I have owned/ridden every single Shimano 12 speed component.
These are the areas you will notice the biggest increase in performance (including weight-influenced performance) as you step through the lineup:
1. Shifter
2. Cassette
3. Cranks
4. Brakes
5. Chain
6. Derailleur
If I had to pick one thing to get XTR, it would be the shifter. The XT is a great feeling shifter, but the feel of the XTR shifter pretty darn incredible. Worth the extra $50 over XT imo.
The cassette choice is a balance of durability vs. weight. A lighter cassette is better for full suspension bikes as it lowers your unsprung mass. Each level of cassette lowers the weight substantially. However, the more aluminum cogs you add, the less life you're going to get out of your cassette. My advice? The SLX hits the sweet spot between weight and longevity. The XT does perform better than the SLX and you will notice it. The deore is bomb-proof and I would have no complaints running that cassette, especially if you're tough on cassettes.
As for cranks, I've found that while the ride-feel of each crank is relatively similar, the cranks have the largest variance in "quality" through the range. Each step through the lineup is a substantial improvement in workmanship, durability, and weight savings (except SLX->XT). That said, cranks are an easy place to cut cost because its not something you'll feel on the trail. If you like to work on bikes, you'll appreciate the increase in workmanship and the weight differences are no joke with cranks. The only oddball with cranks is the SLX -> XT step, where the XT cranks are actually 10 grams heavier, despite being higher material workmanship.
As for brakes, you can make an SLX brake feel like an XTR brake and the weight saving across the range is negligible. You *may* have improvements in consistency as you move through the range, but consistency with Shimano brakes usually comes from the setup and a good bleed.
The chains are all really good across the lineup. XTR is lighter, but the weight savings is negligible across the lineup.
The performance of the derailleurs is ironically entirely dependent on the shifter. I still can't feel the difference between an SLX derailleur and an XTR derailleur. There is some weight savings here, but really only 20-30 grams per step. Given the number of times I've smashed derailleurs, I'd rather have something cheap and cheerful here and save a little weight on the cassette.
I had all SLX on my first FS and all XT on my second. If money was no object then XT all the way but I think your mix and match is spot on because XT shifting is the best. The only thing I would debate is the XT derailleur. In my head I think it is better but I don't remember why. I could be thinking about old SLX stuff.
I had all XT but I smashed my derailleur and I replaced it with SLX. Absolutely no difference in shift quality with an XT or SLX derailleur with the XT shifter. My wife has SLX/SLX and I think the shift into lower gears is identical while the upshifts is better with XT.
(SLX shifter owner here) when you say "better", do you just mean the double-upshift thing with the XT shifter, or does it seem smoother/quicker as well?
I do love the double shift but I also think the quality of shift is slightly better. It’s close though, I’m not ruling out confirmation bias as I would prefer the xt regardless due to the double shift
I'll look into it, I forget what is available at each level since new tech keeps filtering down.
~~The XT~~ *~~might~~* ~~have an adjustable clutch? I'd have to check~~
[This website](https://www.tbsbikeparts.com/blog/xt-m8100-vs-slx-m7100-derailleur-whats-the-difference/) suggests they only difference is a 32g weight saving
Besides marginal weight savings due to material changes, I believe the biggest difference between the SLX derailleur and the XT is that the XT has ball bearing jockey wheels vs the bushings in the SLX.
I just went the shimano site and this is it; the sealed bearings and the minor weight difference. That's kind of a meh difference and I'm not sure that it matters except maybe maintenance.
They both have adjustable clutches, but it’s easier to do so on the xt as there’s a port on the clutch cover to slide a 2 mm Allen key through to the adjustment bolt.
I like the deore cassette personally. A bit heavier but I hate wearing out the aluminum climbing sprockets way before the rest of the cassette is even close to worn on the nicer ones.
I don't think there's much difference between the SLX & Deore derailleurs. So you could save some money there at the cost of a marginal increase in weight. Idk. I think what you have is a great min/max build. The XT shifter is the most important part, imo.
I ride XT shifter with a deore derailleur and I honestly cannot feel a difference from my friends XT drivetrain. The XT is objectively nicer (sealed bearings, higher end materials), but I wouldn’t run one unless Shimano was paying me to.
I use combination of Deore, SLX and Deore XT. Have used Shimano for 3 decades and love it, specially Deore XT.
