Two days ago, Shimano launched new DEORE components, and today, the brand is following that up with new versions of its DEORE XT mechanical drivetrain components and Trail pedals. Building on XT mechanical’s legacy of performance and reliability, the new derailleurs and shifters are available in more variants and include some of the modern technology and features found in the latest Di2 components. Shimano says the new versions should improve derailleur durability and shifter ergonomics while giving riders more drivetrain options.

Along with the updated XT cable-actuated shifting, Shimano is introducing an updated version of its ever-popular XT Trail pedals. Built around Shimano’s time-tested SPD binding mechanism, the new M8220 pedals feature a wider platform with four optional traction pins per side to enhance grip, stability, and control. Not to be ignored, Shimano is also introducing an updated version of its affordable, workhorse M520 pedals, the new MT520.

New DEORE XT DerailleursOne of the most obvious visual updates is the SHADOW ES technology and low-profile wedge-shaped design.

Similar to the DEORE mechanical components we learned about earlier this week, Shimano is incorporating some of the tech and features from the latest Di2 components into the new XT mechanical. 

This includes SHADOW ES technology with an updated clutchless, dual-spring mechanism for chain tension and retention. SHADOW ES also refers to the low-profile, wedge-shaped design intended to provide more obstacle clearance and improve impact deflection compared to previous designs. 

The SHADOW ES technology includes the dual-spring mechanism, as well as the low-profile, wedge-shaped design.

Additionally, the new derailleur bodies have been updated with a wider, well-braced linkage, along with solid pulleys to minimize debris entry and interference. Those solid pulleys are housed in an updated alloy cage.

The new DEORE XT derailleurs come in 12-speed HYPERGLIDE+ and 11-speed LINKGLIDE variants. Similar to the latest XT Di2 derailleurs, the 12-speed version is offered in both long-cage (SGS) and mid-cage (GS) options. All of the new DEORE XT mechanical derailleurs have an MSRP of $170 USD / €119. 

RD-M8200 – DEORE XT Derailleur for 12-speed HYPERGLIDE+ The M8200 12-speed derailleur comes in SGS/long cage (left) and GS/mid-cage (right) versions.

• SHIMANO SHADOW ES Technology
• Fast and precise shifting under load
• Robust structure with slim stabilizer
• Light and compact mid-cage option with more ground clearance
• Solid pulley construction
• Alloy cage construction
• Long Cage RD-M8200 SGS for use with 12-speed 10-51T cassette
  • Claimed weight: 370g
• Mid Cage RD-M8200 GS for use with 12-speed 9-45T cassette

RD-M8230 – DEORE XT Derailleur for 11-speed LINKGLIDE12 speeds may be all the rage, but Shimano is keeping 11-speed alive with its LINKGLIDE derailleurs and shifters.

• SHIMANO SHADOW ES Technology
• Ultra smooth shifting under load
• Robust structure with slim stabilizer
• Solid pulley construction
• Alloy cage construction
• Long Cage RD-M8230 SGS for use with 11-speed 11-50T LINKGLIDE cassette

New DEORE XT Shifters

While the new XT shifters don’t stray too far aesthetically from the previous versions, Shimano has made numerous small updates to improve their shifting performance and ergonomics. They’ve still got the familiar shift paddle design and two-way release that so many riders already know and love, but with “improved ergonomics and a more intuitive thumb feel.” 

According to Shimano, “a shorter lever stroke, crisper actuation, and firmer secondary click provide precise feedback, while the optimized paddle positioning enhances rider control and clean cable routing keeps the cockpit tidy.”

Shimano offers the new DEORE XT shifters in three variants: the standard 12-speed HYPERGLIDE+ M8200, e-MTB-optimized M8210, and the 11-speed LINKGLIDE M8230.  All of the new shifters are offered with either a universal clamp band or an I-Spec EV mount, and share the same MSRP of $85 USD / €64.99.

