Today Shimano has announced a number of updates to their lineup including an 11-46t cassette, updated 1×11 DCE profiled chainring for better retention, and a quick link chain link for their 11 speed drivetrains.

Shimano advances 1×11 mountain bike drivetrain offerings with wider range 11-46 cassette, superior retention 1×11 chainring. New 11-speed drivetrain additions also include new chain link design.

OSAKA, Japan (March 1, 2016) – Shimano has advanced the performance of its premium XTR and DEORE XT 1×11 mountain bike drivetrains while creating even more range and options as part of its Rider Tuned drivetrain philosophy. Also announced today were new gear combinations for 2×11 and 3×10 cranksets, new hydraulic disc brakes and a disc brake rotor lock ring promising easier assembly.

Advanced 1×11 premium mountain bike drivetrains
Shimano advanced its new XTR and Deore XT 1×11 chainrings with direct input from its elite mountain bike athletes, from cross-country to trail riders who tested in various conditions, seasons and locations around the globe. Efficient chain management was the goal and the new XTR (SM-CRM91 and DEORE XT (SM-CRM81) chain rings achieve this by introducing the Dynamic Chain Engagement (DCE) concept.

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

The 1×11 drivetrain range has been extended to a super-wide 11-46T range providing optimal gear choices for all-mountain riders and enduro racers. The new CS-M8000 cassette is compatible with XTR M9000 and DEORE XT M8000 drivetrains and has a target weight of 450g.

To simplify chain assembly, Shimano introduced a new tool-free 11-speed chain QUICK-LINK (SM-CN900-11) for quick, on-the- trail repairs. The SM-CN900-11 link is compatible with all 11- speed Shimano chains. For rapid assembly of multiple chains a professional assembly tool (TL-CN10) is also available.

New gearing, brake options in entry mountain component category

New gear combinations offered on new 2×11 and 3×10 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 3×10 MT500 crankset provides 40-30-22T rings and a 2-piece crank arm with a stiff, solid and robust construction.

Sitting just below ACERA, Shimano introduced two new non-series M365 and M315 hydraulic disc brakes. The M365 has a lighter aluminum lever and both brakes offer technology adopted from premium disc brakes, including 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 installation. 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.

www.shimano.com