Market: Surprise from Japan! Shimano today announced a new 11-speed MTB cassette with 11-46 teeth. This now draws level with the US competitor SRAM in terms of bandwidth. In addition, there will be new mid-range disc brakes and new 1×11 chainrings next season.
The big highlight of Shimano's MTB product innovations is the new 11-speed cassette with 11-46 gradation. The range is therefore pretty much the same as that which the competition from SRAM achieves with 10-42 - however, you need the special XD freewheel for the SRAM cassette, whereas the Shimano cassette fits any conventional 10-speed freewheel. The new cassette should weigh 450g and be compatible with all conventional Shimano 11-speed MTB rear derailleurs from XT and XTR.
Also new for the 2017 product year are 1×11 chainrings for XT and XTR, which ensure better chain guidance thanks to the newly developed Dynamic Chain Engagement technology and are intended to prevent jamming and drops. In addition, Shimano promises a much quieter drive with the new chainrings. The chainrings of the XT series have steel-reinforced teeth for high durability, while the XTR counterparts with reinforced aluminum teeth have more weight in mind.
Also new are the group-free disc brakes M365 and M315, which are located below the inexpensive Acera group. The two brakes share the brake caliper, but thanks to the aluminum lever, the M365 is a touch lighter than the M315 with the same performance.