Shimano XTR vs XT vs SLX vs Deore | MTB Drivetrains Explained!

[@gmbntech]

Do you ride a Shimano groupset, if so which do you use? Do you mix and match components? Let us know down below! 👇

[@ziggyzuggyboi]

I run deore rd slx casette xtr shifter….

[@MYLamboReventon]

I run XT casette, rear mech, chain and shifter, and a Race Face Turbine Crank and chainring.

[@maxschindler_007]

complete deore

[@alejandromtb]

Cassette- DeoreXT Rear D- Deore6100 Chain- XTR Crank-Deore XT Chain Ring-SLX Shifter-Deore 6100

[@elwindoor]

I run xt casette with xtr chain and xtr derailleur with xt shift lever.. the crank is Xx1 with AB oval chainring with shimano tooth profile. The reason is..I love the shimano shifting mech but i impressed by the sram carbon cranks. ✌️

[@dad7720]

I've never understood the obsession with a few grams of weight in cycling and bike components. If you have a decent dump or a pee before you get on your bike, that will save much more weight than lashing out hundreds of pounds for a very slightly lighter cassette for instance.

[@ianhopwood6726]

Im just looking down at my beer belly and thinking oh for a few less grams 😍

[@agarcia-a]

I understand you, those high end products are meant for racing, but that does not mean that people does wrong by spending money in a lighter bike. You can always stop to poo/pee.

[@drezc5444]

thats what i always said. im sure a few grams isnt gonna make you get 8th place and if thats the case its not the weight of the bike but the rider. the weight of the frame is probably the only thing that would make a difference.

[@NONO-hz4vo]

The last jump to XTR level components or any of the top level parts is generally a pretty massive price jump for a modest weight savings. If you add up all the weight savings and performance gains of the next level down across the entire bike it is definitely noticeable. Specifically in the wheels, but again cumulatively these differences add up to quite a bit. If you get a chance to ride a high end bike and then the low end model you may find the fun factor is worth the extra 2k in bike price.

[@toshman696969]

@@NONO-hz4vo I always look at it from a supply / demand perspective. If there was no demand they wouldn't make it. People buy it because they have the money and they want it.

[@janchris7947]

I can only afford a Tourney but the joy in mountain biking is priceless 😎

[@francoisjoly7696]

As a bourgeois: I currently use an Altus, the Tourney's XTR. Couldn't afford the Acera ;-)

[@mikecoglione1308]

Tourney is the most expensive because it breaks down and needs replacement so much. Its cheaper to go Deore and only change chains and brake pads every once in a while. Trust me I did it. And if you want to upgrade Tourney the brakes, shifters, hubs and everything else is only compatible with the lower groupsets so you might as well buy a new bike. Start with Deore if price is a problem you won't go wrong.

[@The_One-Eyed_Undertaker]

The SWEET SPOT is SLX chainring, derailleur and chain (best price to weight/performance), Deore cassette (steel durability) and XT shifters (functionality) PLUS SLX 4-piston brakes.

[@gabaslabas6897]

For me XT chain lasted a lot longer than SLX. I would recommend getting XT chain instead for sure.

[@jakesteve5803]

@@gabaslabas6897 There's been some good tests confirming the XT chain is significantly stronger. My bike came with an all SLX gruppo, and my only real gripe is that the XT shifters are amazing in comparison. Also bent the SLX chainring, and I'm going OneUp so I can replace the outter chainring easier and cheaper.

[@thelawnet]

the slx derailleur is not an upgrade over the Deore. the Deore xt has sealed jockey bearings, but its noot a big deal as you can lube and replace cheaper ones when they wear out, but ok. the saving with slx is not the chainring, which is basically the same, but the hollow crank arm. the Deore cassette is heavier and absolutely NOT more durable. the difference between the deore and slx is the big cog, which is aluminium on the slx, steel on the deore. you will NEVER wear out the big cog. both cassettes are otherwise steel toothed. it is the xt chain which is hardened, the slx only has some nonstick coating which will wear off. the slx chain is just a waste. you are right about the shifter though.

