Shimano XT 12 Speed M8100 Derailleur Details, XTR Hack, Comparison with XTR M9100

[@rafaelmacaroun]

Your video just saved my day, perhaps my derailleur as well. The mechanic I took my bike left it to close to cassette (B-screw) so the outer plate of the cage was caught in one of the cogs during a chain contraction on a big drop, I believed I was on the 42T one and it was sucked by the 50T (Sunrace MZ90). It got bent in its wider part close to the G-Pulley. I took it back to the shop and it was realigned. In one part of your footage I got the perspective I wanted to compare with mine so I can check for further damage. Keep on posting these high detailed videos. They're a great help to the community. Thank you.

[@coolmuthapea]

Im running 8100 with 12 speed 11 50 sunrace and had a great problem setting up, the derailleur was not shifting up the 2 largest cogs even when the b screw was wound in fully. It would just catch on the cogs. I ended up getting a new chain and making it longer, different set up to usual. But then taking the b screw out, removing a plastic packer of sorts and winding it back in more to clear the cogs enough! V strange set up but now works

[@coolmuthapea]

@@LoveMTB I think and hope! its working great on the workstand but still needs a few parts to complete and do a proper trial. I can't get my head round why the b screw needs to be so long on a device designed for a 50 cog?

[@rafaelmacaroun]

@@coolmuthapea When I first installed Sunrace 11-50 cassette it was rubbing against the spokes so I realigned the rim to make sure it was true but it was still rubbing so I filled the biggest cog around the rivet to make extra room, although I wasn't comfortable with that. I'm thinking about buying PG-1230 next time but would have to run with a Shimano chain or put a SRAM chain with a Shimano crankset, either way would be unadvised according to both manufacturers. So far my next possible solution is to buy a spacer, I've found a 0.5mm steel spacer in avt.bike/ and I also bought a 1mm I will try both, my main concern to have enough engagement in the lockring (Chris King advised me on that matter). Anyway, I think Sunrace set the cogs in the cassette too far from the derailleur for it to run properly and as small spacer would give the necessary adjustment to set it correctly. The B-Screw is not working well so far, if I set the distance correctly I have a bad shifting and if it's too close I risk damaging my derailleur again. I will keep you posted. Cheers.

[@doncrescas]

@@rafaelmacaroun Unfortunately this hasn't been publicized enough, but the Sunrace 11-50 was designated by sunrace as not compatible with shimano 12s due to the cog spacing. They came out with a new 11-51 series that uses the shimano spacing. That coupled with a shimano chain (narrower than kmc and sram) should alleviate many issues.

[@rafaelmacaroun]

@@doncrescas good to know but once my Sunrace cassette is worn I would buy a Sram PG-1230 as shown in the following video, Sunrace still used alloy cogs and I don't care much about the extra weight I prefer the longevity of the steel cog and save weight in another part of the bike. Thank you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWXPkIJnptl9bqs

[@mietzschespot]

Hi. I've now killed 2 RD-M8100 for the same problem: water, grit, mud enters the spring housing (all but well sealed!) and add lots of friction to the pin used for the clutch. Opening the clutch helps for some time but then the RD become very "sticky" and cannot recover the chain when using small cogs. I'm trying to re-condition one but it's a quite delicate work requiring lot of time. Would be interesting to check for differences on XTR RD-M9100 in such regard.

[@LoveMTB]

I would use this to service the clutch - kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKXJZGuZhJd4oJY And while at it, check what's going on. I've never had water entering the water tight clutch area.

[@overexposurevideo]

never knew the 2 jockey wheels are not in line and look bend! This is important to know as many people think they need a new derailleur or bend it back when they first see this.

[@donnovicki9771]

Another great video. Shimano nails it again

[@rlovell383]

love your channel. thanks

[@richtrevithick1113]

Cover with tongue Shimano P/N - Y5PV48000 is extremely difficult to currently find stock for in the UK (unless you buy the XTR gear cable set) but Shimano P/N - Y5XX38000 is visually identical, works perfectly and is available for £0.99 at SJS cycles.

