The new Shimano XTR M9100 12-speed groupset

There has been much speculation, but now it`s official: Shimano’s flagship mountain bike groupset makes the jump to 12-speed!

Shimano XTR has been the reference in mountain bike groupsets since 1992. The rumour mill has been running for a long time, with everyone wondering when Shimano will introduce their 1x12 groupset. Now it’s finally official, Shimano presents the new XTR M9100!

Just the one extra gear?

Adding another sprocket to the cassette is not the only change. Shimano has updated and redesigned every single component in the groupset, which should put the XTR back on the top of the list for many mountain bikers. Next to the new 12-speed cassette, Shimano will also offer a new 11-speed option for Enduro riders. This will allow them to run a new hub with bigger flange spacing, which will result in a stiffer rear wheel. They didn’t just go with what would have worked best for the marketing department, but went into this with a real “riders first” attitude.

XTR M9100: Improved in all area’s

The centrepiece of the new groupset is without a doubt the drivetrain. Shimano focussed on further improving the shift quality, reducing the weight, optimizing the bio-mechanical efficiency and offering XC- and Marathon racers the best gear spacing possible. They absolutely did not forget about the ever growing Enduro crowd either. The brake performance and modulation have been maximized, the new hubs have been made more durable and responsive, while the new Hyperglide+ technology will keep your chain safe and secure on the chainring.

The crankset: XTR FC-M9100 – double chain rings are still going strong!

Shimano clearly thinks that the front derailleur is far from being obsolete in mountain biking and is offering the new XTR FC-M9100 in single and double chainring versions. The crank design has been updated and the weight has been reduced once more, while also increasing the stiffness. The chainrings will now be mounted via direct mount and will be offered with 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38 teeth. The new double crankset will only be offered as 38/28 for now. Both cranksets will of course be offered with boost spacing and a Q-factor of 168 mm. The non-boost cranks will have a Q-factor of 162 mm.

New drive system: Hyperglide+

Shimano designed the new Hyperglide+ for the M9100 groupset, which includes a new chain design, an updated tooth profile and redesigned cassettes. All these changes result in a drivetrain that reduces noise by 4db, but most importantly, increases the shifting speed and stabilizes the chain. The new cassettes are built around a new spider which makes them lighter and stiffer than the previous generation.

The cassettes will be offered in the following increments: 12-speed 10-50 & 10-45 and 11-speed 10-45.

Reimagining the free hub: SCYLENCE & Micro Spline

The new Shimano freehub is based on two new technologies. On the inside “SCYLENCE” will ensure that the freehub is running extremely silent and drag free, while the “Micro Spline” will secure the new cassettes on the outside. This means, that you will not be able to run the new groupset on your old Shimano free hub. Even the new 11-speed cassettes will not be compatible with the previous generation.

3 different rear derailleur options!

Shimano is very consistent, instead of designing one rear derailleur that is supposed to handle all different scenario’s they opted for 3 different options instead. This will allow any rider to have the optimal performance to handle their type of riding. The RD-M9100-GS will offer the best clearance and should therefore match the rowdier riders planning to run 10-45 (12-speed). For the 10-51 (12-speed) you will need the longer RD-M9100-SGS and the RD-M9120-SGS will have your back if you are planning to run a 2x12 setup. For 1x11 you can pick between the RD-M9100-SGS and RD-M9100-GS. All 3 will use the familiar RD+ clutch technology.

The front derailleur is not dead!

For their new front derailleur, Shimano is going all in on Side-Swing, which will offer smooth gear changes between the two chain rings. Instead of offering a load of different front derailleurs, Shimano opted to go with different adapters this time around. There will be one to match most setups. Besides the front derailleurs, they will also offer a minimal style chain guide to keep everything in place when the going gets rough.

I-SpecEV: clean cockpit!

Shimano decided years ago that best cockpit is a clean cockpit. For that very reason they came up with the first version of I-Spec. For the new XTR they have updated this system and named it I-SpecEV. The new version offers improved adjustability for better ergonomics of the controls. The shifters have also been updated to match the new I-SpecEV and less resistance when shifting (35% less compared to the M9000). Shimano will also offer a matching dropper remote and a new Rapidfire Plus Mono trigger with Two-Way release for the front derailleur.

2- and 4-pistons: the new XTR disc brakes

The new XTR M9100 disc brakes stand out because of their improved responsiveness and reduced free stroke. They will be available in 2- and 4-piston versions. The 2-piston version now offers a straight connection between the calliper and the brake hose, while running a carbon lever. The more Endure oriented 4-piston brake will connect to the calliper via banjo and has been optimized for internal routing. The stiffness of the brake levers has also been improved while simultaneously dropped a bit of weight. To make this happen Shimano repositioned the clamp which now supports themselves on the handlebars. The new RT-MT900 disc run 20° C cooler, weigh 10 grams less and will offer you unbeatable performance on the deciding descents.

How does it ride?

The new XTR M9100 has not been spotted in the wild yet, not even in a world cup setting. But we are sure that Shimano will once again offer us a state of the art groupset that has been thoroughly tested and will offer the usual high quality when it comes to its fabrication and performance. We expect it to be available around August. We will do our best to get our hands on it as soon as possible and report back to you!