[@Netox2]

@@thelawnet then, what would be the right combo in your opinion?

[@thelawnet]

@@Netox2 Deore is fine for everything, but if you want to upgrade xt for chain, xt for shifter, slx or xt for chainset, xt for cassette (it's only about weight), xt for derailleur, slx for brakes

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

After using a couple 1x11 Deore drivetrains (and finding them solid), the newer 1x12 Deore is a nice improvement, shifts noticeably better than the 1x11. I have a 1x12 SLX on another bike and it is the sweet spot IMO.

[@BrettinLux]

My son has a mix of Deore and SLX on his bike and it really great value for money👍

[@bonzychinn]

1x12 SLX shifter & rear derailleur mix with FSA crankset, KMC chain with 9-50t e-13 cassette on my hardtail & they shifts butter ❤️❤️❤️

[@nicholkid]

I've got the 1x10 deore from 2020 and it has been flawless. Never mis-shifts and the cranks are super stiff. If you are budget conscious there's barely any downsides to sticking with plain deore.

[@ridesouls2830]

Try sram xx1 or xo1 derailleur shifter you never want Shimano again

[@jimbo4203]

My specialized ebike came with Deore and its been great

[@paulssnfuture2752]

Deore But still get an XT shifter for a small amount seems the best for my usecase

[@nodammit]

@@ridesouls2830 I did. I never wanted Sram again..

[@davestopa999]

My stock Altus on my mtb has been going strong for a year now, maybe I've missed a shift a couple times but no biggie, I'm pretty happy with it but have always wondered, is the difference in price between my Altus and a Deore (only groupset I could possibly afford to upgrade to) worth it to a casual rider like myself?

[@abdullah_556_]

When the groupset costs more than your bike, you know they ain't playin.

[@doubleL_S]

It's an absolute joke and just like rolex watches aren't expensive to make neither is that chainset. They're laughing at bikers wanting to shave 0.4 seconds off of a time.

[@sepg5084]

@@doubleL_S learn something new about professional equipment: 0.1 seconds can be the difference between a win and a loss. If you are not a professional, you have no need for one. No one is forcing you to buy expensive parts, you can buy an Alivio if you want or whatever 😂

[@doubleL_S]

@@sepg5084 I dunno what that is but 🤷🏻‍♂️ brakes are brakes if you're not a fat c**t you don't need amazing ones. They all stop pretty much the same.

[@ludwigvonn9889]

Fr i just recently bought my first bike and i was so confused by the different prices of the same model. How does one bike cost 500 and at the same time 1500$...

[@nerglersstuff8890]

@@sepg5084 ouch.. That's my drivetrain! I pretty recently learned what that drivetrain is aimed at, and how cheap it is. And damn dude, it's way more than just 0,1 second. Do you know how much my fork and front wheel weighs? It's like having a small child strapped to my handlebars.. :( So strange to me to complain about prices for bike parts when you consider that a pair of pants can easily go for above 100€. I bet that people complaining here have no idea exactly how crappy the cheap parts really are. For example, the Alivio bottom-bracket in my bike is 70% plastic. It looks like a rat lives in there- that's how much dirt it collects. Sorry, had to rant.. I'm very frustrated with my bike atm. Everything is fucking crumbling.

[@NorthernSkiAndCycle]

Also, XT and XTR derailleurs have a port to adjust the clutch without removing the cover.

[@Jacob99174]

No better person on EARTH to discuss this. I love this guy

[@gmbntech]

Doddy's the expert! Thanks for watching!

[@gray_wolverine63]

I have to admit I am a Shimano fan boy from XT XTR, it's all I run on all my bike, I'm a firm believer you get what you pay for. Awesome insight 👏🏼

[@derekneumann]

I have been rolling a full SLX drivetrain on my 2021 Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Carbon 29 for about a year now.... awesome!! I really haven't cleaned it or messed with it worth a damn, and still shifting great!

