Shimano Deore

When it comes to mountain bike groupsets, there's no getting around Shimano. And as soon as the name Shimano is mentioned, the term Deore is not far away: Shimano Deore is the epitome of mountain bike groupsets from the Japanese component giant. Shimano first presented its Deore groupset in the 1980s. The Deore XT groupset, which was introduced soon after, is still one of the top groupsets in the Shimano portfolio. Today, the original Deore groupset is considered a reliable workhorse in the entry-level segment.

A classic, always up to date: Shimano Deore XT

Shimano's Deore groupset was originally a touring bike groupset. It was introduced in 1980, at a time when mountain bikes were still extremely exotic. In 1982, Shimano presented the Deore XT groupset, the first component series dedicated specifically to the new mountain bikes. At that time, mountain bikes were a rather rare phenomenon, but Shimano believed in the new trend. And the Japanese were to keep their rights. With the bike boom in the 1980s, Shimano Deore XT had established itself as the group for MTB. Back then, anyone who was self-respecting rode a Deore XT rear derailleur and everything that belonged to the groupset.

The big challenge in the development of the first Shimano MTB group was the desire for full off-road capability. Until now, bikes were only used on firm paths. This was to change with the new mountain bikes: Completely new demands were placed on the material. It had to be more robust, protected against water and as resistant as possible to dust and mud. Shifting precision should not suffer as a result. High braking power was also essential for fast off-road rides.

Shimano took on the task and landed a coup with the Deore XT groupset. Since then, Deore XT has stood for the innovative, high-quality and absolutely proven MTB groupset from Shimano. Over the years, new innovations have been introduced, such as:

Shimano SIS (Shimano Index System), with which the gears engaged precisely click by click for the first time
HG cassettes, which provided smoother shifting with their special climbing aids
Shimano Rapidfire shifters with separate levers for upshifting and downshifting
Shimano SPD, the Japanese clipless pedal system that is still used today

Over the years, the Shimano Deore XT group got company. In 1991, the new top model, the Shimano XTR group, was introduced without the addition of Deore. Since then, the XT has been considered the second best group from Shimano. It is the proven workhorse with top features and a good price-performance ratio. In the lower price segment, the Shimano Deore LX and the Shimano Deore DX groupsets were added. In the current portfolio of Shimano MTB groupsets, the XTR is still the top group. Then come the Deore XT as well as the SLX (Deore LX successor) and the Deore (entry-level group).

Shimano XT: Highest shifting precision at the cutting edge of technology

Shimano's proven groupset is available in all kinds of versions. If you want to be at the cutting edge of technology, it's best to go for the new 1 x 12 option. It is particularly intuitive to operate. Thanks to an impressively large cassette, it offers the same range of gear ratios as systems with two chainrings. The "Dynamic Chain Engagement" chainring with its narrow-width shape ensures a secure chain fit: without any chain guide at all. The Shimano Deore XT rear derailleur with Shadow+ technology ensures particularly high chain tension. This also prevents the chain from jumping off. The cassette is available with up to 10-51 teeth. It provides an impressive gear range. Thanks to the Hyperglide+ system, gear changes are silky smooth. The new Deore XT chain, which is very easy to mount thanks to the Quick-Link fastener, goes with it.

Shimano XT is also available in other versions. For example, it is still available as an 11-speed version. There is also a Shimano XT Di2 version, i.e. an electronic XT group. Last but not least, Shimano has a Deore XT groupset for e-bikes in its range. This is particularly robust to cope with the high demands of the e-drive. Technologies such as the Shimano Free Shift and the Shimano Auto Shift System provide a new riding experience. It is comparable to an automatic transmission in a car.

Shimano XT brakes: If you ride fast, you have to brake well!

Right from the start, the Shimano XT group included a powerful braking system. Braking power is particularly important off-road. You have to come to a stop precisely and on the dot. This is exactly what the Shimano Deore XT brake offers in different versions for different areas of use. For XC use, there is the 2-piston model. This version of the Shimano Deore XT brake is particularly light, but still offers remarkable braking power. For trail use with demanding downhills, the Deore XT 4-piston brake is the right model. It is slightly heavier, but offers even more braking power. It is also equipped with the Shimano Ice-Tech system: a heat sink on the brake caliper and cooling fins on the brake discs ensure that the brake does not overheat.

For perfect contact: Shimano Deore XT pedals

The Deore XT pedals are also available in two versions. The Deore XT SPD pedal for cross-country use is a classic. It is light and slim, but still offers a large contact surface and robust retaining claws. You can adjust the hardness of the binding to suit your preferences.

The Deore XT Enduro SPD pedal is equipped with a large pedal cage. This offers your MTB shoe a long and wide contact surface. This ensures a more stable stand on the pedal and more control if you ever ride unclicked. The binding is also adjustable.

Shimano SPD pedals offer some real advantages: They are not only light and functional, but also extremely proven - you can rely on that! In addition, the system is absolutely established: You can get spare parts like pedal cleats in almost every bike shop.

A round thing: Shimano Deore XT wheels

Wheels have not been part of the classic Shimano Deore groupset from the beginning. However, for many years now, Shimano has been offering complete systems that are perfectly matched to its own groupsets. They are equipped with the Shimano Micro Spline freewheel body and fit the Shimano Center-Lock standard. Thanks to tubeless rims, you can set up your Shimano XT wheels tubeless. The wheels are available in a particularly light XC version and as a robust Enduro model.

Shimano Deore gears: High tech at a low price!

Technical innovations and innovations are traditionally introduced at the top groups and are usually expensive initially. Once the new technology has established itself, it is introduced in the cheaper groups. Those who want to save money therefore benefit directly in several ways: firstly, through the cheaper price. On the other hand, because the once new technology is now well established and proven. If you choose a Shimano Deore groupset, you not only save money. You are also relying on proven technology that can be offered at a much lower price in the guise of the Deore groupset.

The recently completely revised Shimano Deore groupset is almost on a par with the expensive XT. It is now available as a 1 x 12 system. It has directly mounted Dynamic Chain Engagement chainrings. It also features the new Shimano Deore rear derailleur with Shadow+ technology. With a 10-51 cassette, it offers the same range of gearing as its more expensive counterpart.

Of course, the Shimano Deore groupset is a bit heavier and does not use quite as durable materials. Nevertheless, it is a top alternative for all those who have to work with a limited budget.

Shimano Deore brakes: Same as XT, but cheaper?

In principle, the same applies as for the gears: Shimano offers the Shimano Deore brake, a slimmed-down version of the top Deore XT group. There are also two models: a 2-piston model for cross-country use and a 4-piston enduro brake. Are you asking yourself why you shouldn't save the money and buy a Deore brake? Basically a legitimate question! The Deore brake is good, but there are a few differences to the Deore XT brake:
- The Deore system is slightly heavier.
- ICE Tech cooling is not included as standard, but can be retrofitted.
- The most important argument: the brake levers cannot be adjusted so finely. If you can cope with the given pressure point and lever width, that's no problem. If you want to make special adjustments, take a look at the Shimano Deore XT brake.