By Jos Dyer, 1 year ago
Since revolutionizing the cycling world in 2008 with the introduction of Di2 electronic shifting technology, SHIMANO has delivered the fastest, most precise, and reliable shifting ever. Today, SHIMANO sets a new standard for the future of e-bike shifting technology through a unique integration of all-new XT Di2 and SHIMANO EP e-bike platforms.
Introducing two new e-bike specific DEORE XT Di2 drivetrains in collaboration with the all-new EP6 and updated EP801 e-bike platforms, SHIMANO unlocks its revolutionary FREE SHIFT and AUTO SHIFT WITH MANUAL OVERRIDE technologies for expanded functionality and enhanced E-MTB ride experience.
Introducing FREE SHIFT
Simply put, Shimano’s FREE SHIFT technology is an all-new shifting mode for E-MTB that allows riders to make gear changes without pedalling the bike. FREE SHIFT is made possible by SHIMANO’s unique system integration capabilities with DEORE XT Di2 and new SHIMANO EP platforms. When you shift, the XT Di2 system prompts the EP Drive Unit to simultaneously advance the drivetrain at the chainring and make smooth, pedal-less shifts. FREE SHIFT technology allows you to make decisive gear changes while diving through corners, bombing into large dips and g-outs, and rolling through technical sections of trail, ensuring you’ll always be ready for the trail ahead.
Introducing AUTO SHIFT WITH MANUAL OVERRIDE
Taking shifting integration one step further, SHIMANO’s AUTO SHIFT WITH MANUAL OVERRIDE technology is a new mode that automatically shifts gears for you. Utilizing SHIMANO’s LINKGLIDE drivetrain technology paired with Di2, the system has the ability to make predictive gear changes based on your speed and cadence, inspiring a smooth, uninterrupted ride experience. In combination with FREE SHIFT technology, AUTO SHIFT WITH MANUAL OVERRIDE can make predictive shifts while you are coasting, always finding the optimal gear for every pedal stroke. The new technology is simply the luxury to focus on the natural world rather than consciously making gear changes.
Two new DEORE XT Di2 Drivetrain Systems for E-MTB
As e-MTB technology quickly expands, riders from all backgrounds are introduced to the power and performance of SHIMANO EP e-bike platforms. With wildly diverse riding conditions, terrain, and riding styles, SHIMANO recognizes the need for e-MTB drivetrains and components to be as diverse and capable as the riders. From a high-durability focus to prioritizing fast shifting speed, SHIMANO offers two new XT Di2 drivetrain systems to meet the demands of all e-MTB riders.
DEORE XT Di2 LINKGLIDE
Building on the robust 11-speed LG drivetrain parts and technology, XT Di2 LG provides smooth shifting and durability for stress-free riding. LINKGLIDE’s 11-speed cassette and chain are built to stand up to persistent daily wear and deliver seamless shifting up and down the cassette. With the integration of advanced Di2 and SHIMANO EP technologies, XT Di2 LG enables the unique ability to shift without pedalling in the all-new FREE SHIFT mode. Leveraging LINKGLIDE’s unique ability to deliver smooth shifting up and down the cassette for 11s drivetrains, LINKGLIDE technology unlocks the all-new ability to perform automatic gear changes both while pedalling and coasting in AUTO SHIFT WITH MANUAL OVERRIDE mode.
With less focus on rider-input shifting and truly long-lasting drivetrain parts, XT Di2 LG encourages riders to engage with the natural world for an uninterrupted riding experience. The all-new XT Di2 LG displays SHIMANO’s unique ability to create advanced drivetrain systems for e-MTB.
Features:
● Precision Electronic Di2 Shifting
● Centralized Battery Power and Charging
● Durable and Seamless 11-speed LINKGLIDE Drivetrain
● Enables All-New FREE SHIFT and AUTO SHIFT WITH MANUAL OVERRIDE Modes
Specs:
● 1x11-speed with 11-50t Cassette
● New CS-LG700 Cassette – 170g Lighter Than Previous CS-LG600
● RD-M8150-11 e-MTB dedicated 11-speed Di2 rear derailleur
● SW-M8150-R/IR SHIMANO DEORE XT Di2 Right Shift Switch and I-SPEC EV
Available Shifting Modes:
● Full Manual Shifting
● Full Manual Shifting with FREE SHIFT Enabled
● Automatic Shifting While Pedalling and While Coasting with AUTO SHIFT WITH MANUAL OVERRIDE
Compatibility:
● SHIMANO EP600 and EP801 Drive Units
DEORE XT Di2 HYPERGLIDE+
Combining the refined shifting performance of SHIMANO HYPERGLIDE+ drivetrain and advanced Di2 technologies, the all-new DEORE XT Di2 HYPERGLIDE+ (HG+) groupset brings revolutionary shifting modes and next-level shifting performance to the SHIMANO EP platform for e-MTB. Utilizing a centralized battery power source and the latest in EP technologies, XT Di2 with HG+ is the ultimate in lightweight, smooth, and fast shifting for e-MTB.
At the core of DEORE XT Di2 HG+ are the proven HG+ 12-speed cassette and chain designs. HG+ technology delivers efficient power transfer and chain stability for smooth and consistent shifting, up and down the cassette. Leveraging the refined shifting technology of the HG+ 12-speed, XT Di2 HG+ levels up by utilizing ultra-fast Di2 electronic shifting technology for even smoother, faster, and more precise shifting. Integrating these technologies with the latest SHIMANO EP platform, XT Di2 HG+ enables the unique capability to shift without pedalling in the all-new FREE SHIFT mode.
Unlocking the power to change gears in unique circumstances and unprecedented on-trail scenarios, the all-new XT Di2 HYPERGLIDE+ system showcases SHIMANO’s distinctive ability to create the most advanced drivetrain system for e-MTB.
Features:
● Precision Electronic Di2 Shifting
● Centralized Battery Power and Charging
● Smooth 12-speed HYPERGLIDE+ Drivetrain
● Enables All-New FREE SHIFT Mode
Specs:
● 1x12-speed with 10-51t Cassette Options
● RD-M8150-12 e-MTB dedicated 12-speed Di2 rear derailleur
● SW-M8150-R/IR SHIMANO DEORE XT Di2 Right Shift Switch and I-SPEC EV
Available Shifting Modes:
● Full Manual Shifting
● Full Manual Shifting with FREE SHIFT Enabled
● Automatic Shifting when Coasting
Compatibility:
● SHIMANO EP600 and EP801 Drive Units