2012 Deore XT Component Group in Silver

2012 Shimano Deore XT Revealed: Redesign Hits A Classic

2012 Deore XT Component Group in Silver

The Shimano Deore XT component group has been a staple in the industry since its humble beginnings. With a median price point, good looks and consistent performance, the XT component group has been a go to choice for riders wanting “XTR like” performance at a fraction of the price with a little bit more weight.

However, last year saw a drastic redesign of the Shimano Deore XTR group with the Deore XT only getting a slight change with the addition of the Dyna-Sys 10 speed option. Other than that…everything stayed the same…until now. The 2012 Shimano Deore XT component group is going to finally get the upgrade that XTR has been sporting for a year know with the addition of color choices (silver or black) plus the availability of a 2 ring crankset option.

Let’s take a look at the new groupo that is scheduled to be available in June 2011.

2012 Shimano Deore XT Component Group

Let’s break it down piece by piece and look at the new Shimano Deore XT component groupo.

2012 Shimano Deore XT Black CrankShimano XT FC-M780 / FC-M785 Crankset

The central component to the Dyna-Sys drive-train comes in two varieties: a double or triple. The rider can choose the option that best suits their style, fitness, or terrain. The ever popular and more versatile triple comes with a 42-32-24T ring set with the proven composite enhanced middle ring for maximum shift smoothness. Most notably, the 24T inner ring offers a significant improvement in efficiency compared with a 22T and still provides a very low gear for climbing when paired with a 36T rear cog. A trail oriented 2X10 crank debuts with a 38-26T ring set as well as a more XC oriented 40-28T combo. Both double cranks feature a unique crank with a 48.8mm chainline for better frame clearance and best compatibility on a wide range of bikes.

  • Triple or double gearing: 42-32-24T, 40-28T, or 38-26T •    Carbon composite reinforced middle ring on triple reduces weight and provides smooth,
    quiet shifting
  • MSRP: $319.99, any spec
  • Weight: 860g, triple w/BB (double 820g w/BB)

2012 Shimano Deore XT Rear DerailleurShimano XT RD-M780 Shadow Rear Derailleur

The Shadow rear derailleur design continues to be improved and combined with the newest shifter design optimizes the overall system stability. The new longer arm geometry of the cable fixing anchor takes stability a step further as well as provides a more tolerant system adjustment.

  • Enhanced system stability with Shadow technology
  • MSRP: $109.99
  • Weight: 234g (Super Long Cage)

2012 Shimano Deore XT Front DerailleurShimano XT FD-M780/M781/M785/M786

Front Derailleur Angled adjustment screws and clamp bolt make the new front derailleur more mechanic friendly and the option for direct mount create greater options for frame designers. Four mounting style available to accommodate most frames: Low clamp, high clamp, E- type, and direct mount Double or triple specific versions provides precision shifting for either format Cage design optimized for tire and frame clearance

  • MSRP: $54.99 (all specs)
  • Weight: 153g (low clamp, top swing)

2012 Shimano Deore XT ShifterShimano XT SL-M780 Rapidfire Shifter

Advanced Light Action shifting with VIVID index requires the same amount of force to shift between the two largest cogs as it takes to shift between the two smallest. The VIVID index establishes intuitive shifting feedback without adding unnecessary shifting force to the system. Instant, multi-, and 2-way release are all integrated into the newest generation shifter as well as a mode converter that allows the left hand unit to be tuned specifically to the crank set being used.

  • Ispec (integrated brake lever mount) version available
  • MSRP: $159.99
  • Weight: 255g

Shimano XT CN-HG94 / CS-M771

The drive-train is completed with the Dyna-Sys 10-speed CN-HG94 and CS-M771 cogset introduced in 2010. The HG-X asymmetric design chain has inner and outer plates that take specific advantage of the contours of the Hyperglide cogset. Cogset options are 11-36T, 11-34T and 11-32T.

  • MSRP: CN-HG94 = $49.99, CS-M771 = $99.99
  • Weight: CN-HG94 = 343g, CS-M771 = 273g

 

2012 Shimano Deore XT Brake LeverShimano XT BL-M785 / BR-M785 Hydraulic Disc Brake System

The Servo-Wave Deore XT hydraulic disc brakes continue to borrow from the features developed for XTR that provide huge leaps in braking and control. The new compact caliper with oversized 22mm ceramic pistons is combined with a lightweight lever for a brake that lighter yet packs 25% greater braking power when the ICE Technologies brake pads and rotor. The rotors have been proven to reduce temperatures of the rotor as much as 100% over a standard all steel rotor, and will be available in a 6-bolt pattern as well as the Shimano innovated Center Lock. Mechanics will appreciate the integration of the same one-way bleed that debuted on XTR last year.

2012 Shimano Deore XT Brake Caliper

  • BL-M785 is compatible with Ispec shifter mount
  • Servo-Wave provides better modulation along with greater maximum power
  • Ice Tech Centerlock rotors consisting of a stainless steel clad aluminum core are durable and create a more efficient heat sink reducing fade
  • Ice Tech brake pads use finned extensions that pull heat away from the caliper, oil, and rotor to reduce fade and maintain power and modulation
  • MSRP: $159.99 (complete front or rear pre-bled system w/lever, caliper, hose, and pads)
  • Weight: BL-M785 = 266g/pr, BR-M785 = 242g/wheel

2012 Shimano Deore XT WheelsetShimano XT WH-M785 / WH-M788 Wheelset

Two new wheel options will feature different rim widths and axle options. The WH-M785 will have a 19×559 profile rim with 15mm front hub and QR rear wheel.    The WH-M788 will feature a wider 21×559 rim offering a different platform for wider tires and will come with a 15mm front axle and the option for a 12X142mm rear or QR rear.

  • MSRP: $749.99 (any spec)
  • Weight: WH-M785-F15 = 710, WH-M785-R = 915g; WH-M788-F15 = 775g; WH-M788-R12 = 1020g; WH-M788-R = 980g

2012 Shimano Deore XT Pedals
Shimano XT PD-M780 / PD-M785 Pedals

The PD-M780 pedals increase pedal surface contact area by 5 times vs. the PD-M770 for incredible pedaling stability. An offset binding allows mud to flow through the pedal better than prior designs for the best possible performance in muddy conditions.

A completely new pedal for 2012, the PD-M785 is an XT quality pedal aimed at trail use. An integrated pedal cage offers greater stability even when not clipped in with an increase in surface area of 8.5 times over the PD-M770.

  • MSRP: $149.99 (either version)
  • Weight: TBA

Shimano Deore XT Component Group In Black

2012 Deore XT Component Group in Black

Overall, the component group looks really solid. Building off of the success with the 2011 XTR group, Shimano did a great job of filtering down the specs and technology without cannibalizing the XTR setup. We are actually really happy with the introduction of the black setup as we have several bikes that actually wear powder coated versions of the previous XT cranks.

What do you guys think?

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