April 16, 2011 – Shimano has finally released all of the nitty gritty details for its much-anticipated revamped 2012 XT mountain bike gruppo, which has benefited greatly from the trickle-down effect inspired by the 2011 new flagship XTR gruppo. Also included are additional component options for 2012 XTR. Check it out.
2012 Deore XT and XTR Addition Detailed Product Information
XTR RD-M985 Shadow Plus Rear Derailleur
The newest addition to the XTR Dyna-Sys drivetrain is the RD-M985 Shadow Plus rear derailleur. The Shadow Plus feature provides a selectable pivot for the pulley cage that can use a heavier spring and increased pivot friction to counteract the forces of up and down chain momentum in rough terrain.
The chain bouncing can often cause noise as the chain slaps the top and bottom of the chainstay, or even cause the chain to derail from the front ring in extreme circumstances. The new pivot when selected to the “ON” position dampens the cage and consequent chain movement for a nearly silent and stable riding experience. In the “OFF” position the derailleur will function like a standard Shadow rear derailleur and eases the installation and removal of the rear wheel by relaxing the spring tension on the cage.
– MSRP: $249.99
– Weight: 210g (estimated)
– Available: Late May 2011
Deore XT
The debut of Dyna-Sys in 2010 on Deore XT was the first step towards the full group make-over for the 2012 model. Having firmly established a host of new features for XTR, those features now work their way into Deore XT, once again boosting the value and relevance of the group. While the core of XT is still biased toward trail use, several options allow for even more customized application to specific terrain, bike types, and cosmetics. Two of the major options will be the addition of a double crank along with the popular triple and the choice of black or silver for the components.
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
– Available: June 2011
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.
– 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
– Available: June 2011
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)
– Available: June 2011
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)
– Available: June 2011
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)
– Available: June 2011
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
– Available: currently available
WH-M785 / WH-M788
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
– Available: June 2011
PD-M780 / PD-M785
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
– Available: June 2011