[@IceGizz]

You mentioned that the bearings on the XTR pulleys are bigger than those on the XT. I ordered the XTR pulleys for my XT RD, compared and actually the bearings on the XTR are smaller than on the XT. That is the bearing cover what is bigger than on XT. But XTR pulleys are waaaay smoother than XT.

[@LoveMTB]

Thanks for sharing, better quality bearings on XTR

[@ricktan5663]

The teflon sleeve that you showed looks like the same plastic sleeve found in shifter housing end caps. You can get these end caps from Jagwire or Shimano and likely others.

[@abubua8781]

Cover with tongue A : Part number Y-5PV48000

[@florihupf]

Thanks for posting. Love love your channel.

[@Leo-gt1bx]

Those are both long cage. SGS means long cage GS means medium. The Medium cage also has the rubber bash protector.

[@KennyMinigun]

Actually, both mechs (1x51T vs 2x45T) are designated *-SGS, meaning they are both long cage (GS - mid cage, SS - short cage).

[@th_js]

Awesome video once again.

[@adrian-it8ps]

Thanks much for this video - I really appreciate your attention to detail, especially the point you made about the anti-friction tongue. I wonder what went behind Shimano's decision to not include that with the XT derailleur, i.e. what's the durability or performance cost to not having the tongue?

[@LoveMTB]

It might not be much. But all those finishing touches and details are clearly reserved for XTR, their race groupset

[@89Malvarez]

Hi! Just received my 12 speed XT M-8100 derailleur, and paired with XTR 11 speed M-9000, and guess what? It does work. Just make sure you put the cable in a way that seems to be crossed* (I did tried both ways) and routing the cable the wrong way will not make crisp shifting. Let me know if you need pictures!

[@89Malvarez]

LoveMTB I was running an XTR 11 speed rear mech, and suddenly broke, out of the blue. I used to use the XT 11speed, and it also broke from the same specific spot. I was upset, thinking they have basically the same construction, and that might be why, and after all, should I try with the 12 due to bigger pulley and improvements? Why not? (Right?) Decided to run the 12 due to construction and tolerances. I run (right now) 11-46t XT, 32t ring, and XTR shifter. Maybe this time the rear mech will last longer. Add info: nothing against XTR, had it over 2 years, and no issues, until it it failed, and snapped exactly in the same spot as the XT.

[@89Malvarez]

LoveMTB hard to explain, but it was from the lower pivot/pin that goes from the area that has the model. The plastic* piece snapped The plastic* that wraps the lower pivot pin, next to the clutch rubber cover. That pin snapped the plastic surface and ripped the material. Let me know if it makes sense,

[@89Malvarez]

LoveMTB no, am I able to do that?! How?!

[@eXTreemator]

@waquzy facepalm....

[@jamble7k]

does the xt have any sort of external clutch adjustment like m8000 vs. m7000? great video as usual very informative also have you tried the new shimano 12 speed chain with a sram cassette/chainring?

[@tinoschneider6350]

As usual great and valuable content on this channel - thx a lot! I really would love to see a comparison between the XT and XTR shifter (tech and feel).

[@superlongman]

I'm using XTR 9100 but this XT RD looks so nice, too nice for the price!

[@MAEBikr]

Man - you saved my ass 4:15 - I rebuilt derailleur and put a pully wheel on backwards - hint it still works but really badly

[@alvindiazmarquez]

as always, great comparison, thanks!!

[@lekobiashvili945]

Actually the pulley bearings in the XTR are much smaller, but each pulley has a double row self aligning ball bearing, and that's what makes them better. Only the bearing cover is larger due to the specific shape needed for the axial freedom of the bearing.

[@Josep_Barbera_Garcia]

Good morning, have you checked if the 12-speed change is compatible with the same 11-speed gear lever?. It would be very interesting to check this! Thanks!.

[@petoulachi]

Great video as always, but I'm not sure the M8120 is intended for 1x. there's some difference in the upper pulley position specific for 2x drivetrain !

