We’ve had two huge dollops of drivetrain news from Shimano today – it has added Di2 electrics to XT and SLX has got an 11 speed upgrade. Check out all the details below:
Shimano XT Di2
Whatever your opinion on electronic shifting, it’s pretty clear that Shimano thinks it’s the way forward as it has just added a Di2 kit to its XT groupset. The XTR Di2 launched just two years ago and while the cost has probably prohibited most of us from giving it a go, those that have ridden it are always impressed by its efficiency and shifting speed.
As the years go by you can expect this tech to trickle down to more affordable levels and the XT is the first step in that. The XT system shares many of the same features as the XTR Di2 such as the Synchronised Shift system that allows you to change up and down with one shifter while the computer decides what combination of gears to use.
Also shared is the battery life of “a minimum of several hundred kilometres” and the durability thanks to a sealed, waterproof system and a shifting motor that’s twice as powerful as the road models.
One thing it trumps XTR Di2 on is a new Bluetooth system that allows you to set up your system via an app on your phone. It will also allow you to check your battery life on the fly using a device as well. This will be made available to XTR users too, but they will need a new display and battery.
