First Look: 2016 Shimano Deore XT

It's been a year almost to the day since Shimano launched its completely revised XTR group (followed shortly thereafter by the Di2 electronic version), introducing 11-speed and a host of new developments and improvements across their flagship groupset. The time has now come for the first of the trickle-down groups to hit the market, in the form of the company's ultra-popular XT range.

So XT goes to 11-speed, and it inherits most of the improvements previously introduced to the new XTR - and even goes a little bit further in certain cases. Most notably, the XT cassette now offers an 11-42 option, as opposed to the "race tuned" XTR 11-40. The XT cassette is also made from steel and aluminum vs the carbon, titanium, alu, and steel combo of XTR, which will make it slightly more heavy and of course more affordable. This is another step towards SRAM's XX1/X01/X1 offerings when it comes to 1x set-ups (now "only" lacking the 10t small cog in comparison when talking about gearing range). The company also introduces a 148-mm rear hub spacing compatible crank (with the already in-famous +3mm chainline introduced with the BOOST standard earlier this year). Shimano refers to it as 148 OLD.

Shimano remains committed to the front derailleur with XT, standing by its "Rhythm and Range" adage that aims to provide a large and diversified group of riders with a wide range of evenly spaced-out gears to tackle any terrain. As such, 1x, 2x, and even 3x crank options are available, while the front derailleur benefits from the same redesign as its XTR big brother, moving the mechanism forward to liberate valuable real estate around the BB/chainstay area (which in turn frees up frame designers to work around today's bigger wheels more effectively). Shadow, clutch, and new adjustable shift force technologies ensure a smooth shifting experience and good chain management, although a narrow-wide chainring offering is still absent from Shimano's line-up.

UPDATE: 2016 Shimano Deore Pricing

The new XT group will be available as of August 2015.

Press Release:

OSAKA (April 15, 2015) – With DEORE XT M8000, Shimano has elevated the performance level and options of the industry’s original mountain bike component group to accommodate limitless riding adventures. With DEORE XT M8000, Shimano delivers XTR-level features, premium performance and value. Now 11-speed, new DEORE XT M8000 brings powerful, dynamic performance that establishes a new benchmark for mountain bike excellence. With DYNA-SYS11 Shimano encourages modern mountain bikers to ride anywhere with its advanced gearing concept that helps maintain rider efficiency. Designed with both XC and aggressive trail riders in mind, DYNA-SYS11 brings enduring performance thanks to smart materials and enhanced drivetrain stability due to new derailleur and chainring designs.

Expanded Rhythm Step gear options

Like its XTR sibling, DEORE XT M8000 offers 1x11, 2x11, and 3x11 crank options to satisfy any type of rider ability level or terrain. New 2x11 and 3x11 M8000 drivetrains, expand range while maintaining even better rhythm when paired with an 11-40T cassette for optimized cadence control. An exciting addition for DEORE XT M8000 is a 1x11 specific 11-42T cassette that expands Shimano’s 1x11 gear range slightly over the race inspired 11-40T of XTR.

HG-X11 specific tooth profile
Aluminum spider
Aluminum (40T/42T) and steel cogs
Rhythm Step progression

11-13-15-17-19-21-24-27-31-35-40
11-13-15-17-19-21-24-28-32-37-42

DEORE XT cranks: Rider Tuned for any terrain

DEORE XT M8000 cranks feature Rider Tuned 11-speed gearing that will take you anywhere you want to go. Whatever option you choose, new materials provide consistent long-life shifting performance and chain management. The DYNAMIC CHAIN ENGAGEMENT (DCE) 1x11 tooth profile in new XTR and DEORE XT groups increases chain retention force by 150%, drastically decreasing dropped chains. Stainless steel chain ring teeth provide long life and lasting chain retention.

All new DEORE XT cranks turn on an updated bottom bracket that reduces weight and bearing drag while improving mud durability.

