Just Released: New Shimano XTR & 10 Things To Know

Friends, the 7-year wait is finally over: as of today, Shimano is officially out with new XTR, its top-end, flagship groupset for mountain bikes. This summer, with the Japanese component maker slated to drop other groupsets in its mountain bike category, we’ll be going deeper on all things Shimano, including additional content and a proper ride review. For now, grab a cold one, sit back, and enjoy some nuggets of XTR knowledge. 

New XTR: How the MTB Space Has Evolved, Why This Release Matters

Since Shimano’s last XTR release in 2018, the mountain bike space has gone through several, major evolutions. To name just a few, 1 x12-speed drivertrains became the new norm, electronic mountain bikes exploded in popularity (don’t be a hater–you know you want one), and SRAM threw down the gauntlet with the release of Transmission, their second, fully wireless electronic drivetrain. All the while, Shimano fans have waited, wondering when XTR will catch up, or dare we say, leap ahead? 

We’ll save full judgement for our ride review, but for now, we’re pleased to report that good things come to those who wait. Bottom line, this release represents a significant, strategic investment from Shimano into its most high-end mountain bike platform, with trickle down technology sure to find its way to the rest of its lineup.

For most cyclists, the standout performer in the group will be the return of electronic shifting, bringing the brand back into the conversation with SRAM. But just like a tight band or high-performing team, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, so is the case with the new XTR, with each component coming together to form an exceptional groupset. With compelling options for cross-country, enduro, and electric mountain bike setups, Shimano seems to have the bases covered, for just about every type of rider. 

Contender Presents...the Top 10 Things to Know About New Shimano XTR 

Because we have some ground to cover, front to back, Contender presents…the top 10 things you should know about the new Shimano XTR: 

1. Bringing Di2 Back—and It’s Wireless

Shimano brings Di2 electronic shifting back to its mountain bike category for the first time since 2014. Rear derailleurs for 11- and 12-speed systems run on internal batteries and connect wirelessly to Di2 shifters. You still charge the derailleur, but now, there are no shift cables cluttering your cockpit. For the e-bike groupset, you have the option to stick with the fully wireless setup, or with the wired option (where the derailleur plugs into the bike's main battery), there is a sizable convenience benefit, with a single charge to the battery applying to the derailleur as well. Overall, riders should expect fast, precise shifting with Hyperglide+—perfect for hard-charging XC laps or ripping enduro trails. 

2. XTR Will Survive–the Trail and If Necessary, the Crash 

The new XTR Di2 derailleurs (long- and mid-cage) are built to take a licking, and keep on ticking (h/t, Timex). A wedge-shaped design deflects impacts, with 23mm more clearance and a carbon cage skid plate. Shimano’s Automatic Impact Recovery resets the motor position after a crash, keeping shifting smooth. In Contender’s view, this is a direct response to SRAM’s durability claims.

3. Two Cassette Options—Including a 9T Start

With this release, XTR now comes with two cassette options:

• 10-51T (510%) wide-range

• 9-45T (500%) compact

Both use steel, titanium, and aluminum cogs, and are Micro Spline-compatible. The 9-45T pairs well with the mid-cage derailleur, offering more clearance and tighter gearing for racers. Worth noting: if  you run the 9-45T cassette with a 27T chainring, you’ll get the same range as the bigger, 32T cassette, while also achieving better chain wrap. 

4. (Brakes) Worth the Squeeze: Ergonomic Shaped Levers 

While the XC brake levers are identical to the previous XTR, they do feature updated seals, to operate more seamlessly with the new mineral oil Shimano is using. A quick safety note: we do want to be upfront that these new brakes must be paired with the mineral oil, and will NOT work with the old mineral oil. Moving along, on the Trail and Enduro side of the house, new brake levers have better ergonomics and pivot placement for quicker power and smoother modulation. A 5° lever angle and updated Servo Wave better match finger movement, boosting control in both corners and chunky terrain. For those interested in a full upgrade to XTR brakes, you check out our upgrade kit here.

5. Cool Running: Quieter, Cooler Braking with New Calipers

The two-piston BR-M9200 and four-piston BR-M9220 calipers now use low-viscosity mineral oil for a more consistent feel. Improved seals and rattle-free pads reduce noise. The four-piston version brings DH-level power and control, ideal for enduro or technical trails.

6. Crank It Up: XC and Enduro Cranksets, Both Hollowtech II

XTR’s two crankset options—FC-M9200 (XC) and FC-M9220 (Enduro)—both feature Hollowtech II construction, available in 160-175mm lengths–new for Shimano. The Enduro version adds a thicker spindle for impact resistance. Both use direct-mount SM-CR96 chainrings (28–36T), with Q-factors and chainlines tuned for their style. 

7. (Electronic) Shifting Gears, But With a Tactile Feel 

The new SW-M9250 Di2 shifter is compact, adjustable, and keeps that satisfying mechanical “click.” Choose single, multi, or double-click modes, plus a programmable third button via E-Tube. Whether bar-mounted or I-Spec EV integrated, it offers a clean look and familiar feel—Contender staff are especially hyped on this one.

8. Purpose Built E-MTB Rear Derailleur, with Auto Shift and Free Shift

Shimano has also released e-MTB specific XTR rear derailleurs (RD-M9260) for both 11- and 12-speed systems. These versions are direct-wired to the bike’s main battery and include proprietary Shimano technology, including: a) AUTO SHIFT, which shifts based on cadence and torque, so you’re always in the right gear; and b) FREE SHIFT, which allows the drivetrain to shift while coasting—especially useful on techy descents. It’s the smoothest integration of XTR performance into the e-MTB space yet.

9. Faster, Smoother, Lighter–Hubs and Wheels

New XTR hubs (FH/HB-M9210) use stainless cartridge bearings and quick, 3.5° engagement. Carbon wheelsets–hooked for cross-country, hookless for Enduro–feature titanium or stainless spokes depending on use. Initial impression? They’re lighter, faster, and built for elite racing.

10. You Do You: Shimano Didn’t Try to Be SRAM, To Their Credit

While SRAM Transmission took the direct-mount, zero-adjustment route, Shimano has stuck with a more modular and user-serviceable design philosophy. XTR M9200 seems to be Di2 without the frills, with shift performance and trail durability that we think will feel dialed, but not over-engineered.  

Bonus: interested in upgrading an existing bike to the new XTR? For those coming from any 12-speed Shimano platform, regardless of groupset, feel free to check out our Shimano XTR Drivetrain Upgrade Kit, which has everything you'll need. 

Learn More

For those interested in learning more about the new Shimano XTR, feel free to drop by the shop, send us a message, or give us a call at (801) 364-0344.