[@dav31078]

I have the xt and xtr derailleur on separate bikes. I can't really tell a difference in operation. Both work great!

[@iancanuckistan2244]

That's quite a price to pay for a 40g weight reduction. If Shimano is true to their previous releases, the shifting will be almost identical as well.

[@AaronGonzalezB]

Muchas gracias!! Excelente video

[@harzenduro]

I've run my XTR without the NOSE and it has worked flawlessly without destroying the cable either. No use, that's why XT doesn't have it.

[@craigmckinnon242]

I'm also going to run 11-speed cassette with the new 2020 XT rear derailleur. Reason being that the that the 2020 XT derailleur was meant to go to 46 and above. Im thinking it would work better than the the last version of the XT because it was was really wasn't meant to go to 46

[@chrisbragg5622]

will the xt outer cage fit on xtr? shimano says no but I call BS. they look identical! I cracked the carbon xtr cage in 2 months!

[@chrisbragg5622]

$20 vs $100. Can’t find either right now though. Might be on backorder until August! I wish wolftooth would make one for 12spd.

[@williammorris6097]

Have you compared using an XTR 9100 shifter on an XT 8100 rear derailleur and XT 8100 cassette to using the XT 8100 shifter? If so please let me know.I have heard that it improves shifting. Also, on one of your videos I noticed you used an XTR chain on a bike you built with SLX cassette. Noticable improvements on the shifting or smoother and quieter chain running? Or other reasons? Thanx for your videos and comments.

[@jimson2472]

I just replaced my XT with an XTR shifter and it drastically changes the shifting for the XT setup. I run an XTR chain and XT cassette. It is smooth and there is no hesitation. It shifts quickly and accurately. It is a fantastic upgrade.

[@amerem93]

XTR chain is more durable

[@lisabeck5631]

Excellent video - thanks

[@benday9791]

Super helpful video! May I ask, what sort of XT derailluer do I need that will run with a gx eagle cassette, chain and shifter?

[@benday9791]

All 12 speed

[@benday9791]

@@LoveMTB thanks! is the the M8100 one?

[@gammelgemse]

So, did it work out for your setup?

[@christianllano7988]

Hi. I was just surprised that a Shimano xt 12v change plus xt 12v control with Sram eagle 12v 10_50 cassette work well. I wanted to buy a sunrace 11_51 12v cassette with changed Sram gx12v, gx 12v command and gx12v chain but mw say that the sunrace cassette only works ok with the Shimano xt 12v group. Let's see if you can help me... thanks greetings..

[@Dan-qk4ns]

I have all xx1 drivetrain on my bike, but hate the sram shifter. I'll be switching to xtr. So I only need to replace the derailleur and shifter correct? I have the 1x12 setup

[@jamble7k]

it should work fine, the shifters are only about 30-40 euroes anyway

[@redtobertshateshandles]

You're ignoring the difference in the parallelogram bushes. That translates to less slop and better wear resistance.

[@tamaskovacs9915]

You are right, tahat’s the most important difference.

[@davidelpenho]

So as I understood from your video the 12s XT derailleur is not to be installed on a direct mount hanger, is that correct? Thanks

[@davidelpenho]

@@LoveMTB thank you very much for this valuable information that I couldn’t find anywhere else! I am assembling a Bullitt cargo bike and the dropouts (or hangers) that came to it where for direct mount and the shop mechanic told me it would work with the XT 12s but I was not confident about it and now, thanks to you, I know that there was a reason to not to trust that answer. I’m returning the dropouts and getting the right ones. It is sad some shops give misinformation just to sell the parts.

[@reynardramos1506]

Is it possible to change the pulleys of shimano 12Speed RD with 12T and 14T combination, or go with a double 14T Pulley combination?

[@TheyForcedMyHandLE]

One thing, when you snap the carbon outer plate on the XTR, be ready to shell out some $$.

[@oliverp4115]

I got 160 miles out of it on my new bike. Touched a twig. Shattered. It's being replaced with an xt.

