for ultra-smooth, effortless shifting
· Compatible with double and triple front derailleurs by a mode converter

SL-M980-I RAPIDFIRE PLUS Shift Levers I-Spec 197 grms
· Same features and benefits as SL-M980
· Integration mount system for brake lever and shift lever
· Unified clamp band for clean appearance and light weight design
· Horizontal micro-adjustment for perfect set-up on the handlebar

FC-M980 Triple Crankset 42-32-24T 770 grms incl.BB
· Dyna-Sys 3 X 10 for all riding conditions
· HOLLOWTECH II technology
· Close ratio gear combination
· Durable titanium/carbon composite middle chainring

FC-M980 Double Crankset 38-26T 755 grms incl.BB
· Dyna-Sys 2 X 10 All Mountain usage
· HOLLOWTECH II technology

FC-M985 Double Crankset 42-30T, 40-28T, 44-30T 715-740 grms incl.BB
· Dyna-Sys 2 X 10 race inspired
· HOLLOWTECH II technology
· Close ratio gear combination
· Narrower Q-factor
· DUAL SPIKE technology for faster, smoother gear shifts

SM-BB90-A Bottom Bracket Cups
· Wider bearing spacing for greater stability
· Consistently smooth rotation

SM-BB91 Press Fit Bottom Bracket Cups
· Special fitted cups, by pressing them inside the frame
· Great looks and protection against weather influences
· Best balance of power transfer and lightweight design

CN-M980 Chain
· 10-speed chain developed specially for MTB use
· Excellent mud shedding design
· Directional chain for optimized shifting performance at front and rear
· Hollow connecting pins to save weight
· Not compatible with 10-speed for road

FD-M980 Triple Top Swing Front Derailleur
FD-M980-E Triple Top Swing Front Derailleur, BB mount
FD-M981 Triple Down Swing Front Derailleur
FD-M981-D Triple Down Swing Front Derailleur, direct mount
FD-M985 Double Top Swing Front Derailleur
FD-M985-E Double Top Swing Front Derailleur, BB mount
FD-M986 Double Down Swing Front Derailleur
FD-M986-D Double Down Swing Front Derailleur, direct mount
· Reliable, light action performance
· Adapted for full-suspension bikes
· Hollow link pin structure
· Easy access fixing and adjustment screws

RD-M980-GS/SGS SHADOW Rear Derailleur 175 grms
· Low profile design to reduce the risk of damage
· Accurate and effortless 10-speed shifting for MTB
· Shorter cage reduces chain bounce and improves ground clearance
· Sealed bearing pulleys reduce friction

CS-M980 HYPERGLIDE 10-speed Cassette Sprockets
· Special tooth profile for HG-X chains and SHADOW rear derailleur
· Quick, smooth and consistent shifting
· 3-piece spider arm structure for ultimate rigidity
· 5 titanium sprockets to save weight
· Gear combinations: 11-34T, 11-36T

BL-M985 (XC) Disc Brake Levers 220 grms front brake all in
BR-M985 Disc Brake Calipers
SM-BH90-SB Disc Brake Hose
· Integrated barrel reservoir design: Compact, lightweight and easy to maintain
· 13mm wide brake lever with ergonomic pivot and anti-slip dimples on the surface
· Oversized full ceramic pistons for optimized weight, durability and insulation
· One-Way bleed system and improved oil routing
· One piece brake caliper
· High power brake hose
· XC: Resin pads with aluminum back plate and metal pads with stainless steel back plate
· AM: Ice-Tec resin and metal brake pads for consistent brake power at long and technical descents
· Split clamp
· I-Spec compatible

BL-M988 (AM) Disc Brake Levers
· New Servo Wave mechanism with shorter stroke for 25% higher lever input
· Less free stroke for more aggressive riding
· Reach adjust and free stroke adjust
· 14mm wide brake lever with ergonomic pivot and anti-slip dimples on the surface
· I-Spec compatible