The new XT mechanical shifters come in clamp band (left) and I-Spec EV mounting options. SL-M8200 – DEORE XT 12-speed HYPERGLIDE+ shifter with multi-shift

• Fast and precise shifting
• RAPIDFIRE PLUS and 2-WAY RELEASE
• Multiple shifts (up to 3) with main lever
• INSTANT RELEASE
• Clean cable routing
• Replaceable rubber traction pad
• Compatible with previous 12-speed drivetrains
• I-SPEC EV (SL-M8200-IR) and clamp band options (SL-M8200-R)

SL-M8210 – DEORE XT 12-speed HYPERGLIDE+ shifter option for High-torque e-MTB

• Fast and precise shifting
• RAPIDFIRE PLUS and 2-WAY RELEASE
• Single shift only to protect the cassette by reducing non-gated shifts
• INSTANT RELEASE
• Clean cable routing
• Replaceable rubber traction pad
• Compatible with previous 12-speed drivetrains
• I-SPEC EV (SL-M8210-IR) and clamp band options (SL-M8210-R)

SL-M8230 – DEORE XT 11-speed LINKGLIDE shifter with multi-shift

• Ultra-smooth shifting under load
• RAPIDFIRE PLUS and 2-WAY RELEASE
• Multiple shifts (up to 2) with main lever
• INSTANT RELEASE
• Clean cable routing
• Replaceable rubber traction pad
• Compatible with previous 11-speed LINKGLIDE drivetrains
• I-SPEC EV (SL-M8230-IR) and clamp band options (SL-M8230-R)

New DEORE XT Trail Pedals

Shimano updated its XTR Trail pedals last year, and it was only a matter of time before the XT version got the same treatment. Similar to previous versions, the new XT Trail pedals look nearly identical to their more expensive XTR sibling, but come with a slight weight penalty and a lower price. With the goals of improving stability and grip, the new XT Trail pedals feature a wider platform, along with four optional, adjustable traction pins per side. 

The XT Trail’s wider platform is said to offer a larger contact area than its predecessor, with the increased shoe-to-pedal interface enhancing lateral stability. The exact dimensions of the contact area, pedal body, and pedal thickness were not provided, but it appears to closely mirror the latest XTR Trail pedals. That said, the XT Trail looks a touch narrower overall, with a straighter edge on the crank side of the pedal body.

A total of four adjustable, removable traction pins per side, two at the leading edge of the pedal body and two at the rear, allow riders to optimize the pedal grip to their preferences. These can be helpful when orienting the pedal underfoot, for maintaining pedal grip when unclipped, or enhancing clipped-in traction and stability.

Of course, the new pedals are built around the renowned consistency and reliability of Shimano’s SPD binding mechanism, which has been optimized for use with the new multi-entry CL-MT001 cleats. The multi-directional entry should make it even easier for riders to clip back into their pedals when riding in technical terrain.

DEORE XT PD-M8220 Trail Pedal Specs

• Dual-sided SPD trail pedal with robust outer cage
• Wide contact area with XTR-inspired grip pattern
• Secure traction when unclipped
• Optimized for easy engagement with CL-MT001 cleats
• Durable sealed design for long-lasting performance
• Adjustable spring release tension for personal adjustment
• Weight: 472g (pair)
• US MSRP: $160

New Shimano PD-MT520 Pedals

Shimano’s M520 pedals have been around for ages, offering an affordable entry point to clipless pedals. Today, Shimano is updating its workhorse, budget-friendly pedals with “a refreshed design and rugged off-road styling.” Now known as the MT520, they’re built around the same SPD binding mechanism and reliable performance as their more expensive counterparts, in a slightly heavier and much less expensive package.

PD-MT520 SPD Pedal Specs

• Dual-Sided SPD pedal
• Refined shape and rugged style
• Optimized for easy engagement with SM-SH51cleats
• Durable sealed design for long-lasting performance
• Adjustable spring release tension for personal adjustment
• Available in silver and black
• Weight: 380g (pair)
• US MSRP: $55

Head to the Shimano website to learn more or find a dealer near you.

bike.shimano.com