[@Stickymicky25]

Hello, do you know if the XT mech will work with a 50T cassette just as well as a 51T cassette? Got a HG freehub and looking at the SunRace 11-50T 12spd cassette options as the newer 11-51T seem to be in short supply?...

[@Stickymicky25]

LoveMTB so definitely worth waiting then 👍🏻 thanks for the reply

[@johanbesar8041]

How about the RD spring tension. Are they the same?

[@piciu256]

I wonder if you could put the 12s dérailleur cage on 11s Shimano, I have no interest in the expensive af 12s drivetrain, but 11s doesn't work the best with 11-46 cassette, cage being the issue. Any chance you could check if they fit?

[@MartinSTI02]

11s Shimano works best with SG cage for 46 to 50t. I´m using this setup on my bike and also on customers bikes. We usually use XT 8000 GS + Sunrace 11-50t and it´s perfect, so 46t shouldn´t be a problem.

[@piciu256]

@@MartinSTI02 it is not perfect, I use GS cage too, it works, but the pulley is very far away from the cassette in the middle- small cogs so it's a bit vague when changing gears, as I said- it does work, but by no means can you call it perfect, good enough at best.

[@piciu256]

The dérailleur is designed to work with 11-36 cassettes, I hope you see where the problem lies. 11-42 is still very good, 11-46/50 is stretching it a bit.

[@stokedGSXR]

Where is the link to the little cable routing thing on the xtr?

[@pithaller9791]

Mine rd m8100 has a small issue. Can't drop from 50T to next smaller sprocket. I have to drop min. 2 speeds. Cassette is sram pg1230 11-50. What can be the problem? I think this happen only with clutch "on".

[@pithaller9791]

@@LoveMTB B gap is adjusted according to line on rd troley. But I think the clutch was adjusted too strong. If I lower the force on clutch I can reduce from 50 to 42t without any problems. However I have a feeling that clutch shall be little stronger. This is like "almost off" now.

[@YuoTubeTobi]

Do you know if I can use the 10-45 cassette on the M8100 long cage derailleur without problems? Don't need the high gear ratio of the 10-51

[@YuoTubeTobi]

@@LoveMTB yeah I know, but I want to be Future-Proof for maybe higher ratios. I'll go with XT.

[@YuoTubeTobi]

@@LoveMTB yeah, so the medium cage is 1x compatible?

[@grittintongnum4269]

As I see the cage of XTR is not carbon fiber right and tesion spring is titanium or not

[@grittintongnum4269]

@@LoveMTB Thanks alot for your reply it helpful for me to choose the a bicycle groupset keep going cheerrr

[@hellojrod]

Why would you down grade from xtr to xt?

[@ripcoreFR]

does XT derailleur works with 11 speed cassette 11-51 deore ?

[@trentrichardson1848]

Does anyone know if the clutch lever from XTR M9100 is compatible with XT M8100 Rear Der? I can't find supply of the XT lever anywhere, but XTR is avail. Mine snapped. Thx in Advance if you know for certain.

[@lillcavva]

Bought a 10-45 cassette for my slx m7100 SGS derailleur. How do you set the b tension screw in this case? There's no marks for it. Is there som other trick?

[@lillcavva]

@@LoveMTB Thanks for the reply! You didnt seem to mention it in the video you linked but i will try it out! You have to bypass the small thingy on the back of the mounting bolt to get the b-tension loose enough if you want to use it with the 45t cassette?

[@lillcavva]

Aand subbed btw :) some nice info on your site!

[@lillcavva]

@@LoveMTB do you think the 52mm setting works good? Should be the same size so why not?

[@89Malvarez]

Hi! Is it possible to run 11/12 speed rear derailleur (M8100) with 11 speed XTR (M9000) shifter, with a 11-50t 11 speed cassette?

[@89Malvarez]

LoveMTB looking forward to see that! And more of your awesome videos!

[@MartinSTI02]

Have you tried GS cage on 51t cassette? Does it work? Thanks

[@Yorabz]

here in japan gs cage only for 46T ...

[@nowrideyourbike-nyrb]

is this all aluminum?