SM-RT98SS Ice-Tec Center Lock rotor 140mm (rear only)
SM-RT98S Ice-Tec Center Lock rotor 160mm
SM-RT98M Ice-Tec Center Lock rotor 180mm
SM-RT98L Ice-Tec Center Lock rotor 203mm
· Ice-Tec for consistent braking performance
· 3 layer sandwich structure: aluminum core sandwiched in stainless steel
· Aluminum core dissipates heat faster
· Excellent mud shedding design for longer rotor and pad life

F01C Ice-Tec Resin Brake Pads
F03C Ice-Tec Metal Brake Pads
· Ice-Tec brake pads for consistent braking performance
· Aluminum radiator fin with stainless steel 2 layer back plate structure

PD-M980 XC Pedals 310 grms
· Efficient power transfer due to increased pedal-shoe interface (270% more shoe/pedal contact compared to PD-M970)
· Lighter, low profile design
· Robust, dependable SPD functions
· Improved mud shedding design with oval-shaped axle body housing

PD-M985 AM Pedals 398 grms
· Increased pedal-shoe interface (170% more shoe/pedal contact compared to PD-M980) for safer, comfortable trail surfing
· Wider platform for a better grip
· Wider bearing spacing for enhanced durability
· Integrated pedal cage protects bindings and ensures stability even when shoe cleats are not engaged
· Excellent mud shedding design with oval-shaped axle body housing

HB-M985 Front Hub
FH-M985 Rear Freehub
· Cup and cone bearings with double contact sealing
· High rigidity and lightweight 14mm aluminum axle with QR lever
· Freehub body design for quick engagement
· Center Lock rotor mount system

HB-M988 Front Hub with 15mm E-Thru system
FH-M988 Rear Freehub with 12mm E-Thru system
SM-AX75 12mm E-Thru Axle
· High rigidity with E-Thru axle system
· New titanium freehub body for quick engagement and perfect traction
· Cup and cone bearings with double contact sealing
· Freehub body design for quick engagement
· Center Lock rotor mount system

WH-M985-F (XC) Front Wheel
WH-M985-F15 (XC) Front Wheel with 15mm E-Thru system
WH-M985-R (XC) Rear Wheel
· Super lightweight scandium 19C tubeless rims
· 14mm aluminum axle with QR lever (M985-F/M985-R)
· 15mm E-Thru system with high rigidity axle (M985-F15)
· Center Lock rotor mount system

WH-M988-F15 (AM) Front Wheel with 15mm E-Thru system
WH-M988-R12 (AM) Rear Wheel with 12mm E-Thru system
WH-M988-R (AM) Rear Wheel
· Super lightweight scandium 21C tubeless rims
· New titanium freehub body for quick engagement and perfect traction
· Center Lock rotor mount system

Wheelset weights-

WH‐M985 F + R 1480 grms wheel set
WH‐M985 F15 + R 1480 grms wheel set 15mm E‐Thru front
WH‐M988 F15 + R12 1700 grms wheel set 15mm E‐Thru front, 12mm E‐Thru rear
WH‐M988 F15 + R 1650 grms wheel set 15mm E‐Thru front

Irish pricing was unavailable to us as we went to press but below is the expected UK RRP:

Chain: M980 (116L) £44.99
Cassette: M980 11-34T £179.99
Cassette: M980 11-36T £179.99
Brakeset: M985 front £169.99
Brakeset: M985 rear £169.99
Brakeset: M988 front £179.99
Brakeset: M988 rear £179.99
Chainset: M980/M985 (all variations) £399.99
Front mech: M980 (Top Swing/E-Type triple) £84.99
Front mech: M981 (conventional/direct mount triple) £64.99
Front mech: M985 (Top Swing/E-Type double) £64.99
Front mech: M986 (conventional/direct mount double) £84.99
Front hub: M985/M988 (all variations) £99.99
Rear hub: M985 (all variations) £199.99
Rear hub: M988 (all variations) £179.99
Rear mech: M980 (all variations) £139.99
Right-hand shifter: M980 (I-Spec or standard) £79.99
Pair of shifters: M980 (I-Spec or standard) £149.99
Front wheel: M985/M988 (all variations) £369.99
Rear wheel: M985/M988 (all variations) £449.99