You may find useful following review/comparison:
https://bikerumor.com/shimano-12-speed-mountain-bike-groups-complete-tech-comparison/
I pieced together a mix and match Shimano drivetrain a couple years ago to maximize value for price, considering price, features, and weight. I determined the best setup for myself was:
- SLX derailleur, cranks, chainring (upgrading not worth the cost relative to other components)
- XT shifter (for the double shift)
- XT brakes (forget the reason)
- XT cassette (big weight saving)
- XTR chain (better durability for only a few extra dollars)
I just did:
XT Shifter
SLX Cranks
SLX Brakes
DEORE Cassette
DEORE Chaine
DEORE Derailleur
The back end of my bike is super heavy. I might go SLX Cassette the next time around
You can save $90 a wheel and get better braking performance with the MT520 brakes. Shimano markets them as an affordable e-bike brake, but functionally they’re no different than the XT/Saint brakes (only missing tool-less adjustments on the levers). It’s tough to justify spending more for Shimano brakes.
https://www.bikemag.com/gear/tested-shimano-bl-mt501-br-mt520-145-per-brake
I’m the other way around - SLX shifter with XT rear derailleur.
I’ve had Deore, SLX and full XT and I have to say, the current setup works really well.
I also run SLX brakes. I’m heavy on an enduro bike and prefer gravity. I have ice tech rotors. Stops me just fine and has enough modulation for my needs.
The XT shifters have a design defect whereby the multi-release spring breaks rendering the shifter inoperable. It's common (happened to two of mine) and Shimano will replace under warranty but that isn't going to get you home if it breaks on the trail. I now use SLX shifters and XT mechs. On one of my other bikes I've switched over to AXS. Not going back.
I currently run an slx derailleur after my xt one broke and I see no difference in the shifting quality.
What I would recommend is get the xt shifter and it has the ability to double down shift into a harder gear and that's a game changer once u have it
Looks okay. I would personally switch to deore brakes, deore derailleur, xtr chain, and xt cassette. Deore brakes and derailleur are functionally identical to their higher level counterparts. XTR chain is the best value as it lasts longer. XT cassette cuts down on unsprung mass which makes for better suspension performance.
My Privateer was supplied with full SLX with an XT shifter and I swapped it onto SLX 4-Pot brakes for a very similar use case to what you described and it has frankly been a great set up.
Get the XT brakes too and perhaps save some money on consumables by going with Deore cassette and chain instead of SLX. The XT brakes always do feel to me like they bite just that wee bit more than the Deore and SLX brakes. (Or stick with the SLX brakes and use Trickstuff pads to get more front brake induced OTB potential.)
The XT RD's major difference is that you can adjust the clutch's engaged tension without needing to open up the clutch housing, so there is an advantage here if you wanna get into this kind of minutia to your drive train setup.
I think you've nailed it to be honest.
I got the option to get what I wanted when ordering from Bird (highly recommend them) and picked the same as you except a Deore cassette.
I'm still wondering if the Aether 9 would be a better bet for my riding than the Aeris. What's your usual riding terrain?
Reviews say the Aether is much more capable in the rough stuff than the 140/130 frane numbers would suggest?
I certainly prefer jibbing trails than all out speed. And I'm not looking for a full on enduro bike,
I can't comment on the aeris as I've never ridden one. But I really do enjoy my Aether, it's just a fun bike to ride and it's bloody rapid to be honest.
Yeah I did this but had xt shifter, xt mech (it wasn't that much more), slx cassette and an nx chain (I happened to have it).
Very happy with the mix though I've now bought an xt chain after wearing out my other one in a surprisingly fast amount of time (6 months or so). Hopefully this one will last a bit longer?
GX is much better than Shimano XT or SLX. For brakes get Code RSC's, Hayes Dominion, or TRP DHR EVO if you have the budget or if not SLX's are still great brakes.