Most advanced DEORE XT chainrings ever produced

Long wearing and great shifting
Carbon/stainless steel construction (outer or middle ring)

1x11 with DYNAMIC CHAIN ENGAGEMENT

Offered in 30T, 32T, and 34T

True Trail 2x11

Optimized gear combination for improving shifting quality and driving efficiency
Offered in 34-24T, 36-26T, 38-28T

Bold 3x11 for the lowest gear and widest range ever produced

Offered in 40-30-22T

Chainline +3mm outboard cranks offered for 148 OLD hubs

+3mm outboard chain line
1x11 with 30T, 32T, and 34T
2x11 with 36-26T

New bottom bracket

Press fit and threaded options
Improved durability
Reduced seal drag
Lighter weight

Redesigned, lighter action derailleurs

Both the front and rear DEORE XT M8000 derailleurs receive a complete makeover. The DEORE XT M8000 rear derailleur features Shimano’s pioneering Shadow RD +technology and a refined geometry for increased stability. The Shadow RD + is also now more easily adjustable for either maximum stability or lower shift effort.

New Shadow design with optimized, shallow slant angle
Extremely low profile design
Reduced shift effort
Improved driving and shifting stability
External adjusting clutch tension
1x11 and 2x11 compatible GS and 3x11 compatible SGS options
High efficiency pulleys
Direct mount compatible

Debuted on XTR M9000, the DEORE XT Side Swing front derailleur brings a drastic reduction in shift effort while also increasing tire clearance.

FD-M8020 2x11 and FD-M8000 3x11 options
Light, crisp shift action
New structure with current mounting options and new cable routing

High clamp, Low clamp, D-type, E-type (without plate)

Increased tire clearance allows for shorter chainstays
Designed with long travel trail bikes in mind

DEORE XT shifters enhance feel, ergonomics, reduce shift effort

Shimano’s new DEORE XT M8000 shifters feature improved ergonomics and longer, textured levers that create an enhanced interface between rider and controls and decrease shift effort. MULTI RELEASE shifting increases trail capability while Vivid indexing guarantees shift accuracy.

20% lower shift effort with new OPTISLICK cable
Improved vivid index mechanism
New ergonomics
Textured levers
Multi / Instant and 2-WAY release

Industry-standard braking is even better

DEORE XT hydraulic disc brakes are the industry benchmark for affordable high performance. With M8000, Shimano retains that standard while upgrading with a new, integrated master cylinder. This gives a sleeker look, saves weight and frees up valuable handlebar space.

Trail rated for power
Servo Wave levers offer high power and short stroke
Integrated master cylinder is lighter, cleaner and more durable
Refined Servo Wave for improved feel and feedback
Narrow clamp band offers increased adjustment
Free stroke and tool-free reach adjust

Lighter, wider rimmed DEORE XT Race and Trail wheels

The WH-M8000-TL-275/29 and WH-M8020-TL-275/29 offer new tubeless-ready aluminum rims in 20mm and 24mm internal width respectively. Each rim provides awider platform for modern mountain bike tires while also saving 40 grams over previous models. All wheel sets use 28 butted spokes both front and rear.

Tubeless aluminum options

Trail (WH-M8020) with 24C tubeless rim
Race (WH-M8000) with 20C tubeless rim

New lightweight hubs feature
28 butted spokes front and rear
Hand-built Shimano quality

DEORE XT pedals offer wider, redesigned platform

Shimano’s new PD-M8000 Race and PD-M8020 Trail pedals offer legendary SPD performance that improves the rider experience at this vital connection point. With increased stability and contact area over the previous generation, power, control and confidence are improved.

Race (PD-M8000) and Trail (PD-M8020) models
2.8mm wider platform increases stability PD-M8000 (vs PD-M780)
3.3mm wider platform increases stability PD-M8020 (vs PD-M785)
Lower platform height by 0.5mm
Increased pedal-to-shoe contact area improves efficiency

PD-M8000 Race: 7.7% more contact (vs PD-M780)
PD-M8020 Trail: 11.7% more contact (vs PD-M785)

About Shimano American Corporation

Shimano American Corporation, a member of global Team Shimano, along with its world-renowned subsidiaries, offers consumers outstanding sport-related products and apparel. Shimano is proud of its staff, diversity in talent, interests and backgrounds. The company is an ISO14001 certified business where environmental compliance and continual improvements are part of the business philosophy and operations.