Better feeling of higher end shift levers

[benjabbi]

Just my opinion but the nicest feeling 10 speed Shimano shifter is the Saint M820, slightly longer (5mm) levers and bearings inside. It's been in production and current since 2012 with no changes which must be heading for some sort of record. The only downside and it could be a pretty big one, is there's no matching left shifter.

 

[bikeworkshop]

Just my opinion but the nicest feeling 10 speed Shimano shifter is the Saint M820, slightly longer (5mm) levers and bearings inside. It's been in production and current since 2012 with no changes which must be heading for some sort of record. The only downside and it could be a pretty big one, is there's no matching left shifter.

Id always thought saint was xt gubbins in a 1x ruffty tufty package! but you're right, the lever is longer.

Maybe for BigGloves,
Rather than Ladyhands

Trouble is, it makes xt look cheap.

 

[benjabbi]

It's £60 at RRP but as it's been around forever you can usually find one used for £30-40. I don't think that's ridiculous.
The only 10 speed XT shifter still available new is the SL-T8000 which is £63 so pretty much the same but I expect you'll find M771/780 cheaper used.

 

[bikeworkshop]

There's a few sl-m780s band-on rh around new at £50, although it's no longer offered by shimano
we might have one on the shifter shelf

but potentially xt offers little advantage over deore... available at £30 band-on.

With a well chosen mech and chain/cassette, you could probably throw in an easier gear or 2 .

Few would complain...