Shimano unveils redesigned SLX group, new rear derailleur mount

We got a ton of new info from Shimano today, including the details of the redesigned SLX group, additions to the XT and XTR groups and some all-new wheels.

Built to perform like XT and XTR, SLX now includes many of the same Trail options including award-winning Shadow Plus RD technology, and three new Rider Tuned 2×10 crank set options are available on the new style SLX crank. Look for it to be available in July.

New rear derailleur mount

The direct mount is simply a way to move the mount out of the way to aid in wheel changes. Since most derailleur hangers are replacable, it should be a simple modification to an exisiting frame, and the two systems can be adapted back and forth. The derailleur mount is futher back in relation to the axle, but can fitted to a traditional mount with the adapter, as seen as the top-most piece in the images below.

SLX highlights

New Shadow Plus and direct mount RD options – SLX now offers a Shadow Plus rear derailleur for trail riders available in SGS and GS options with a direct mount option. Shadow Plus technology reduces chain slap and chain drop while creating a more stable drive train that is dramatically quieter. A new standard Shadow RD will be available, also with a direct mount option.

New Rider Tuned crank sets – In addition to the trail optimized triple (42-32-24), new SLX Rider Tuned crank set options now include a double chainring crank set that is available in three chainring combinations for varied usages: race-optimized 40-28T and 38-26T options and a 29er friendly 38-24T option. The 10-speed SLX wide range cassette (CS-HG81-10) has rider optimized gear progressions (11-36, 11-34, 11-32). New SLX crank sets showcase a new revised shape and finish.

Improved shifter ergonomics, chainring mode converter – the same shifter can be used with either chainring setup. New SLX shifters offer a 2x or 3x chainring converter for more Rider Tuned options. The easy access levers feature a new ergonomic lever shape with 2-way release and offer Advanced Light Action shifting and compact and vivid OGD compatibility. ISPEC integrated one clamp option available.

The SLX disc brake system maintains technology including Servo Wave, ICE Tech pad options, oversized 22mm ceramic piston and high power hose with banjo mount for powerful braking. The brake levers are ISPEC compatible. New lightweight SM-RT66 six-bolt and SM-RT67 Center Lock rotors will be available. The disc brake system is compatible with ICE Tech rotor upgrades.

Suspension friendly FD improvements – SLX front derailleurs offer suspension friendly benefits through new derailleur shapes, cable routing options and better frame and tire clearance. The down swing FD update is a 29er and suspension friendly design that brings an update from XTR to the SLX group. These light action front derailleurs are Dyna-Sys friendly in 2×10 and 3×10 options, and are available in four mounting styles.

New SLX hubs offer durability, stability – The new SLX disc brake hubs offer trailready durability and stability thanks to fully adjustable and serviceable angular contact bearing assemblies and a top stiffness to weight ratio aided by a new lighter weight axle. Sizes include traditional QR and 15mm E-thru front axle options and 12mm E-thru rear.

More new stuff

Deore XT and XTR Additions for 2013:

Shimano Deore XT and XTR updates are highlighted by new direct mount rear derailleur options and Shadow Plus RD technology. Both Deore XT and XTR will now feature GS and SGS direct mount 10-speed Shadow rear derailleurs and XT will now offer a Shadow Plus RD option. A new Deore XT double crank set will be added in a 29er friendly 38-24T combination and Deore XT 10-speed Vivid optical display shifters will be available.

New Mountain Bike Wheel Sets

Three new mountain bike wheel sets enter the line for 2013 that extend Shimano’s 29er wheel offering at the SLX and XT level, continuing the company’s commitment to mountain tubeless systems and the 15mm E-thru standard. The new WH-MT66 and WH-MT68 wheel sets feature an all-new tubeless-ready rim with UST rim section profile. All Shimano wheels are 100% hand- built for unparalleled quality and durability.

WH-M785-29 Deore XT 29er wheels: Available Fall 2012. The Deore XT wheel sets now include 29er specific wheels with a 15mm E-thru front hub and QR rear. All wheels are UST tubeless and come standard with Center Lock disc brake mounting.

WH-MT66-29 wheels: Available Sept. 2012. The new WH-MT66-29 wheel set delivers quality, dependability and sets the standard for 29er wheel stiffness and weight balance with purpose built 24x28H lacing balancing front vs. rear wheel loads. The wheels feature a new tubeless-compatible 19C rim structure that is UST and standard tire compatible. The 29” wheel set is available in 135mm QR or 142x12mm E-thru rear spacing and front 15mm E-thru.

WH-MT68 wheels: Available July 2012. The new 26” specific WH-MT68 wheel set is a tough trail-specific wheel set with a 21C rim profile designed for aggressive riding. The new tubeless-compatible rim structure is UST and standard tire compatible. The WH-MT68 is 15mm E-thru front only and available in 135mm QR or 142x12mm E-thru rear options