Technique
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Parent Category: Technique
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Category: Shimano
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Published on Wednesday, 27 October 2010 07:46
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Written by Luca Salvatelli
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The new Shimano XTR group is completely new and retains only the name in common with the previous model. In addition to adopting the new standard 3x10 Shimano Dyna-Sys is divided into two versions: a more directed at Cross Country (XC), one in the All Mountain (AM). This is achieved thanks to the large variety of cranks that allows you to create versions 3x10 (42-32-24T) or 2x10 (42-30T, 40-28T, 44-30T, 38-26T). The standard Dyna-Sys, as we have seen, not only allows the adoption of the 10 speed, but is designed to have a more rapid passage of the report, better smoothness, greater precision in the gear changes, a better metric development in all gear, greater longevity of components. Exclusive new XTR group is the new friction material for brakes and new brake calipers that reduce the operating temperature of the same, allowing for more flexible control braking, resistance to fatigue and powerful. The assembly of the brake levers and integrated approach to controls, saving 10 grams. The new built-in commands are able to be adjusted horizontally to perfectly adapt to the hands of the athlete. The 10-speed chain has been developed specifically for use in MTB and differentiated between internal and external side to facilitate boarding and alighting on the crowns. The front derailleur is provided in different versions, for double or triple. The rear derailleur has sealed pulleys for improved smoothness. The sprocket is made of three pieces and 5 titanium sprockets, two possible combinations: 11-34, 11-36. The brake discs are available in sizes of 140, 160, 180, 203 mm. Still the XTR group, are then part of the new XTR pedals, lighter and with a greater surface than the previous and the new XTR wheels, offered in a wide range of versions.
The road test
The tests that we could have the new Shimano XTR group was relatively short, but enough to analyze the characteristics and differences than its predecessor and competitors. As always the quality of implementation of the XTR group is outstanding, with a clear image of reliability and stability. Excellent implementation of all individual components, perfect surface finish of light alloy parts. Still good the wide choice of different toppings and sprocket, which ensures total coverage for any type of employment, both competitive and recreational. Excellent crank which makes the stiffness and smoothness of his best weapons. Maybe not as light as some competitors, but for reliability, resistance to lateral blows, stiffness and smoothness is the top of the class. The front derailleur ensures more precise steps of a crown and silence, maybe not fast, but always safe, even with the mud or heavy chain pull. The same good behavior we find him in the rear derailleur, precise and reliable in all conditions, excellent quietness. The commands show good behavior, with a limited range of levers, but also a smooth action to the very top. There are models that suggest a more limited range of levers, XTR but these are not so far away and are far more fluid and precise in their action. Excellent ergonomics, including brake lever, there are fully adjustable. Stopping power is quite good, better than previous XTR, but what is surprising is the high scalability of the system always under control even in very low grip. The braking power is still absolutely excellent. Just to get the maximum braking power you have to exert a slightly greater than some competitors, who still turn out to be less adaptable plants. The choice of Shimano seems so good, there is power at will, but must be sought, without, however, excessive efforts. The low temperature at which the test took place prevented us to verify the effectiveness of the new friction material and the new shape of the brake calipers, with an abundance for their cooling fin area. Called several times because the brakes have never experienced symptoms of fadding, always keeping an optimal behavior. In conclusion, the new XTR continues to be a great team and a strong development in all aspects, from the previous XTR. It's best features, as well as the undoubted quality of construction, are the precision gear changes, quietness, reliability, smoothness of the controls and the crank as well as the rigidity of the latter. Excellent compromise reached between the braking power and controllability of the plant. It is not so extreme in the weight of the components, so fast in gear changes or braking power absolute, especially compared to other competitors. But these characteristics are its point of force, because it seems good, anywhere and through any type of use. The price for the complete set of brakes, with triple crankset is about 1650 Euro, a high but in line with competition and proportional to the product quality.
Positive aspects
Build Quality
Accuracy in steps of relationship
Rigidity and smoothness of the crank
Fluidity of the controls
The braking power and modulation
Negative aspects
None
Read more:
Shimano
Website: www.shimano.com
