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Shimano’s Announces the SLX Make-Over, and New Di2 Compatibility

New group-set goodies from Shimano coming this summer

Global giants, Shimano, have announced two new group-sets to hit our stores this summer.

Shimano have been on the bicycle scene since the 1920s with the production of free wheels. Since then, they’ve continued to grow into a global brand, producing high-quality performance products for all disciplines of bike.

Today, Shimano announced their latest updates to their mountain bike groupsets: The SLX M7000 and the Di2 Deore XT.

SLX M7000 Group-set Gets a Makeover

The mid-range group-set has had a makeover, and compatibility options to suit a variety of all-mountain purposes have been improved.

With revised cranksets, derailleurs, cassettes, shifters, levers, rotors and hubs, the new Shimano SLX M7000 will be hitting the stores later this summer.

Shimano have really considered all styles of mountain riders with the improved SLX group-set by offering a single chainring for simplicity and technical power houses, a double chainring for a wider range of gear options and cross-country riders, and a triple chainring option for more recreational and less experienced riders.

Those going for the single ring option will have the choice of a 30T, 32T or 34T chainring in the front coupled with the choice of either a 11 – 40T, or 11 – 42T cassette in the rear.

The double ring option will have a closer gear ratio for smoother transitions with a 10T capacity in the front: 34-24T, 36-26T and 38-28T. The rear cassette will have a 11 – 40T range, weighing 467g.

Lastly, the triple ring combination will have 40-30-22T set-up to provide efficient and optimal performance for recreational riders. This will also have a 11 – 40T cassette in the rear, the same as the double.

Mountain Bike Gears Explained

The bottom bracket has been improved on with better sealings to reduce water, grit and grim worming its way in.

The Shimano Rapidfire Plus shifts are ergonomically designed and they’ll allow riders to downshift three gears in one stroke, making for quick and efficient indexing throughout the ride.

Shimano’s SLX group-set will have the same standard of incredible braking power, making it responsive and reliable for every trail and ride condition.

Overall, the re-invented and improved SLX M7000 group-set looks great, versatile, affordable with some promising improvements. For a  mid-range group-set, this is very exciting.

Compatible Di2 Technology for Deore XT

Two years ago, Shimano launched the first electronic shifting system for commercial use. Since then, they’ve tinkered, toyed and improved its performance to deliver accurate results.

The Deore XT Di2 M8050 has customisable wireless benefits, built to their high end performance XT capability.

With one touch of a button, your gears will shift seamlessly and with extreme accuracy, so your ride will be as smooth as ever.

Similar to the mechanical XT derailleur, the Di2 includes the highly stable Shadow RD+ technology which is designed to help eliminate chain bounce and chain slipping, regardless of the terrain.

The wireless Di2 group-set comes with some nifty gadget features too. With Bluetooth connection, you can connect to Shimano’s E-Tube program which allows the set-up of the shifters. Riders and their mechanics can connect wirelessly to the system as well via a variety of smart devices.

Shimano’s Synchronised Shift technology allows you to change both front and rear gears through one shifter, minimising clutter on the cockpit and improving rider efficiency. Fully customisable, the shift map allows each rider to program their preferred gear ratios.

With regards to power, the battery life provides for several hundred kilometres of use under heavy trail riding.

This new compatible technology allows Shimano’s XTR M9050 MTB groupset to be updated with the new wireless capabilities.

All in all, Shimano are continually looking to improve their group-set ranges for performance, versatility and affordability.

 

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