Shimano Mechanical XT Drivetrain, Pedals & Rotors: Pricing & Specs

Shimano is on a roll this week, and shortly after the release of the new Deore mechanical drivetrains, the Japanese component manufacturer is dropping the newest mechanical XT mountain bike shifters and derailleurs, two new pedals, and thicker brake rotors.

Let’s dive into the newest releases from Shimano to make some sense of what is new. Unlike the Deore release earlier this week, Shimano has released a sparse selection of new XT mechanical components: two derailleurs (3 if you count the short-cage option), two new shifters, 2.2mm thick brake rotors, and two new pedals. This release does not see new cassettes or new brakes, as those are cross-compatible with the current offerings, which were just released last year.

Shimano XT M8200 Derailleurs

The major change, as with the new Deore mechanical and the latest Di2, is the new Shadow ES chain retention system, which ditches the clutch for a dual-spring design. Many have complained about this change, but from my experience with the new mechanism over the last year, I’ve found this pivot to be mostly welcome. The shifting is absurdly quick, there isn’t actually that much more chain noise, and not needing to adjust the clutch tension after a few rides is just one less thing to remember.

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The new XT rear derailleurs are available in two options: the M8200 and M8230, with the latter an 11-speed-specific version for Linkglide drivetrains for those seeking ultimate durability and longevity. The M8200 is the 12-speed kit, and will be offered in both an SGS (long cage) for the 10-51t cassette, and a GS (short cage) for the 9-45t cassette, which offers more ground clearance. All the new XT derailleurs use an alloy cage and solid pulley wheels, saving a few grams and offering more rigidity over the new Deore, which uses a steel cage.

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Shimano XT M8200 RD Pricing

Shimano XT Rear Derailleurs | M8200 & M8230
MSRP: $170.00 / €119.00

New XT M8200 Shifters

The new XT Shifters follow a similar structure, but with an additional 12-speed option (SL-M8210) for eMTB applications that limits shifting to a single gear change per lever actuation. The M8200 is the standard 12-speed shifter that allows multiple shifts per thumbing of the lever with Rapidfire Plus and 2-Way Release (3 shifts down and 2 shifts up), and is available in I-SPEC EV or 22.2mm band clamp. It is also compatible with previous 12-speed Shimano drivetrains.

The M8230 is the 11-speed Linkglide shifter that shares the same aesthetic and ergonomic changes, multi-shift capability. Compatible with the suite of Linkglide 11-speed gears and offered in I-SPEC EV or band clamp.

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New Shimano Pedals

As we saw with the new XTR, Shimano is also releasing two new pedals to improve compatibility with the SM-SH51 cleats. The XT PD-M8220 Trail is a new gravity-oriented pedal that shares the same design language as the M9220 XTR Trail pedal. It has a larger cage around the binding and uses the same tried-and-tested SPD interface that Shimano has been pioneering for decades.

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The PD-MT520, as you might expect, follows the same trends. The binding has a slightly tweaked profile to better engage with the SM-SH51 cleats, and its aesthetics have been marginally updated – oh, they come in black or silver.

New Shimano 2.2mm Brake Rotors

Maybe one of the most exciting new offerings from Shimano is the 2.2mm-thick rotors (RT-6B750 and CL750). It might seem silly, but Shimano has been against thicker rotors for a while, even though many riders have found that going with a thicker rotor is a really easy way to address deadband on Shimano brakes.

The new thick rotors are fully compatible with Shimano’s latest 4-piston brake system, including XTR, Deore XT, and Deore, which is wonderful to see. The thick rotors will be offered in 200mm and 220mm sizes.

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Pricing & Details

2.2mm Rotor Pricing

6-Bolt | 200mm: $60.00 / € 49.99 
6-Bolt | 220mm: $ 75.00 / € 54.99 
Center Lock | 200mm: $70.00 / €49.99 
Center Lock | 220mm: $80.00 / €54.99

Shimano XT M8200 RD Pricing

Shimano XT Rear Derailleurs | M8200 & M8230
MSRP: $170.00 / €119.00

Shimano M8220 & MT250 Pedal Pricing

XT PD-M8220 Trail Pedal
Weight: 472g (pair)
US MSRP: $160

PD-MT520 Pedal
Weight: 380g (pair)
US MSRP: $55

Shimano XT M8200 Shifter Pricing

Shimano XT Shifters | M8200, M8210, M8230
MSRP: $85.00 / €64.99