Photos by Sterling Lorence and Paris Gore
Top editors from around the world joined Shimano in Bellingham, Washington to test out the new DEORE XT M8100 mountain bike components. Hitting iconic Pacific Northwest trails on Galbraith Mountain and Chuckanut, the runs were technical and steep with endless opportunities to push the component to the limit. Check out the flow, the jumps, the jungle-green trails, and the stoke that simmered over with every ride. And be sure to check out the first ride reports from Pink Bike, Vital MTB, Bike Mag and many more to get the lowdown on the new Shimano DEORE XT.
Photos by Sterling Lorence and Paris Gore
Top editors from around the world joined Shimano in Bellingham, Washington to test out the new DEORE XT M8100 mountain bike components. Hitting iconic Pacific Northwest trails on Galbraith Mountain and Chuckanut, the runs were technical and steep with endless opportunities to push the component to the limit. Check out the flow, the jumps, the jungle-green trails, and the stoke that simmered over with every ride. And be sure to check out the first ride reports from Pink Bike, Vital MTB, Bike Mag and many more to get the lowdown on the new Shimano DEORE XT.
Shimano DEORE XT M8100 mountain bike components offer 12-speed versatility along with superior shifting and braking systems specifically tuned for trail riders. The new components did not disappoint on the twisty, rugged trails of Bellingham’s Galbraith Mountain.
The new group features technologies first introduced with XTR M9100, while enhancing key features and reliability from previous generations of Shimano DEORE XT.
Bellingham local and pro mountain bike athlete, Jill Kintner, showed off her hometown trails with style.
DEORE XT offers a range of gearing choices including wide range and rhythm step cassettes with single and double front chainrings. Each setup delivers the best mountain bike shifting available in a robust and reliable package. The Pacific Northwest rain and mud were no match for DEORE XT shifting.
The new cassettes feature Shimano’s MICRO SPLINE freehub technology that allows for the use of a 10-tooth cog. The new design with its smaller splines also allows for an aluminum freehub body construction that isn’t damaged or gouged out by the cogs during use.
After a morning of testing the climbing gears on Galibraith, an afternoon of shuttling was on tap at Chuckanut Mountain.
With ergonomics focused on comfort and control, DEORE XT’s new RAPIDFIRE PLUS shift levers offer light operation force and better rider feedback. Riders’ hands stayed in place even over the most rugged and slippery sections of trail.
Rocking Shimano’s new SLX M7100 group, Bryn Atkinson took riders down the supersonic fast trail featured in his Sound of Speed video produced by Red Bull.
Thanks to HYPERGLIDE+ technology that was first introduced with XTR M9100, riders can pedal harder when shifting down the cassette and get perfect shifting every time. With completely redesigned chain plates and shift ramps that guide the chain both up and down the cassette, you get faster, smoother shifting in both directions even under incredible pedaling power.
Adding to the smooth drivetrain transmission, DEORE XT’s new chain features Shimano’s DYNAMIC CHAIN ENGAGEMENT (DCE+) technology. An extended inner link plate of the chain connects seamlessly with new chainring tooth shapes for better chain retention and smoother, quieter pedaling.
A quick break at the bottom of the mountain for snacks and drinks. Then it was back up for another dose of Chuckanut.
DEORE XT M8100’s new brake design provides increased rigidity for greater bike control. Thomas Vanderham put Shimano’s legendary mountain bike brake technology to use on Bellingham’s super steep descents.
The new brake lever design also features a more inboard clamp position that creates an extra point of contact between the bar and the lever. This added bracing drastically increases efficiency and control over the bike while offering quick brake engagement.
With huge jumps, steep descents, fast corners and long climbs, Shimano’s new DEORE XT wheels delivered. Designed with value and reliability in mind, the wheel offer incredible handling and are easy to service, perfect for aggressive trail riding.
Shimano DEORE XT is the perfect match for any bike. It delivers unrivaled component customization and Shimano’s widest range 1x12-speed gear options with its 12-speed 10-51 cassette
Wrapping things up after several incredible days of riding and the verdict is in: Shimano DEORE XT M8100 is a game changer.
Huge thanks to all the editors who traveled out to test out Shimano’s new XT mountain bike components. Be sure to check out these first ride stories for all the details.
Pink Bike - First Ride: Shimano's Back in the Game With New XT and SLX 12-Speed Groups
Vital MTB - Discover the All-New Shimano SLX and XT 12-Speed Drivetrains, Brakes and More
Bike Mag - Shimano Mic Drops SRAM with XT, SLX 12-speed Groups
Bike Rumor - Shimano XT M8100 first ride review - shredding Bellingham's loamy mountains! - Bikerumor
MTBR - Shimano XT 12-speed Launched
Mountain Bike Action - SHIMANO DEORE XT M8100 Debuts with Shimano’s marquee mountain bike component technologies and trail-specific focus
NSMB - Shimano Introduces 12spd XT and SLX Groups
Canadian Cycling - Could the new Shimano XT set be better than XTR?
Singletracks - Shimano’s Brand New 12-speed Deore XT Mountain Bike Drivetrain, Tested
Dirt Rag - Shimano Releases New Deore XT and SLX 12-speed
Loam Wolf - Shimano XT and SLX Launch
Mountain Flyer - First Impressions: Shimano Debuts 12-speed XT and SLX Group