Deore XT upgrade

[skypickle]

SHIMANO DEORE XT M8100 Debuts with Shimano’s marquee mountain bike component technologies and trail-specific focus

I like the fact that Shimano has designed this groups with bike in mind. Specifically the idea that chain tension actually improves shifting sounds attractive-one less thing to think about. Plus the XT brakes are probably better than the stock guides. The 'narrow range' cassette has 11 gears and still wider than stock. I don't think I want the 12 speed-I am not a racer and would prefer the increased durability of the thicker chain. I don't know tho if a smaller chainring would be of any benefit. Stock has 32 teeth.

The bit about Q factor is a choice I wish I didn't have to make. Fatter tires would certainly make for a smoother ride and better grip. Given that I have motor assist, I don't think there is any downside. But the choices are dizzying. Would I need a new wheels? Has anyone thought about this one?

 

[Rusty]

Have to admit I love Shimano groupsets these days. Always was Shimano on road bikes & SRAM on MTB but usually with Shimano or some other brakes. The 8120 4 pot brakes are what I am going to if I upgrade my Levo Comp.
As far as the rest of the components go - I am usually going down a grade for cassettes as I bend them under load on my MTB so expect my eMTB to do similar. Also look to steel front rings as allow ones will wear too fast and the few grams would hardly be noticeable.

 

[Indigo]

Hi @skypickle,

I believe Shimano have removed the 11-speed option. The 10-45T cassette is a closer ratio 12 speed. Both XT M8100 and XTR M9100 shifters have the ability to do double gear changes up (which seems necessary on ebike), however hyperglide+ promises smooth shifting up or down whilst under power, so current practice of backing off power and double shifting will be past history.

Yes, you would need to replace your rear hub's freehub body with Shimano's new micro-spline freehub body and if not available you would need to replace your hub.

Then there's a problem with the chainring? With mid-drive motors the chainring is not fixed to the cranks -- spin your cranks backwards and you will find the chainring doesn't move. So you will need to source a new HYPERGLIDE+ chainring that will mount onto your existing setup.
eg: Wolf Tooth - Shimano 12spd Hyperglide+ Compatible Chainrings

 

[skypickle]

thanks indigo. So i guess i need to get the direct mount ring?

Direct Mount Chainrings for Shimano Cranks for Shimano 12spd Hyperglide+ Chain

 

[Indigo]

Turbo Levo takes a 104 BCD chainring:
104 BCD Chainring for Shimano 12spd Hyperglide+ Chain

You will also need 4 chainring bolts with nuts, see here:
Turbo Levo Chainring Replacement

 

[Rusty]

Hi @skypickle,

however hyperglide+ promises smooth shifting up or down whilst under power, so current practice of backing off power and double shifting will be past history.

Still going to be necessary I expect. Ease of shifting is not the problem - it is the torque load put on to the derallieur cage that causes the issue. On my conventional bike I had screwed a DR while shifting under load - both down and up. Have come across several people with badly twisted cages way out in the boonies after they had tried the double downshift on a pinch climb.

 

[Rusty]

SHIMANO DEORE XT M8100 Debuts with Shimano’s marquee mountain bike component technologies and trail-specific focus

I don't think I want the 12 speed-I am not a racer and would prefer the increased durability of the thicker chain.

Was discussing going to 10speed in another thread this morning and while at my LBS checking on dates for the 2020 bikes we discussed and they have apparently done 10 or 12 conversions this year for owners that wanted stronger chains after experiencing failures out in the back country.

 

[Mcharza]

Still going to be necessary I expect. Ease of shifting is not the problem - it is the torque load put on to the derallieur cage that causes the issue. On my conventional bike I had screwed a DR while shifting under load - both down and up. Have come across several people with badly twisted cages way out in the boonies after they had tried the double downshift on a pinch climb.

Uuh! Never double shift on climb