Shimano

XT M8000 Shifter Set - OE

For 2015, Shimano borrowed much of the technology from last year's XTR update and integrated it into a brand-new, completely redesigned XT group. The new XT bumps up to 11-speed to create a component group that stands nearly eye-to-eye with its older brother — just with a more budget-friendly price. The XT M8000 Shifter Set sits in command of the group like a little mechanical quarterback, orchestrating precise gear changes to effectively navigate any trail system.

The M8000 was designed with maximum trail ride fun in mind and marks XT's entry into the pointy, 11-speed end of the componentry gene pool. It features a longer lever body to provide a wider landing space when reaching for a shift while reducing the actuation force needed to initiate chain movement. The main lever features an anti-slip surface to enhance the ease of shifting and reduce the potential for mid-shift finger slippage. Combining these features with a new shift cable encased in a low-friction coating leads to a claimed 20% reduction in the force required for gear shifts, which means less hand fatigue and more time cleaning lines.

Upping the ante on awesome functionality, the M8000 boasts two-way release shifting that allows riders to shift the upper lever with either a thumb or index finger for easy access to shifting across a wide range of hand and lever positions on the bar. Multi-release functionality lets riders shift through multiple gears with a single lever sweep to quickly adjust to terrain changes. The XT group's instant release design facilitates these emergency adjustments by dropping the chain into the desired gear the moment you push the lever. To cap it all off, the Shimano XT M8000 Shifter Set includes a removable gear display window that sits neatly out of the way, leaving plenty of room on the bars for suspension lock clamps and other ride accessories.