[@1911Zoey]

Check your drivetrain for dirt or dust. If I were you I'd baby that thing once or twice a week depending on how much time you spend riding it. 👍

[@Cycle9568]

A nice chart with all of the weights and prices would have been a great way to wrap this all up.

[@pgjudo]

Worldwide Cyclery did that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6a4ooylm86MjMU

[@cencoast_7.340]

He said and displayed it all.

[@moxnix]

if you want to make your bike lighter replace the air in tires with helium = No joke Helium has 0.0114 pounds per cubic foot. For a one cubic foot helium filled balloon , gravity pulls the down on the helium with a force of 0.0114 pounds while the air pushes up with a force equal to the weight of the air the helium displaced, or 0.0807 pounds.

[@reeeeeeee8392]

Great video. Would we be able to get a similar video for Shimano brakes?

[@GreenLifeOne]

Thanks for the video, it comes at just the right time. I am in the process of building a new MTB and first wanted to go XT but then SLX to save a little money. But I couldn't make much sense of some of the technical differences, the explanation in the video helped me a lot. I will stay with XT and try to save a little money in another place.

[@mickchaganis6607]

Brilliant, well explained, nice to know about SRAM also. People say they are all the same, just different materials, partly true but you have explained the other differences in a really easy to understand way. 😁

[@charlie9ine]

You are bang on Doddy. The cross compatibility is great because you can customize your transmission without compromising

[@gmbntech]

Exactly right! 👍

[@mountainbikerides]

What everyone usually fails to mention is that manufacturers are cross compatible too! Especially with component shortages recently many of us are running mixes of SRAM, Shimano, Sunrace, KMC etc.... How about a "best mix and match" groupset with both value and performance results?

[@MrKeefy]

On my other bike (hybris) I have ultegra crank and chainring front derailleur with sram rival cassette and derailleur and sram rival thumb shifters. Works fine, took a bit extra setting up messing the the front derailleur screws to limit the rubbing when in low and high gears.

[@Gabe73C]

Well played, Shimano. You just talked me into an upgrade. 😆

[@invain143]

It is called "Upgraditis" and it is super contagious

[@simonwang3484]

Great vid! Could you please do one on the Shimano brake lineup compared?

[@joachimdo7096]

That was a long awaited clarification and summarization. Please do more of this. Maybe with brakes etc.

[@deusexaethera]

Let me boil it down for you: More money = Fancier features + narrower market demographic who will actually benefit from those features. Buy the best stuff you can afford and be happy with it.

[@ctsingletrack]

The XT and XTR have an access port on the clutch cover for adjusting the clutch on the fly. The Deore and SLX require you to remove the clutch cover to make adjustments. I find periodic adjustments are necessary with Shimano derailleur clutches.

[@captainbozo01]

My trekking bike has a 3 x 10 Deore/Deore XT mix and it's been working flawlessly ever since 2017!

[@christopherfinnegan257]

I was lucky when I was looking to upgrade my groupset because I found a mix groupset, shifters and crank were SLX and the cassette, chain and rear mech (deraliuer) were XT and in my opinion the a winning combination became you've got the durability of the XT and the smother shifting from the SLX

[@frozencanuck6764]

I've got the XTR rear...XT front...with XT Rapid Fire Plus shifters. All my rings are Race Face. I also put on steel braided Flack Jacket cables. Bottom bracket and crank are also Race Face. The thing shifts like butter. The durability has been top notch. Highly recommended. Worth the $$.

[@danecarli]

SLX is definitely where your getting your moneys worth. Less than half the price of XTR and lots of similiar features.

[@tobyg4556]

I agree, but after getting an XT shifter, I'd never go back.

[@bitumen83]

Actualy SLX is the worst IMO, from everything that we heard in this video and what I know from previos versions if you want to go on budget go Deore, if you want great performance, durability and tech go XT. XTR is for racers and for guys who have a lot of money to throw around. SLX is more expensive that deore but you dont get any more performance, same shifting and little less weight... and it looks fugly with that gray color.

