XTR or. . .

[IDB1]

Well, yes and no to be honest..

As you say, XTR is the Shimano kit so XT doesn't match up in the terms of this question.. despite it being nice kit, functional and everything. .

I just thought that since I only have 5 minutes experience and only of Shimano kit, there may be some alternatives/equivalents (to XTR). . other stuff that went to 11 - as you put it.

Never mind.

 

[Neil]

Well, yes and no to be honest..

As you say, XTR is the Shimano kit so XT doesn't match up in the terms of this question.. despite it being nice kit, functional and everything. .

I just thought that since I only have 5 minutes experience and only of Shimano kit, there may be some alternatives/equivalents (to XTR). . other stuff that went to 11 - as you put it.

Never mind.

Well all I'm saying is - and I'm sure I'm not alone, here, I remember the days before XTR, when XT was the best Shimano had for mtbs. I've no reason to think they've taken their eye off the ball in terms of the quality of XT. XTR at the start wasn't just about being that bit better, it was more about looks, aesthetics, and trying to compete with the beauty of the italian kit.

XT is, and always has been very competent kit. If bling or looks is more your bag than how well it performs, then by all means - go exploring, but if you are really after something that effectively performs as well - then XT was the answer to the question you posed.

 

[IDB1]

I didn't mean to sound dismissive mate.. sorry..

XT is great, it's on the Wifes Voodoo, might even be old kit.. I wouldn't know.
The kids bike will have XT. maybe even the LTS and Avalanche if I ever get them built..

I wouldn't sacrifice function for form but it'd be nice to have both wouldn't it??

 

[Neil]

I didn't mean to sound dismissive mate.. sorry..

XT is great, it's on the Wifes Voodoo, might even be old kit.. I wouldn't know.
The kids bike will have XT. maybe even the LTS and Avalanche if I ever get them built..

I wouldn't sacrifice function for form but it'd be nice to have both wouldn't it??

Personally, one of the traits I like is longevity. I've no time for parts where I have to concern myself with how the finish is going to age, or whether the colour scheme looks en vogue in years to come.

But that's just my personal take, people appreciate different things, I just meant to stress that XT is still fine kit - and before a point, was Shimano's top MTB groupset.

 

[IDB1]

I hear ya fella

Not that it's relevant to this thread but I am probably going to build the Avalanche with new XT kit.. the new XTR kit does have something about it but I don't like carbon..

 

[Awkward Kid]

Have a look at some road bits O kit. I run an Ultegra rear mech and its faultless and lighter than the XTR i had previously.

 

[dbmtb]

Rear mech : XTR
Cassette : XTR
Cranks : Cook Bros
Brakes : XTR disc
R/H shifter : XTR

I worked with this stuff every day for 3 years.... and still dabble in it regularly.

Current XTR shadow rear mech is too fragile for mud. If you must buy XTR rear mech, buy a conventional one.
Front mech is very fragile and prone to cracking.
Cassette is more likely to suffer bent sprockets than XT
Brakes are utter squish. Buy XT or SLX. But Hope are still better.
XT shifter is more reliable than XTR.

Frankly have nothing good to say about 2010 XTR apart from the chainset/BB. Wouldn't have any of it on any of my bikes. 2009 XT was the weapon of choice when I specced my RC303.

 

[IDB1]

What about 2010 XT ??

And what Hope brakes exceed XT??
Know nothing at all about disc brakes. ..
Can XT levers be used with Hope calipers or are they brand specific??

 

[dbmtb]

2008-2010 XT is the same kit. Just didn't want to confuse it with 2011 XT which is 10 speed and just about to hit the market, and pre-2008 XT which is a bit poo IMHO.

Brakes - levers and calipers should be from same manufacturer.
Shimano, Magura and Tektro use Mineral oil. Most other brands use DOT oil. And ne'er the twain shall meet.

Personally very fond of Hope Mini Monos - but they stopped making them. The current generation is Tech X2 with the same adjustment features as Shimano XT and SLX. Only you know if you need something more powerful (4 pistons) - but you probably don't.

 

[IDB1]

Ta mate . . very helpful

Only you know if you need something more powerful (4 pistons) - but you probably don't.

Oh I definitely don't . . .