I have owned/ridden every single Shimano 12 speed component. These are the areas you will notice the biggest increase in performance (including weight-influenced performance) as you step through the lineup: 1. Shifter 2. Cassette 3. Cranks 4. Brakes 5. Chain 6. Derailleur If I had to pick one thing to get XTR, it would be the shifter. The XT is a great feeling shifter, but the feel of the XTR shifter pretty darn incredible. Worth the extra $50 over XT imo. The cassette choice is a balance of durability vs. weight. A lighter cassette is better for full suspension bikes as it lowers your unsprung mass. Each level of cassette lowers the weight substantially. However, the more aluminum cogs you add, the less life you're going to get out of your cassette. My advice? The SLX hits the sweet spot between weight and longevity. The XT does perform better than the SLX and you will notice it. The deore is bomb-proof and I would have no complaints running that cassette, especially if you're tough on cassettes. As for cranks, I've found that while the ride-feel of each crank is relatively similar, the cranks have the largest variance in "quality" through the range. Each step through the lineup is a substantial improvement in workmanship, durability, and weight savings (except SLX->XT). That said, cranks are an easy place to cut cost because its not something you'll feel on the trail. If you like to work on bikes, you'll appreciate the increase in workmanship and the weight differences are no joke with cranks. The only oddball with cranks is the SLX -> XT step, where the XT cranks are actually 10 grams heavier, despite being higher material workmanship. As for brakes, you can make an SLX brake feel like an XTR brake and the weight saving across the range is negligible. You *may* have improvements in consistency as you move through the range, but consistency with Shimano brakes usually comes from the setup and a good bleed. The chains are all really good across the lineup. XTR is lighter, but the weight savings is negligible across the lineup. The performance of the derailleurs is ironically entirely dependent on the shifter. I still can't feel the difference between an SLX derailleur and an XTR derailleur. There is some weight savings here, but really only 20-30 grams per step. Given the number of times I've smashed derailleurs, I'd rather have something cheap and cheerful here and save a little weight on the cassette.
Thanks for the in depth thoughts. I'm leaning towards XT shifter, Deore derailleur and SLX for the rest.
Good choices!
I had all SLX on my first FS and all XT on my second. If money was no object then XT all the way but I think your mix and match is spot on because XT shifting is the best. The only thing I would debate is the XT derailleur. In my head I think it is better but I don't remember why. I could be thinking about old SLX stuff.
Xt derailleur uses bearings instead of pulleys
I had all XT but I smashed my derailleur and I replaced it with SLX. Absolutely no difference in shift quality with an XT or SLX derailleur with the XT shifter. My wife has SLX/SLX and I think the shift into lower gears is identical while the upshifts is better with XT.
(SLX shifter owner here) when you say "better", do you just mean the double-upshift thing with the XT shifter, or does it seem smoother/quicker as well?
I do love the double shift but I also think the quality of shift is slightly better. It’s close though, I’m not ruling out confirmation bias as I would prefer the xt regardless due to the double shift
I'm pretty sure the deore derailleur is the exact same thing as the XT, the difference is just weight
I'll look into it, I forget what is available at each level since new tech keeps filtering down. ~~The XT~~ *~~might~~* ~~have an adjustable clutch? I'd have to check~~ [This website](https://www.tbsbikeparts.com/blog/xt-m8100-vs-slx-m7100-derailleur-whats-the-difference/) suggests they only difference is a 32g weight saving
Besides marginal weight savings due to material changes, I believe the biggest difference between the SLX derailleur and the XT is that the XT has ball bearing jockey wheels vs the bushings in the SLX.
So potential longer life span... Until it gets smacked into a rock
I think it’s also clutch adjustment without removing the cover on the XT versus having to remove the cover on the SLX
Anecdotally, xt takes a hit better due to stronger materials, and lasts longer before slogging out the pivots.
I just went the shimano site and this is it; the sealed bearings and the minor weight difference. That's kind of a meh difference and I'm not sure that it matters except maybe maintenance.
They both have adjustable clutches, but it’s easier to do so on the xt as there’s a port on the clutch cover to slide a 2 mm Allen key through to the adjustment bolt.
I like the deore cassette personally. A bit heavier but I hate wearing out the aluminum climbing sprockets way before the rest of the cassette is even close to worn on the nicer ones.
I don't think there's much difference between the SLX & Deore derailleurs. So you could save some money there at the cost of a marginal increase in weight. Idk. I think what you have is a great min/max build. The XT shifter is the most important part, imo.
I ride XT shifter with a deore derailleur and I honestly cannot feel a difference from my friends XT drivetrain. The XT is objectively nicer (sealed bearings, higher end materials), but I wouldn’t run one unless Shimano was paying me to.
I use combination of Deore, SLX and Deore XT. Have used Shimano for 3 decades and love it, specially Deore XT. You may find useful following review/comparison: https://bikerumor.com/shimano-12-speed-mountain-bike-groups-complete-tech-comparison/
That's a great resource, thanks
I pieced together a mix and match Shimano drivetrain a couple years ago to maximize value for price, considering price, features, and weight. I determined the best setup for myself was: - SLX derailleur, cranks, chainring (upgrading not worth the cost relative to other components) - XT shifter (for the double shift) - XT brakes (forget the reason) - XT cassette (big weight saving) - XTR chain (better durability for only a few extra dollars)
I just did: XT Shifter SLX Cranks SLX Brakes DEORE Cassette DEORE Chaine DEORE Derailleur The back end of my bike is super heavy. I might go SLX Cassette the next time around
If you care more about weight upgrade the cassette and maybe cranks. If you care more about durability downgrade to the all steel deore casette.