[@LuLeBe]

I'm actually thinking deore with the XT shifter (rapid shift also to smaller cogs). My bike came with SLX but if I were to build it myself or buy from a brand where I can pick all the components, I'd see no reason to go with SLX. Sure it's lighter but most bikes these days weigh so much that 300 grams don't matter a lot.

[@swyx8084]

@@bitumen83 I agree, I have Deore XT shifter and Deore RD on my Dartmoor primal, prolly best combo I had on a budget

[@NiohNiohYT]

Not really feels *exactly* the same as Deore, so other than weight (which is legit reason for someone to go SLX) Deore is the sweet spot, preferably with XT shifter. Maybe go SLX crankset simply cos it's possibly the cheapest way to save 150 grams ever if you see difference in Deore and SLX crankset cost, but other than crankset potentially nothing from SLX makes sense over Deore.

[@robgoffroad]

I'd love to see a version of this video covering the SRAM components. My new bike has SRAM, all entry-level (Deore-equivilent) and I'd love to know about the higher end stuff that I might want to swap on.

[@szurketaltos2693]

IMO Deore sits somewhere between NX and GX -- heavier than GX but similar build quality. SX is heavy and flexy but can be good for people starting out on a budget.

[@dolphin-studio]

@@szurketaltos2693 more like sx is the only option when starting out

[@patthewoodboy]

this is my mix. Hope evo cranks/chain ring , KMC 12 spd chain , Sunrace 12 spd cassette, XT rear derailleur , SLX shifter ... works fine

[@robbklobb6501]

PERFECT REVIEW! Nothing to add. Nothing to remove.

[@OwlCMedicine]

simply the best breakdown of this ever. Thank you. This answered all my questions at once. You rock.

[@michaellacny4628]

Been running 1x11 Deore on my Beargrease and am surprised by its smoothness. My first 1x drivetrain. Still love my 2x10 and I may be a bit weird, but my old XTR rapid rise is my favorite. Set-up on an old Trek 8500.

[@aapomo]

What year trek 8500 do you have? I have a 2006 8500 and planning to put xt 1x11 on it

[@iainrossiter758]

Absolutely brilliant summary 👌

[@msagoo29]

Deore, is more than good enough for recreational riders, it's better than SX and NX, all of them have great fit, finish and build quality

[@MrSupermugen]

Just use a slx or xt cassette. The weight is considerable noticeable on both pedaling an suspension performance.

[@tobyg4556]

@@MrSupermugen I disagree, the most weight saved would be changing from deore to slx cranks.

[@MrSupermugen]

@@tobyg4556 ita not about overall its about the weight on the rear wheel... which is what i basically said...

[@tobyg4556]

@@MrSupermugen I don't believe that 60g is going to make any sort of noticeable difference in suspension performance.

[@MrSupermugen]

@@tobyg4556 65g is still a good chunk to come off the rear wheel. The xt cassette is 122 grams lighter. I went from a deore to xt and i noticed how much less harsh the rear was straight away. Next your going to tell me you dont feel a difference between an alloy and carbon frame

[@maxspruit8370]

I remenber trying to bend/break a 90's xt rear derailleur cage plate. Bending it in the vise was hard and it would spring back perfectly. A little further and saw some surface fractures, bit sprang back perfectly. Yet further and in snapped. Case hardened with a good spring temper on the inside. Amazing quality.

[@reeceholmes8546]

thanks Doddy, this is what i needed I'm pretty much a born again biker and new bikes are alien to me, great stuff

[@deusexaethera]

I have to vent a pet peeve of mine: The correct names are not "shifter" and "mech", but "shift controller" and "shift actuator". Also, it's amazing how Shimano has managed to reduce the functionality of drivetrains by removing the high/low chainrings, while continuing to charge the same price.

[@Ka_Go]

Great vid! Super helpful. Please do one for SRAM drivetrains. Also do these vids for brakes.

[@MichielBrockhus]

Great video and most of all, amazing editing👌🏻

[@ScottTeuber]

Excellent! Thanks for helping me understand drive trains better.

