I've always been a fan of the "Shimano feel," so when I was building up my Santa Cruz Hightower six months ago I decided to go with their full XT M8000 drivetrain. Despite having undergone a recent update, the pricing for the XT groupo is an incredible value, so it was really a no-brainer. Set up was a breeze. The brakes only required a lever bleed after I cut the lines during installation, which with Shimano's bleed kit is a two minute process. This bike has now undergone a full NW winter, getting slogged through mud and slop and snow, and is still running as smoothly as it did when I first installed it. The brakes do squeal a bit when wet and it's very loud, but at least i know they are working, and this isn't anything different than I've encountered with other ... MoreI've always been a fan of the "Shimano feel," so when I was building up my Santa Cruz Hightower six months ago I decided to go with their full XT M8000 drivetrain. Despite having undergone a recent update, the pricing for the XT groupo is an incredible value, so it was really a no-brainer. Set up was a breeze. The brakes only required a lever bleed after I cut the lines during installation, which with Shimano's bleed kit is a two minute process. This bike has now undergone a full NW winter, getting slogged through mud and slop and snow, and is still running as smoothly as it did when I first installed it. The brakes do squeal a bit when wet and it's very loud, but at least i know they are working, and this isn't anything different than I've encountered with other brands of brake. Another small issue I encountered was that the derailleur bolt came loose once and my gears started skipping, but it was just a matter of figuring out the issue and tightening the bolt to fix it. Checking for loose bolts on your bike is something that should be done from time to time anyways. My favorite part of this drive train is the shifter, which can shift down two gears with a single push and I can also downshift with my index finger if i want. The M8000 brakes are as powerful as SRAM Guide RS(C) brakes, although have a more "on/off" feel to them. I think that is just a matter of preference. Everything feels of good quality, and I'd happily recommend any of the Shimano XT parts as an upgrade or replacement to your current set up.

Buy it now

Would definitely recommend to update a 1x drivetrain (or older 2 or 3x) drivetrain to a modern 1x11.This is the shifter you want if you don't have compatible brakes to mount it to (newer gen brakes for example).It comes with the cover and screw to remove the gear position window, but I left it on. Actually like it.Has the 2x click upshift which is a great feature when going from a climb into a downhill. Make SLX users jealous.And the same 5x click downshift as the other trims of shifter.Made in Japan quality.

Crisp shifts for days

I've personally been using Shimano components since I began riding bikes and have remained loyal since the very beginning. XT is the best of both worlds - near XTR performance and far less expensive, but noticeably more sharp than SLX.With countless reliable shifts over multiple seasons with an M8000 drivetrain on my rig, it only seemed fitting to give my dad a little upgrade at the shifter. I switched his drivetrain over from 2x10 to 1x with an SLX cassette and RD, XT chain and shifter, and a Race Face narrow wide chainring to simplify his riding. He's stoked and now I have one less derailleur and shifter to fiddle with when he needs a tune up.Jenson does a great job with pricing, shipping, and an awesome user experience when you open the box. It's the details ... MoreI've personally been using Shimano components since I began riding bikes and have remained loyal since the very beginning. XT is the best of both worlds - near XTR performance and far less expensive, but noticeably more sharp than SLX.With countless reliable shifts over multiple seasons with an M8000 drivetrain on my rig, it only seemed fitting to give my dad a little upgrade at the shifter. I switched his drivetrain over from 2x10 to 1x with an SLX cassette and RD, XT chain and shifter, and a Race Face narrow wide chainring to simplify his riding. He's stoked and now I have one less derailleur and shifter to fiddle with when he needs a tune up.Jenson does a great job with pricing, shipping, and an awesome user experience when you open the box. It's the details that count, and it's obvious they're paying attention to them.

Great product, swift delivery

Needed a new shifter for a change to SLX rear mech and this was the shifter advised. Came promptly (though not as quick as the rear mech from chain reaction cycles!) and is now fitted and is working beautifully. so quick and clean between gears. you can change down up to three at a time with this and the changes are literally instantaneous. if you are looking to upgrade or treat yourself on the ride to work then go for it. replaced SRAM rear mech which was fitted with the bike I got and always felt a bit flimsy. Not now! Well done again Tredz.

Great shifter to pair with 11 speed setup

An excellent shifter. 1 point better than the sram gx 11 speed. Double downshift in one push is super handy. Very snappy action which is safisfying but does not make the lever hard to operate. Attaches to brake lever for slick install. Typical adjustments for ergonomics. This windowless version is nice since the windows eventually collect moisture.