[@LoveMTB]

yes

[@nowrideyourbike-nyrb]

are the plates aluminum?

[@LoveMTB]

Yes

[@rlkmtb6272]

So maybe slx m7100 may also bent and twisted cage?

[@rlkmtb6272]

@@LoveMTB thanks i already fix my friends bended rd cage.

[@rlkmtb6272]

@@LoveMTB it was bended more when he was droped his face mask in his rd cage while in the trail. The face mask stock on his cage and the upper pully got twisted too opposite side on the lower pully when he shift up once it goes 3 times. From 1st gear shifted to 4th gear instantly.

[@rlkmtb6272]

I just use a adjustable wrench to align the upper pulley to the cogs.

[@mauroduenas3206]

Can i use one of this pulley (13t) in my shimano deore rd m615 10 speed?

[@mauroduenas3206]

Jus a idea

[@1st2nd24]

When I searched for the xtr tongue, I found what I was looking for, but it had 2 side fins

[@RobbiePfunder]

What is the On Off lever for?

[@Leo-gt1bx]

Turbo boost.

[@villegasjohnadriane4735]

Can I use slx m7100 on 11 speed?

[@davidkilroy156]

Will the xt or xtr derailleur work with a sram eagle shifter?

[@jamble7k]

they do apparently. www.kustombikes.co.uk/article/6-shimano-xtr-m9100-rear-derailleur-is-compatible-with-sram-eagle-12-speed

[@davidkilroy156]

@@LoveMTB Thanks for that.

[@Samazing01]

Do you have any idea where we could purchase the "replaceable" rubber silencers you've shown in 4:35 ?

[@Samazing01]

@@LoveMTB Thankfully mine aren't damaged but I couldn't find any replacement for that and the rubber pads for the XTR shifter, I was wondering if you were able to find those too

[@marklaxina]

Can i use it with a 10 speed xt shifter?

[@hannes6114]

I don't think so

[@elijah1833]

Soo what's the hack??

[@seanhornchek6440]

Elijah the little noodle lol

[@cristobalmunoz9222]

Thanks for the video of the #Schimano #M8100 guy a good chifters of Downhill bike's and Enduro bike's yeeeaaaa and sig sey in diferents components guy. Cya from the Santig of Chile 🇨🇱 nice day. 🚲🚴🚵🗣️🚵🚴🍀🚲🇺🇸

[@jamble7k]

Has anyone tried the M9100 GS or M8100 GS with an 11 speed cassette?

[@jamble7k]

@waquzy good spot, didn't realise there was only a short cage xtr 👍

[@jordancameron4439]

What does the on off switch do?

[@tomhsia4354]

It's for the clutch.

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

Yeah, that direct mount situation is shamefull for Shimano. There will be many upset people, locked in 11speed drivetrains. There is so many spare hanger models, that everyone has a decent chance to find a classic replacement for their stock direct one, but searching for a match is so ridiculous. There is no standard, no guide, no standarised naming. Some freshier frames can still be supplied with classic hanger from manufacturer, but for most it will be hit&miss needle in a hey stack search. In EU, an option is to find a good supplier and arder few of the most lookalike, compare at home an return the rest, or all if unlucky. But not every country will offer that possibility. Also many shops refrain from stocking hangers. Only good source for some knowledge I know is marwi-eu(dot)com There is a frame picker for matching hanger.

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

@@LoveMTB All true, and they probably run with it longer than I realise. It never really gained much traction with only few bikes equipped each year. It was predictable I suppose. And more observant stayed away from this with time. My friend just bought a bike with it despite my warnings. But I guess it's not the end of the world to be locked in 1x11, or 2x11 atm in his case.

[@Andrea-qg5yk]

@@LoveMTB so if i buy a bike with a sram nx 1x11 i can't replace it with a xt drivetrain?

[@George1161]

The direct mount thing is confusing me! My bike currently has a direct mount hanger. Do I need a standard mount hanger to upgrade to XT 12-speed?

[@mazditzo]

hmmm xtr shifter with ... slx rd hahahah