2008 Shimano Deore XT preview - better than XTR?

Just about all of your favorite major media outlets have a preview of the new 2008 Shimano Deore XT group set online right now. I believe Singletrack Magazine was the first to get its preview up, but Bike Magazine also has a good write-up.

To me, the XT group is the poor man's XTR. But ironically it usually is a better choice than XTR if weight is not your only criteria. The system is simply more durable. I'm of the mind that Shimano's XTR group really should be considered for the pros only that have a troop of people maintaining their bikes. They've got the money, time resources, and incentive to bend parts back in place or replace worn cogs after every hard race. If you take your riding seriously, but don't make a living from it, you are better off with XT.

Funny thing is that every few years it seems that Shimano releases the XT group with even better technology than it's flagship XTR group. I can remember reading a magazine's recommendation to go with XT way back in the 90's because of it's advances over the (then) current XTR, and this year may be no exception.

The most notable advance on the XT for '08 is the "Shimano Shadow" rear derailleur. Essentially the Shadow is a reduced profile derailleur that draws the hanging mechanism closer to the rear cogs and out of the way of danger. In fact, the entire derailleur is behind the quick release bolt so it is protected from damage if the bike crashes or is dropped on it's right side. (See the side by side profile comparison photo - notice the Shadow version is on the right).

Of course the group maintains many of the characteristics and options that Shimano brought to market with the 2007 XTR group. For more information I recommend the following from the GC archives:

• Overview of Shimano's new XTR group set with options explained
• Explanation of dual control and low normal shifting

Comments

[rbilson]

I will always choose XT over XTR. IMHO, it's nearly as light and technologically advanced as XTR AND it is way more durable. XTR is simply too expensive to constantly replace unless you are a sponsored rider.

[rikard]

I dont own much of neither XT or XTR, but all the XTR stuff has concistenly outlasted the XT stuff. XTR har much better seals and usually use bearings instead of bushings whenever possible. Speaking of bushings, It will be interesing to see how the shadow holds up with such a short glide bushing (if that is what it uses).

XT chainrings also seem to be made of cheese. Not that the XTR where much better but the new concept of bonding steel(or ti for XTR) and carbon for the middle ring looks promising. At least untill the price for replacement rings is published. =)

[Vaughn]

They would release it right after I buy a bike with 2007 XT...*sigh*

[Graham]

Vaughn: I wouldn't worry too much about that. I'm guessing that it will be about a year before you see the new XT in widespread availability.

Rikard: I'm guessing you're right about that most of the time. But I think that there are times when the XT product development eclipses that of XTR. Not sure that this is one of those times, but it seems like it given the shadow derailleur. I feel like most of what I have heard from riders regarding durability falls more in line with rbilson commented.

Of course this is all anecdotal and not scientific. Still.

[rikard]

The newest group is always going to have the latest tech. The good stuff from XT08 is probably being put in to XTR as well but without any press releases. If the shadow is good or bas is probably going to be clear by the end of next summer. =)

I think its all about having the right tools for the right job. XTR hubs are not much lighter but are extremely longlived, just as the XTR deraileurs and shifters. That is of course of no use unless you get to put miles on your stuff before breaking it by crashing. As a crashalot kind of guy, an xtr derailleur is kind of wasted on me. =)

Personally I prefer XT hubs (cheap and with steel axles), XTR shifters, chains and brakes, LX cranks (strong) and mechs with Deore cassettes. This way the bike is keept light but in good working order and I dont get robbed every time I replace the drivetrain. But Im more of a clydesdale than a racer anyway. =)