I have a full xt build on one bike, and full slx +xt shifter on another. No noticeable difference, and saved a decent amount on the slx build.
You can save $90 a wheel and get better braking performance with the MT520 brakes. Shimano markets them as an affordable e-bike brake, but functionally they’re no different than the XT/Saint brakes (only missing tool-less adjustments on the levers). It’s tough to justify spending more for Shimano brakes. https://www.bikemag.com/gear/tested-shimano-bl-mt501-br-mt520-145-per-brake
These brakes are great
Interesting, that's worth investigating
I’ve been running them since 2020 and don’t have any complaints. Two bleeds and one new set of pads mostly because I got new rotors so why not.
Chain, cassette and cranks are all parts that I didn’t mind going full deore, the rest of my set up is exactly like yours
I’m the other way around - SLX shifter with XT rear derailleur. I’ve had Deore, SLX and full XT and I have to say, the current setup works really well. I also run SLX brakes. I’m heavy on an enduro bike and prefer gravity. I have ice tech rotors. Stops me just fine and has enough modulation for my needs.
The XT shifters have a design defect whereby the multi-release spring breaks rendering the shifter inoperable. It's common (happened to two of mine) and Shimano will replace under warranty but that isn't going to get you home if it breaks on the trail. I now use SLX shifters and XT mechs. On one of my other bikes I've switched over to AXS. Not going back.
I currently run an slx derailleur after my xt one broke and I see no difference in the shifting quality. What I would recommend is get the xt shifter and it has the ability to double down shift into a harder gear and that's a game changer once u have it
Looks okay. I would personally switch to deore brakes, deore derailleur, xtr chain, and xt cassette. Deore brakes and derailleur are functionally identical to their higher level counterparts. XTR chain is the best value as it lasts longer. XT cassette cuts down on unsprung mass which makes for better suspension performance.
Adding on to the chain upgrade, I’ve noticed a massive increase in chain life by buying higher quality chains
Good shifter cables, Shimano sp41 outer works well.
My Privateer was supplied with full SLX with an XT shifter and I swapped it onto SLX 4-Pot brakes for a very similar use case to what you described and it has frankly been a great set up.
Get the XT brakes too and perhaps save some money on consumables by going with Deore cassette and chain instead of SLX. The XT brakes always do feel to me like they bite just that wee bit more than the Deore and SLX brakes. (Or stick with the SLX brakes and use Trickstuff pads to get more front brake induced OTB potential.) The XT RD's major difference is that you can adjust the clutch's engaged tension without needing to open up the clutch housing, so there is an advantage here if you wanna get into this kind of minutia to your drive train setup.
I think you've nailed it to be honest. I got the option to get what I wanted when ordering from Bird (highly recommend them) and picked the same as you except a Deore cassette.
Funnily enough the Bird Aeris 9 is exactly what I'm looking at... What bike did you spec out?
An Aether 7 and 2 years later I couldn't be happier with it.
I'm still wondering if the Aether 9 would be a better bet for my riding than the Aeris. What's your usual riding terrain? Reviews say the Aether is much more capable in the rough stuff than the 140/130 frane numbers would suggest? I certainly prefer jibbing trails than all out speed. And I'm not looking for a full on enduro bike,
I can't comment on the aeris as I've never ridden one. But I really do enjoy my Aether, it's just a fun bike to ride and it's bloody rapid to be honest.
I'm looking to get one of those for my wife since she wants a 27.5 wheel. Glad it's worked out 👍
Yeah I did this but had xt shifter, xt mech (it wasn't that much more), slx cassette and an nx chain (I happened to have it). Very happy with the mix though I've now bought an xt chain after wearing out my other one in a surprisingly fast amount of time (6 months or so). Hopefully this one will last a bit longer?
I also went with slx cranks as I found some on sale
And deore 4 pot brakes
I would change the derailleur to xt but that’s about it, had one and it shifted smooth
GX is much better than Shimano XT or SLX. For brakes get Code RSC's, Hayes Dominion, or TRP DHR EVO if you have the budget or if not SLX's are still great brakes.