Last weekend we got the chance to ride the new XTR 9200 groupset to test out the new Transmission, brakes and wheels. We headed to the Bike Ranch Snowdonia for an introduction to the new components, technical training and most importantly to test ride Shimano’s latest in on the Coed y Brenin trails.
Initial impressions where, wow these brakes are good, that rear hub sounds cool and I can get away with bad gear changing decisions. For this test ride, Shimano provided me with a Scott Genius, long travel human powered bike, fully kitted out with XTR transmission, brakes and wheels.
Transmission
XTR 9200 now has wireless shifting with a battery housed in the rear mech. The clutch system has been replaced with a double spring system for chain retention that doesn’t affect suspension movement. Out on the trail, I found the gear change to work quickly and effectively under load. On the technical trails of CYB the rapid shifting under load got me out of trouble with a change of terrain. The wireless shifter felt extremely positive, and the shifter has loads of adjustability to fine tune the position. Function and shift speed can also be adjusted via the Shimano app.
Brakes
My test bike was equipped with the 4-pot trail brake, levers have been redesigned to sit closer to the bar to keep hoses neat. Like the gear shifter, these levers have a focus on ergonomics, so plenty of adjustment to get them just right plus a sweep to the lever profile. The big news with these brakes is the move to a low viscosity mineral oil and new calliper seals. Out on the trail the most noticeable feature was the amount of stopping power, consistently and comfortably pulling me up, getting me out of trouble on the unknown trails.
Wheels
With all the buzz around the new wireless gears and brake update, I didn’t notice the XTR wheels with the understated, stealthy graphics. Until I started riding and heard the real buzz. Carbon rims with 24 titanium spokes, this thing picked up fast and rolled even faster. When the going got choppy, on the CYB rocks, the bike tracked exceptionally well so I could hold onto my bad line choice.
Robust, Intuitive, Consistent is the new XTR strapline, based on a couple of laps of Coed y Brenin, I’d agree, it feels familiar, yet quicker and would love to put more miles in to see how it holds up.
Cheers, Allen at PHC
If you want to know more about XTR pricing and avalibility, contact us for the low down.
