Hot on the heels of the new Deore Mechanical groupset and brakes, Shimano has introduced new Deore XT M8200 mechanical derailleurs and shifters. There are 11-speed Linkglide and 12-speed Hyperglide+ options, and most of the updates mirror what was launched two days ago with Deore.
The crankset, cassette and brakes remain unchanged, as they were recently updated last year when XT Di2 was released.
Pricing
Derailleur | Shifter | Cassette | Cranks | Groupset Total | |
Deore M6200 | $65 | $30 | $140 | $100 | $335 |
Deore M7200/M7230 | $100 | n/a | $180 | n/a | $410* |
XT M8100 | $145 | $60 | $195 | $190 | $590 |
XT M8200 | $170 | $85 | n/a | n/a | $640** |
SRAM 90 Transmission | $210 | $55 | $275 | $170 | $710 |
*price with M6200 shifter & cranks | **price with M8100 cassette & cranks
XT Derailleurs
There are two new XT mechanical derailleurs: the M8200 12-speed Hyperglide+ model, and the M8220 11-speed Linkglide model. The M8200 is offered with a long or short cage to pair with a 10-51T or 9-45T cassette. Many of the changes are derived from the latest Di2 derailleurs. This includes Shimano’s Shadow ES technology, which refers to the slim, wedge-shaped profile of the P-knuckle and the dual-spring stabilizer housed inside. As well as solid pulley wheels.
The derailleurs are priced $70 more than new Deore, and $25 more than the previous XT M8100 model. The only significant difference between new Deore and new XT is the switch from a steel to an alloy cage.
The pull ratio has not changed with the new derailleurs, enabling upgrade integration with previous Shimano 12-speed drivetrains.
RD-M8200 - $170 USD
- 12-speed Hyperglide+
- Shadow ES Technology
- Dual-spring stabilizer
- Solid pulley construction
- Alloy cage
- Long Cage SGS for use with 12-speed 10-51T cassette
- Mid Cage GS for use with 12-speed 9-45T cassette
RD-M8230 - $170 USD
- 11-speed Linkglide
- Shadow ES Technology
- Dual-spring stabilizer
- Solid pulley construction
- Alloy cage
- Long Cage SGS for use with 11-speed 11-50T Linkglide cassette
XT Shifter
There are three new XT shifters: two 12-speed/Hyperglide+ models, and a 11-speed Linkglide model.
All shifters receive levers with new paddle shapes and a shorter actuation stroke. The movement of the levers now remain nearly straight during the first two shifts to better match the way your thumb articulates. There are also replaceable rubber traction pads on the paddles.
All shifters maintain the iconic 2-way release feature, allowing you to shift into a hard gear by pushing or pulling the lever, and each is available with an I-SPEC EV or clamp-band mounting interface. All shifters retail for $85 USD, which is $25 more than the previous XT shifter, and $55 more than the new Deore shifters.
Drop questions below about the new XT mechanical derailleur or shifter 👇
I wonder whether the M8200 shifter will give me a little more rearward rotation on the bar clamp before hitting the brake lever, compared to the M8100.
Saw on another article that Shimano increased spring tension compared to the Di2 not mentioned here.
There are apparently updated springs available for early Di2 XTR/XT models - Y3K798070.
Instructions on how to change them out: https://si.shimano.com/en/dm/MARD011/replacing_plate_and_p_tension_spring?q=rd-m9250
Looks pretty good. Similar weights to Eagle 90. For me, Eagle 90 works well enough although the shifter has pretty heavy action with long throws when shifting into bigger rings. That is really my only gripe with it. I have another bike with mechanical XTR 12 speed on it and it shifts just as well or better than the Eagle 90 under all conditions, and the lever throw is significantly shorter and lighter action that the 90. One thing I will say is that the 90 rear derailleur keeps that chain nice and quiet. I don't feel the need for a Kovaric STFU to calm the chainslap down.
I wonder how this system feels on the thumb? Light action and a short throw like the last gen Shimano stuff?
I certainly hope so. Shimano's current shifter feel is awesome.
I have X01 mechanical on my bike, and I much prefer the shifter feel (and shifting) of my wife's XT groupset. Honestly, I also prefer the shifter feel of the 10-speed Deore on my fat bike to the X01. The Shimano stuff just feels more directly connected than the SRAM, in my experience, and it's damn quick.
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