Love It

I replaced my drivetrain about a month ago and went from 3x9 to 1x11 and cannot be happier. This review will be identical for all the parts I used to do the conversion on my 2014 Diamondback Sortie 1 29er. I chose all the parts as a good compromise for what I believe to be high quality, long lasting, lightweight and low cost parts. So far I have not experienced any problems with my setup and would recommend each part individually and as a whole setup. I have tried many times to get the chain to jump when back pedaling on the granny gear, but cannot. Including tax, I was just under $400 total for everything. I would highly recommend each part I used in my swap. Below is a list of the parts I used in my swap.- Shimano XT BB-MT8000 Bottom Bracket- Shimano SLX ... MoreI replaced my drivetrain about a month ago and went from 3x9 to 1x11 and cannot be happier. This review will be identical for all the parts I used to do the conversion on my 2014 Diamondback Sortie 1 29er. I chose all the parts as a good compromise for what I believe to be high quality, long lasting, lightweight and low cost parts. So far I have not experienced any problems with my setup and would recommend each part individually and as a whole setup. I have tried many times to get the chain to jump when back pedaling on the granny gear, but cannot. Including tax, I was just under $400 total for everything. I would highly recommend each part I used in my swap. Below is a list of the parts I used in my swap.- Shimano XT BB-MT8000 Bottom Bracket- Shimano SLX FC-M7000 Cranks- OneUp 32 Tooth SLX/XT Chainring- Shimano XT SL-M8000 Shifter- Shimano XT RD-M8000 11sp Derailleur-Sunrace CXM8 11-46 Cassette- KMC X11.93 Chain

Reliable XT performance, though not a smooth previous XT.

I like the ability to shift up/down through multiple gears in one stroke. Even though the lever rides on a bearing, I don't find it to be as smooth as my 10 speed XT shifter. It takes a little more force and isn't as smooth as the 10 speed m780 XT shifter. The gear indicator is removable, which is nice, because who uses that thing anyway. I like the lowest gear feature whereby the lever gives no resistance and swings through its throw freely. It's a nice indication that you're bottomed out.

Reliable positive shifts for Fat Biking

I upgraded my Felt DD70 3x9 to 1x11 due to unreliable rear shifting (even with new cables, constant adjustment, hanger alignment, etc). I hesitated between the XT and XTR shifter - the XT shifter I felt on a bike in a store felt stiff, and I was worried about XTR for how many over the bars I execute in a winter.The XT shifter, in a word, is brilliant. The stiffness I felt in a store must have been a bad cable run or one of the first year models. Mine is easier to shift than my old deore shifters, with a nice, positive click. Dropping multiple gears is super efficient and made the switch to 1x very easy.Mine also came with the blanking plate. I do wish they offered the older I spec version (for my 675 brake pairing), but that's such a small issue.I'm very happy ... MoreI upgraded my Felt DD70 3x9 to 1x11 due to unreliable rear shifting (even with new cables, constant adjustment, hanger alignment, etc). I hesitated between the XT and XTR shifter - the XT shifter I felt on a bike in a store felt stiff, and I was worried about XTR for how many over the bars I execute in a winter.The XT shifter, in a word, is brilliant. The stiffness I felt in a store must have been a bad cable run or one of the first year models. Mine is easier to shift than my old deore shifters, with a nice, positive click. Dropping multiple gears is super efficient and made the switch to 1x very easy.Mine also came with the blanking plate. I do wish they offered the older I spec version (for my 675 brake pairing), but that's such a small issue.I'm very happy with the purchase.

Stellar

We all know the deal; it's pretty much SRAM or Shimano for your shifter and mech. Either way you're beholden to a huge corporation that thrives on incompatibility. That being said... I've ridden SLX, XT, NX, and GX, and I feel this is the best shifter/mech combo of the bunch. Action is perfect, crisp but low-effort, with no slop in either direction, and the textured triggers are ergonomically perfect. I use the double release much more often than I imagined I would, though it can be a bit too easy to double punch when you're going for single. Mounting and adjustment are ultra-simple and tweakable with the i-Spec - the fully hinged clamps are super convenient (especially since I use silicone grips) and the attachment is very secure. My only complaint is that the bolt ... MoreWe all know the deal; it's pretty much SRAM or Shimano for your shifter and mech. Either way you're beholden to a huge corporation that thrives on incompatibility. That being said... I've ridden SLX, XT, NX, and GX, and I feel this is the best shifter/mech combo of the bunch. Action is perfect, crisp but low-effort, with no slop in either direction, and the textured triggers are ergonomically perfect. I use the double release much more often than I imagined I would, though it can be a bit too easy to double punch when you're going for single. Mounting and adjustment are ultra-simple and tweakable with the i-Spec - the fully hinged clamps are super convenient (especially since I use silicone grips) and the attachment is very secure. My only complaint is that the bolt mounting the shifter to the i-Spec bracket has worked loose a couple times in rough terrain. I'd recommend a drop of Loctite there once you get the position dialed in. All things considered, the combo of ergonomics, performance, and ease of maintenance gives the Shimano groups the edge for me, and I think XT is worth the extra few bucks over SLX for shifter and mech.

Worth the extra few bucks over the SLX

Before I forget, you don't need the cover- you can remove the gear window and it comes with a cover in the box.I upgraded my factory SLX 10sp drivetrain to a 1x11. The SLX shifters were fine, but this is definitely a step up. Very crisp, easy shifts. I like that I can drop a bunch of gears with one big push for those quick short climbs that come out of nowhere. I had to re-learn a bit, I kept dropping 2 gears accidentally because it's so sensitive compared to the SLX but now that I'm used to it I love it.I'm upgrading my kid's bike, saving a few bucks by going SLX on everything except this- I bought the XT shifter for him as well since it's more than just a weight difference.