[@Jon-ty6bb]

When your pulley/jockey wheels wear out on your SLX mech replace them with XT units. (…..well it works very nicely with 11sp, M7000/8000). XT shifters…..always.

[@jf8534]

SLX for the win!

[@wd99999]

Full XT build on both my last bikes, no complaints

[@reddieseled]

There’s not a lot in it with modern shifters and derailleurs. The Deore 1x10 and newer are great. The 12x can be very sensitive to changes in cable length. I use a 1x11 and it’s amazing and cheap components too when it wears

[@shannonpriestley3833]

A basic Deore Shimano 1x12 is so smooth and nice.

[@steelfalconx2000]

Honestly i think the LX (or SLX now lol) is the best bang for the buck.

[@boogiedownbronx73]

I got a new mtb recently no brand name from China...came with majority deore and m200 brakes and suntour suspension...must say im happy with the 1x12

[@yannhenriot2568]

I was dreaming of it, Doddy made it.

[@kenzukang3997]

My deore xt m785 groupset 10speed still working fine...

[@bitumen83]

I bought that group long time ago and put it on my previous bike. Now I give that bike to my brother. Im now on 12 speed XT group. Every time when I try that m785 group Im suprised how smooth, fast and pricise it is. Probably one of the best generations Shimano made until now.

[@Driftuner]

Imo the slx group is the one that makes the most sense for most riders. Its a tad lighter than Deore, considerably cheaper than XT, but doest really miss any necessary feature. That being said though, i personally would go with: SLX cranks and chain, XT cassette and shifter, and Deore mech..

[@LoaforDie]

Interesting video for me. Never owned a mountain bike but this video is like the equivalent of road group sets, Sora-105-Ultegra-Dura-ace. Cool watch.

[@islandaerial3414]

Hey Doddy, Last time I was in the shop I was looking at a range of chains from 601($48 Cdn) to 701 ($68 Cdn) to 901($98 Cdn!)

[@larskullberg7292]

What´s your point???

[@QoraxAudio]

Just finished installing a full XT MTB drivetrain and brakeset onto my touring bike. Drives nicely. Highly recommended to ditch the multi chainring stuff and get this instead! Less is more.

[@QoraxAudio]

Oh and BTW, 678 euros for a full XT drivetrain? In your dreams! More like 800 to 850 euros depending on cassette/derailleur choices.

[@martintin250]

Great informative video. Well done 👍

[@gmbntech]

Thanks Marty! Safe riding!

[@stephenshirley1496]

Would love video on shimano brakes the same as u have done with the group sets

[@ktm_rider879]

I got two sram nx and after a year came lose shift bad... need tuning every 4-5 ride. Now i have a group set slx and it smooth as hell, i never go back with sram.

[@EimaiEmpusa69]

Defo upgrading to an XT.. Thank you for the info!

[@henripapillon4269]

What is the difference between them? They have different prices.

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

You can mix and match as long as the rear derailleur actuation ratios are the same & the front derailleur inner / outer cage sides accept the chainring sizes you intend to use . Also rear derailleur capacity . There are other minor considerations but these are the main ones . Also chain types are important .

[@GhislainLeduc]

I have several bike but the only one with Shimano is DEORE and it works very well. And I have Shimano for all my brakes :) MT510, and 2 sets of SAINTS brakes

[@I-Love-Taylor-Swift]

I have an SLX rear mech & shifter, a SRAM cassette & chain & a Hope crankset!! It is excellent :-) I love my SLX rear mech & I love my Hope crankset!

[@WhiteMFingRabbit]

Super helpful video, Thank you! Now lets wait a couple of year for any of this to be in stock xD

[@dcv9460]

AWESOME EXPLANATION! 👍🏽💯✔️

[@gmbntech]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the content!

[@Fauz11ukman]

crank: deore bb: xtr chain: deore shifter: deore rd: xt brakes: slx cassette: slx/xt

[@kaltonian]

that was great thank you, loving the 180 length crank arm, shimano components are great to miss & match

[@Outdoor_MED]

Awesome video Doddy!

