New 11-speed drive train additions for mountain bikers

Today Shimano releases a selection of new products and features making their way into the component manufacturer's 2017 road and MTB line-ups.

Mountain bikers benefit from new 11-speed drivetrain additions with the following new products: 

• 1x11 chain ring with Dynamic Chain Engagement

• Wide ranging 11-46T cassette compatible with XTR or DEORE XT 1x11 set ups

• QUICK-LINK for 11-speed chains

Elsewhere additions at the mid-range level include:

• new gear combinations for 2x11 and 3x10 cranksets

• new hydraulic disc brakes at the middle and entry level

• and a disc brake rotor lock ring promising easier assembly

Drivetrains

New XTR and Deore XT 1x11 speed chain rings have been developed thanks to studies with world level cross-country and trail riders in all conditions, from the dry and dusty conditions of the Americas and southern Europe to the heavy mud of winter-time northern Europe.

Efficient chain management was the goal and the new XTR (SM-CRM91 and DEORE XT (SM-CRM81) chain rings do this by introducing a concept called Dynamic Chain Engagement (DCE).

The modified tooth profile on the CRM91 and CRM81 DCE chain rings are designed to provide superior chain retention, lower driving sound and increased durability. Steel plated teeth on the XT version provide greater durability, while strengthened aluminum teeth on the XTR version keep the weight down.

The new cassette for 1x11 riders offers a super-wide 11-46T range providing optimal gear choices for Enduro riders. The target weight of the CS-M8000 cassette is 450g and it's designed to work across XTR and Deore XT platforms.

To provide greater flexibility Shimano now introduce an 11-speed chain QUICK-LINK (SM-CN900-11). It is designed with tool-free assembly in mind for quick on-the-trail repairs, although for rapid assembly of multiple chains a professional assembly tool (TL-CN10) is also available.

New gear combinations offered on new 2x11 and 3x10 cranksets are focused on lower gears for riders riding in steep mountainous areas. The DYNA-SIS 11 FC-MT700 34-24T crankset features HOLLOWTECH II crank arms. Meanwhile the 3x10 MT500 crankset provides 40-30-22T rings and a 2-piece crank arm with a stiff, solid and robust construction.

Brakes

Sitting just below ACERA level, Shimano introduces two new non-series M365 and M315 hydraulic disc brakes. The M365 comes with a lighter aluminum lever and both brakes offer technology adopted from top-of-the-range disc brakes such as noise-free stable braking performance, and quick and clean bleeding.

Complementing the new M365 and M315 disc brakes is a new lock ring style for 160mm or 180mm SM-RT10 rotors, designed to simplify handling and operation for workshops and manufacturers. Two new tools provide quick and easy maintenance for rotor installation, either the TL-FC36 outer serration wrench or the TL-LR11 inner serration socket tool.