The Shadow Plus rear mech magic comes to the Shimano SLX range.

Does this mean the anti-chain-slap-rear-mech gizmo will become available across all group sets soon?

Watch the video below to hear Ed from Dirt explain all about the inner workings of the DJ Shadow machine and also the new one-way bleeding system on the calipers.

For the 2012/2013 season SHIMANO introduces a new SLX group set. The new SLX is specifically developed for all-round mountain bikers. Mountain bikers who desire to ride on any challenging terrain and trail course. By SLX SHIMANO makes people enjoy the innovative and high quality features of the XTR and DEORE XT at an affordable price point.

MAIN FEATURES: Drive-train The Dyna-Sys drive-train comes in two varieties: double and triple. The rider can choose the option that suits his style, fitness or terrain best. The ever popular and more versatile triple comes with a new HOLLOWTECH II 42-32-24T chain ring combination (FC-M670). 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 sprocket.

SHIMANO also developed a new crank for a wider gear range. This double crankset offers a lighter gear, especially for climbing conditions, but it does not have the close gear combination like Dyna-Sys. The FC-M675 offers a crank with 38×24 chain rings.

The rear derailleurs of the SLX group are added with two new features, SHIMANO SHADOW RD and DIRECT MOUNT RD. SHIMANO SHADOW RD, available for RD-M670, is intended for more aggressive riding. Because of its super low profile and single tension construction, the derailleur does not hit the chain stay in rough riding conditions. The result is smooth and silent performance. SHIMANO SHADOW RD+ offers more stability and is available for RD-M675. It introduces a switch at the pully cage to enforce a heavier spring tension and activate a friction stabilizer to counteract the forces of up and down chain momentum in rough terrain. Chain bouncing can often cause noise as the chain slaps the top and bottom of the chain stay, or even derail from the front chain ring in extreme circumstances.

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Ed@Dirt explains the inner plumbing of the Shadow Plus system.

DIRECT MOUNT RD gives you the option to make a more direct connection to the frame by eliminating the B2 body plate from the rear derailleur. This means there is one connection less between the frame and the rear derailleur mechanism. This results in more stiffness and therefore more accurate shifting, a stronger rear derailleur frame connection and a better alignment below the cassette. Because you can simply remove the B2 body plate from all our new rear derailleurs DIRECT MOUNT RD assembly is optional. Manufacturers can choose to make their frames ready for this mounting or not. All our new rear derailleurs are compatible with both mounting possibilities.

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Ed@Dirt has got his explaining hat on again, this time he tells us about the Shimano one way bleed system.

The new SLX SERVO-WAVE hydraulic disc brake (BL/BR-M675) provide huge progress in braking, control and heat management. The new compact caliper with oversized one-way bleeding 22mm ceramic pistons is combined with a lightweight lever. The lever is lighter than the current version, yet provides more brake power! The center lock disc rotors (160, 180 and 203mm) have a three layer sandwich structure of an aluminum core embedded in stainless steel. The higher heat dissipation of the aluminum helps to reduce the surface temperature of the rotor by around 100 degrees Celsius.

Optional Ice Tech brake pads with aluminum cooling fins can reduce the brake pad surface by another 50 degrees. The result is high stopping power and practically no signs of fading!

Next to the standard hubs SHIMANO introduces new hubs for a more stable handling and an increased durability. The 12mm (FH-M678) and 15mm (HB-M678) E-thru axle. MTB CX tracks have many sharp turns and steep hills where Quick Engagement is essential. SHIMANO has improved the rear hubs of it high end MTB group sets and wheels and equipped them with 18/16 notches and two sets of pawls to double the engagement and optimize traction.

SHIMANO improved the rider ergonomics further more by developing a shorter shift lever with optical gear display (SL-M670). It supports lighter and easier shifting because of RAPIDFIRE Plus and 2-way shifting and a 3x/2x manual mode converter. The mode converter allows you to manually change the left hand unit to be used with both double and triple cranks. Next to the standard version there is also a shifter with Ispec for a cleaner cockpit (SL-M670-I).

In 2012/2013 SHIMANO brings two premium quality technologies together, the SHIMANO ALFINE and Di2 technology. ALFINE is the premium component group for City Touring with a stylish look and a wide-range gearing of internal geared hubs. Di2 stands for Digital Integrated Intelligence. Di2 allows changing gears just by a tip of the finger. The shifter sends an electronic signal to the hub and it changes gears immediately. This technique was introduced in DURA-ACE and ULTEGRA component groups in the last years.

The Di2 technology has proven itself in the most extreme weather conditions. Everybody who ever tested it was amazed, no exception there.

Electronic shifting in Touring!

The advantages are clear to everybody: changing gears becomes easier, it gives a clear feeling and it is more durable than mechanical shifting. Shifting becomes more reliable and faster simply by touching the shift buttons. Shifting gears while standing on the pedals is no problem for the internal geared hub. The electronic switch (SW-S705) offers easy access, short strokes and a lighter shifting effort. Next to the switch is a minimum information display (SC-S705) that indicates in which gear your riding and what the status is of the battery life.

The compact shifters provide a clean look on the handlebar. By the compact size it’s possible to grip the handlebar firmly and has less change to be damaged by hitting. Another durable advantage is that an electric cable (E-tube: EW-SD50) does not stretch compared to the mechanical version. Naturally the cables are water proof.