[@joedatuknow]

Thanks your great gald to have u back

[@82lowe36id]

Great information and you made it all make sense.

[@zachscherpa944]

Great informative video! Saving this one, thanks!

[@spikeloh]

yes!! perfect & crystal clear explanation.

[@stephendavis7707]

This has been a good vlogg for me to better understand how to change my 2x9 into a 1x12 ,i have no experience with bikes and their parts but i am trying to do it myself mechanically i am sound i just am unsure what to buy and why so this was a great help ,..

[@motoktm3042]

If you have 2x9 , you can't go 1x12, 12 speed cassette will not fit on your hub. You can do 1x11.

[@dyzoly]

Cross compatibility was much better just a few decades ago when you could use even road components with your MTB comps...you could even run a 6spd chain on a 7spd cassette, with an 8spd shifter pulling a 9spd mech.

[@apainter1000]

Could you please look at the brakes, please?

[@samfalk8420]

Please do one comparing the different tiers of brake levers!

[@DerEchteAndrej]

I had a Deore XT on my old - now stolen - bike without even realising it. After buying the new bike with a Deore... Now I know how good the derailer really was on my old bike -.-

[@son-tchori7085]

/me misses the day Road and MTB mechs were compatible...

[@cattamer7326]

I just don't like the XTr rear derailleur, the chain guide plate just looks cheap. In contrast to the 9-speed Xtr derailleur (RD-M971). The quality is simply better

[@davidsmith9802]

The video states XTR chains are the fastest wearing versus Deore and SLX as more durable. Are you able to support this statement? If XTR chains are five watts more efficient, that is powered saved that would go into wearing pins, rollers, and other parts of the drivetrain. In previous generations, XTR has tested to be the highest mileage in the Shimano line. I have not seen data testing chain life across the entire Shimano 12 speed line. However, XTR has been tested and was the highest mileage of any 12 speed chain tested from the leading brands.

[@speedy1490]

On my MTB im riding 1x12 Deore Mech with XT pulleys and XTR shifter. On my touring bike i got a hacked high range1x10 with a XT 11x Mech with a Saint shifter.

[@kerbodynamicx472]

I had a 2018 bike with a Deore groupset, but unfortunately I crashed the bike recently and bend the derailleur severely. And even though the chains fall off regularly, shifting is still very smooth if it shifts at all. While finding an replacement, the bike shop couldn’t even find a 9-speed Deore, and has to downgrade to an Altus, which made shifting quite clunky. In my opinion, Deore is the best value for cost… and how unfortunate that consumerism has made cycling far more costly. If I had replaced with it with the new Deore shadow, I would have to replace the shifter and cassettes, and I can’t justify the cost…

[@swyx8084]

Am I the only one using Shimano XTR Upkit (SRAM XX1 chain) and SRAM XX1 crankset?

[@SuperChrisfran]

I have been running a full 1 x 12 Deore group set for the last year and it has been faultless. However, I’ve just upgraded to XT and I have to say other than the shifter, I haven’t noticed any real difference. If you’re on a budget and/or not image driven, save your cash and stick with Deore. The brakes are great too.

[@barrybullsh1tter246]

Yeah it’s great for money. I have Deore everything and runs well

[@frits8986]

Agreed, Shimano brakes are amazing all across the range

[@ناصرابومروان-ز6ظ]

Thank you 👍

[@paulssnfuture2752]

Honestly have been using the stock cassette & chainring; and deore derailleur , XT shifter & Chain. Cheapest upgrade from my stock bike after wearing out the chain and destroying my cheapo stock Sensah derailleur. It really not necessary to upgrade my crankset, I'll just wait till it wears down or gets badly bent

[@cranksbuddies9873]

XTR crankset, XTR cassette, XT RD, XT Shifter, XTR Chain. = combo

[@gmbntech]

👍 🔥

[@toxicmale1744]

I went full SLX with an aftermarket crankset. Works great. I found it unnecessary to use the 10 - 51 range cassette with the 36 tooth chainring as 45 teeth on the rear is more than enough to climb up steep stuff even with the 36 tooth on the front. And it's lighter which helps the rear suspension actuate. The SLX shifter is excellent - I see no real reason to upgrade to XT.

