2011 Shimano XTR

2011 Shimano XTR Preview

The Story of XTR episode 1

The Story of XTR episode 2

The Story of XTR episode 3

Earlier this year Shimano released its XT 10 speed Dyna-Sys group. I personally have been running one of the XT kits since June and there is no doubt that 10 speeds is better than 9. Ultimately adding one more gear in the middle of the cassette makes the drive train more efficient. For 2011 XTR is being designed to be versatile. With both options for race and all mountain XTR will once again dominate the trail.

For 2011 XTR there will be 2 brake options. A race brake which will be lighter and a trail brake which will have 25% MORE braking power. There also is a mount added to the brake clamp which will allow the pods to be integrated with the brake levers eliminating the need for the shifter bar clamp.
For 2011 XTR will come with 5 different chainring options. For the triple chainring crank there will be a 42-32-24 option and a 38-26 option. There will be 3 options for the 2X XTR crankset which also has a narrow Q factor by 3mm on each side. The options will be a 40-28, 42-30 and 44-30.
The XTR rear derailleurs have been modified for 2011. Still shadow style design but different cable routing and mounting change the leverage ratio increasing the noticeable indexing on the shifting. Chains for all 10 speed Shimano are DIRECTIONAL. Cassette options are great with a 11-32,11-34 and 11-36.
While the brake levers for the trail and race XTR brakes are different the calipers are the same. The other difference is the trail brakes come with the brakes pads that are self radiating and designed to keep the brakes 50 degrees C cooler. Also new for 2011 are Shimano IceTech aluminum core rotors which also help reduce heat build up.

One of the cool features of the XTR left side pod is the ability to be changed from a 2 to 3 speed shifter all with the turn of a switch
For 2011 XTR pedals also recieved an overhaul. There will be 2 pedals available. An XC and a trail pedal. The 2 most noticeable improvements are even better mud clearance and larger surface area for shoe placement on the platform.