With all the commotion surrounding Shimano’s new XT and SLX-12-speed groupsets, it’s easy to forget that the Japanese component colossus just presented a fully revised version of the XT M8100 and SLX M7100 disc brakes.And not only do they look a lot like Shimano’s high-end XTR model, but also deliver an almost identical performance. I think SRAM may be a different matter all together, but I haven't had the bearings in XT/XTR/Saint pulleys start feeling crappy or give me any other sort of issue, but the SLX ones always seemed to get contaminated and feel crappy rather quickly in my experience. Bicycling participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. the increased longevity of the steel SLX 45t cog was a good point as well; no brainer, indeed. That is with the caveat that I believe upgrading to the XT shifter is a must for any discerning or core rider. Once that’s done, there’s nothing to complain about and the money-saving will make it possible to take the missus or mister out for dinner. Moving from the second cog to the largest improves as a result of the slightly larger jumps through the three previous cogs. Their short 165mm length is worth noting too; I’ve previously had a difficult time finding this length with a 73mm BB, especially at lower price points, but it's now available in both XT and SLX. Good review Al and exactly what I figured after my experience with the 10 and 11spd versions. We’ll get into that below but after spending considerable time on a Shimano XT drivetrain and six months on SLX, I've been left impressed. There’s plenty of taller people with short inseams and long torsos, in which case this would make sense. Shimano SLX DC Review. There's no need for self-extraction or crank-pullers with everything sliding together easily with a few bolts. This reel has all the features packed into it that make it a solid reel. It stays better for longer too, GX seems to need regular b-tension adjustment. Compared to the two higher-end groups, it uses fewer exotic materials and lower-order finishes. It's not light (cheap tho) but the M6100 cassette is all steel. The SLX cassette carries more heft than its more expensive siblings but I don't believe the cost associated with the weight savings is worthwhile. The SLX drivetrain has been an eye-opener. 1. Or rather I couldn't once I switched out the SLX shifter for an XT. shimano, Shimano SLX 150, Low Profile Baitcasting Reel . The SLX chain retains the lengthened inner plates that make Hyperglide+ possible but Shimano claims the coatings aren’t as durable. Shifting down the cassette into harder gears, I found little difference between the two drivetrains but when moving to easier gears the more precise shifts of the SLX were obvious. The SLX weighs about 60 grams more but one less alloy cog should increase durability, with only the lowest gear using the faster-wearing metal. I don't remember them being much of an issue in terms of wear. Mitch, in this case, I've actually always used xo1 chains for a bit longer wear life. With a price point just shy of triple digits, a list of advanced technologies and features that are bound to pique your curiosity, and a clean-cut, sleek exterior finish, the SLX is surely a reel Shimano's competitors are cowering in fear of this holiday shopping season. Reading time . One place a rider should invest money in. Despite wet, grimy conditions, the SLX drivetrain was quiet and shifted like something far more expensive. Shimano’s SLX is a mid-range mountain bike group with features that should appeal to most mountain bike riders. The XT shifter is a worthwhile upgrade with the SLX drivetrain. An earlier version of this article suggested that SRAM's XD driver standard and Eagle cassettes are not recommended for eMTB but this was not accurate - although SRAM recommends using their single shift shifter for eMTB. It’s hard to argue there’s anything wrong with SLX when considering value. This is exaggerated by the tighter jumps leading up to it. Shimano SLX The Shimano SLX components are based on the XT line but are designed in a way that allows them to be manufactured cheaper and, thus, sold at a lower price point. Mountainbikes are harder to set up because you’re trying to find a balance between pedalling efficiency and descending efficiency. 191cm rider chooses 165mm cranks. I’ve spent tallied over 700km of off-road use on SLX in everything from winter slop to dry, blown-out moon dust. This combined with the longer inner plates on the chain provides excellent shifting. 1. Testing the SLX drivetrain back to back with GX was an interesting process. So no change there! My initial setup was off and while it still performed great, I noticed a slight improvement once set using the b-tension reference marker. So we will see if … Another subtle difference between the SLX and XT drivetrains is visible in the cassette. The cranks easily bolt together from the non-drive side and with the now common double pinch bolt securing everything in place, I’ve had no issues. The Shimano Deore 12-speed group brings the wide 510% 1x range of XTR/XT/SLX to a more affordable package. But as mentioned earlier, I also found the ride quality to differ significantly between the two. The SLX and SLX XT were first released in 2018 and the SLX DC was released in 2019 and won Best of Show at ICAST for Freshwater Reel. SLX hydraulic disc brakes share the same basic design, levers and caliper shapes with the higher end XT model. I get more than 5000 miles on a GX all steel cassette. All the range I want (without a big heavy pie plate at the back). From gear four (pictured) up to the easiest I found the Shimano cassette to provide a more comfortable ratio on the trails. The rear shifter’s upper paddle (which shifts into higher gears) works in two directions: It can be either pushed forward, or pulled rearward. I choose GX because there’s an all steel cassette option and I get 2x the life with it. With SLX, XT and even XTR being so similar in appearance and feel, I guess Shimano had to a) cut cost somewhere and b) differentiate SLX somehow. Each drivetrain performs astonishingly well for the cost, providing great value to the consumer but there are a couple of things about SLX that make it hard for me to go back to GX. The previously overlooked little brother in the Shimano lineup now demands our attention. Features, Currently on an old generation of the SLX and they’ve been great (other than the odd pre lever pump I need to do at start of ride), Up spec’ing the shifter is such a power move. SLX chainrings feature profiled teeth that Shimano claims keep the chain from bouncing off on rough terrain. I’ve always up spec’d shifters, it’s the most physically noticeable element of the drivetrain and makes a big difference. The SLX cassette's construction is the same as XT and XTR. The "Beam Spider" and how the first and second cogs integrate with it to complete the cassette. I’d clean them and grease them and keep them running until eventually replacing them. No chain drop. Full SLX drivetrain with the XT shifters could be a good min-max project. Toss an extra few coins in and you get all of the tech from the higher-priced Shimano siblings in a more wallet-friendly package. SLX … The derailleur and chain setup were problem-free, with the assistance of the b-tension marking at the back of the cage making it even easier. Too, GX seems to need regular b-tension shimano slx review other small studies ’... 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