[@Andy-co6pn]

Double upshits on the XT shifter , superb

[@NiohNiohYT]

You don't seem to know what steep climb is if you think that 36T with 45 rear is "more than enough", since even the professional XC racers in their prime often go 32-34 with 51 for certain tracks and 36 on the others, and again, that's with 51 on the back. So you going 36T with 45 on steep climbs... maybe on asphalt with 8kg custom hardtail with locked fork for short length steep climbs :)

[@jimm244]

If your granny gear is a 36/45 you are a monster.

[@fra93ilgrande]

That moment when a XTR cassette costs like the whole Deore groupset 😅😂 👌 🔝

[@ianpurcell7266]

XTR all the way. But if you cycle daily don’t expect them to last long. Chain and cassette and chainring a few times per year.

[@bitumen83]

Real question is WHEN Shimano will make wireless shifting and on budget? That is what we are waiting for. I dont like SRAM and would like to have Shimano wireless shifting which will probably be cheaper that SRAM in Europe.

[@FoilPowell]

Archer is the $500 your looking for

[@silver_c1oud]

I hope they wont

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

Nobody is waiting for electric shifting. And that stuff is expensive, so "wireless on a budget" would mean shitty material and workmanship.

[@GHinWI]

I wonder about differences in the derailleur b-bolt pivot??? That’s one of the big differences in the Sram derailleurs…the NX, and to some extent GX have looser pivots which can give dodgy shifting. XO1 is where it’s at for SRAM derailleurs.

[@PEOdysseus]

very helpful - thanks!!

[@gmbntech]

No worries! We're glad you found this useful!

[@harrydunn2072]

Please do one on the sram gear, love the video!

[@eduardoalvaroglez]

Shimano deore Crank and rear mech with slx shifters and XT brakes

[@masterecotech]

Great info Doddy, thanks. Could you do the same thing for Sram please?

[@kona0197]

It does not matter what Shimano setup you buy. None of them can come close to the buttery smooth performance of SRAM Eagle XX1.

[@jerrycombs3459]

I have an XX1 bike and an XTR bike. You couldn’t be more wrong. Hyperglide+ is for real.

[@thebrowns5337]

So wrong. I have tried both brands many times over the years. SRAM is so clunky and slow.

[@johndef5075]

I always end up replacing my Sram drivetrains with Shimano. 30 years of mtbing has shown me the light.....

[@thewaywardgrape3838]

I believe everyone except for professional racers, don't need to worry about weight; your fitness should negate most weight increases. Same as saving weight won't make you faster if your skills & fitness isn't up to scratch.

[@Arieleyo]

Great video, thanks!

[@charlie9ine]

I’m running XT but with Raceface cranks and chain ring. Flawless

[@djgolf3256]

Sames

[@mrbadger9920]

This knowledge of the differences across the Shimano range is all well and good, but you probably will end up buying whatever is in stock for the time being. Hopefully things will improve soon

[@NiohNiohYT]

Idk about stock issues, I only hear stories about that and everything is always available. Not yet had any issue finding a single part except for disc rotors cos food couriers appeared during the lockdown and bought all the brakes in existence

[@mrbadger9920]

@@NiohNiohYT I built a bike up recently and had to shop around quite a bit in order to get 12 speed Shimano drivetrain parts. In fact, just last week I had a quick look at getting a 12 speed cassette for one of my bikes and everywhere I looked was out of stock. Admittedly I didn't persevere at too many websites as I am not in a rush

[@098excel]

Good job! Informative

[@barrybullsh1tter246]

I have 2x11 Deore. Looking to upgrade to one of these in the future.

[@chadbouterse8617]

Awesome video!

[@handlealreadytaken]

Love the XT set that came on my bike. Shifts like butter. Glad to hear that it’s durable which means the XTR isn’t worth upgrading to.

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

Since when does butter shift?