Super Wide Range Shimano

Shimano has just released early details on a number of updates that we can expect to see for 2017. They include updates to their lower end ‘non-series’ cranks as well as some new budget sub-Acera level brakes, but the exciting stuff relates to their XT and XTR 1X drivetrains. 

Super Wide Range

A new XT level cassette will provide a 11-46 gear range. Previously the widest offered by Shimano was 11-42. With the new mega cog, Shimano will just about equal the total gear range offered by SRAM and their 10-42 cassettes.

Of course the added benefit with Shimano is that you can use any regular 10 or 11-speed freehub and don’t need SRAM’s special XD driver body.

The new XT level cassette should weigh around 450g which is only 22g more than the current 11-42 cassette and it’ll be compatible with the current XT and XTR 11-speed derailleurs (1X only).

 

Split Link

Shimano will finally offer an easy to use joining link for their chains. So far it’s 11-speed only but we can only hope they offer it for 10-speed drivetrains too.

According to Shimano “It is designed with tool-free assembly in mind for quick on-the-trail repairs, although for rapid assembly of multiple chains a professional assembly tool (TL-CN10) is also available.” From this it’s not clear wether the joiner will be reusable, although the mention of ‘professional assembly tool’ makes us think the joiner may be single use only (like the SRAM equivelant).

 

New 1X Tooth Profile

Shimano is updating the tooth profile on their 1X XT and XTR chainrings. They say the new design provides more efficient chain management with what they’ve dubbed concept Dynamic Chain Engagement or DCE. From what we’ve seen so far, it appears to use alternating wider and narrower tooth profiles, somewhat like SRAM, Wolf Tooth and most other aftermarket 1X chainrings these days.

According to Shimano it’s designed to provide superior chain retention, lower drivetrain sound and increased durability.