As you saw, cyclingnewsasia spent a solid two days testing out the new 2011 XTR Dyna-Sys components for both cross-country racers and trail riders. It was concluded that this new XTR, developed under the Shimano concept of “Rider Tuned”, definitely sets a new benchmark for riders in terms of smoother transmission and improved traction.  The “Rider Tuned” technology is designed to seamlessly meet the needs and the riding styles of individual mountain bikers whether they are X-C racers or recreational trail riders.

The sleek new XTR cranks and cassette

Cyclingnewsasia ran an overview of the new XTR group-set last month and the individual component specifications can also be found on this link.

Our overall impressions from the 2-day camp? The XTR group-set is new with awesome aesthetics and highly innovative features that really live up to the “Rider Tuned Technology” slogan Shimano has adopted for the Dyna-Sys drivetrain system.

Cyclingnewsasias Daniel Carruthers discusses the new XTR with Mr. Hayashi Katsuhiro at the camp

Shimano has set out to produce a completely new drivetrain, it isn't a marketing gimmick to promote a “30-speed” machine but rather the grouppo is focused on assisting riders to stay in the 'Primary Driving Gear' (32-tooth chain ring) for much longer. When coupled with the 11-36 rear cluster that has five titanium sprockets, the result is the ability to climb further and maintain stable control of your mountain bike - without sacrificing momentum. Due to the CloseStep gear ratios, shifting seems to be  smoother and faster. In the old-days (before Dyna-Sys) riders had to make at least two or three recovery shifts in the rear each time they drop to the granny gear (22-tooth chain ring) which complicated downshifting and could damage momentum.  The Dyna-Sys technology allows the riders to stay in that Primary Driving Gear for longer and when the time comes to change to the granny chain ring, you only need one recovery shift!

The main benefits of this Dyna-Sys system:

•    Seamless and Intuitive Shifting, Enabling riders to consistent power
•    Remarkably stable – CloseStep gear ratios for smaller jumps
•    Specific 10-S chain for MTB – The new directional chain is aimed to offer smoother shifts, lighter weight and greater overall performance. We're not sure how, but it's designed for high torque pedaling and muddy conditions
•    Vivid Index Shifting – The system is very light to the touch but very responsiv
•    Consistent shifting performance and toughness for the demands of mountain biking today - rear derilleur has five titanium cogs
•    Front drivetrain is the biggest factor in pedaling efficiency.  The new XTR embraces the Dyna-Sys drivetrain concept with CloseStep double and triple crankset options. The triple crankset (42-32-24) is touted as the ultimate go anywhere, do anything trail bike, by Shimano. The double crankset is just plain fast, it creates an awesome set up that will push you as hard as you push yourself. The double comes in 40-28, 42-30 and 44-30 options, depending on how much power on the flats you which to generate. For most people, the 40-28 would be the ideal choice, however the top racer may want the 44-30 to ensure they have enough speed on the flats where they may otherwise spin-out

Cyclingnewsasia's test rider notes:

I was surprised at how responsive the system was under intense pressure. I can put out a lot of power and on many occasions I shifted under severe load that would normally cause chain skip or excess crunching noise, but with Dyna-Sys I was able to shift smoothly and without loss of momentum; even under the high torque that I produce.  I found the Vivex Index Shifting to be remarkably sensitive, no need for hard pushes to change up gears and it felt very quiet also that you could almost shift without alerting other competitors to your intentions. The braking system was extremely responsive, even more so for the trail version, and found that my confidence in riding the rough downhill soared considerably. My final choice would be the XC version with the double chain ring as I am a racer and need the fastest and most efficient system possible. I like the trail version of the braking system and would put that on my XC set-up to create an even stronger and responsive braking system coupled with the ease of adjustability.

The shifting is very very quick and the closely-spaced front chainrings not only improve the shifting but also integrate with dual-suspension designed bikes a lot more effectively. Most dual-suspension designs are best optimised in the middle chainring and since you can stay in this “Primary Drive Gear” for longer it creates a better handling feel. Since, the 10-speed chain is multi-directional, it does not suffer from the level of torque and pull from different directions like the normal nine-speed set up. It also helps ensure less change (consistency of movement)  in the suspension action in all of the front chainrings.

In summary, this is an awesome set-up that will improve your riding pleasure considerably as well as improving yourself as a racer with the more seamless integration of rider with machine. I believe this is going to be the elite racers choice.

A rider from New Zealand who has already been testing the system for six weeks now commented:“It makes XX feel agricultural! As expected, it is very quiet and smooth, brakes are awesome for the size and weight”

New Braking Systems

“Rider Tuned” Brake System

Shimano has responded to the needs of different riding styles with the introduction of two completely new hydraulic disc brake systems. They were developed with a focus on power, ergonomics and controllability; one is designed for XC usage and the other for the trail.  The XC version is very lightweight and performance focused with perfect modulation, feather light action and a snappy lever return.  The trail version has full adjustability, short level stroke and 125% power rating. Shimano promises that you will ride faster and descend further with the XTR.

XC Race

• Compact and lightweight
• Compatible with “Ice-tech” pads
• Can be tuned for any trail conditions

Trail

• Consistent control
• The system seemed more adjustable due to the dial adjust lever
• Ice-Tech pads seemed a nice addtion for managing the heat generated from constant usage from long rough descents

New XTR Wheel-sets

• Rim and axle options to different riding styles
• Tubeless wheels
• Scadium tubeless rims with 3-D machinng to create a stiff, durable and lightweight rim
• Micro Ratchet freehub body aims to provide quick engagement

XC version

• Seemed a great all-round performance wheelset for cross country trails
• Scandium 19C tubeless rim and 15g butted spokes
• 15mm thru axle option

Trail version

• Great for aggressive riding
• Wide section Scandium 21C tubeless rim
• 14g butted spokes
• 15mm front axle and a 142x12mm rear through axle option improves strength and lateral stiffness

As XTR has always been the Ferrari of the Shimano mountain bike component line-up, the new technology introduced will increase the already expensive retail price. But, according to Shimano, it will only be a marginal increase and it should not impact greatly for those who are already users of XTR or those who want to make the up-grade from the XT-line. For the budget conscious, Shimano has already introduced the SLX version of the Dyna-Sys system and this would be an ideal starting point for beginner mountain bikers. However, the XTR Dyna-Sys system, in our opinion, represents a significant improvement in rider experience. Try it - you just might like it!

Final recommendations:

XC Racers: Get the XC version of the XTR Dyna-sys with the double crank-set (the double crankset is only available in XTR at the moment but this could change soon)
Recreational rider: The Trail version with triple crank-set – either XT or XTR depending on your budget
Beginners or budget minded riders: SLX Dyna-Sys with a triple crank-set

The Dyna-Sys XTR will become available at retail outlets from September onwards while the SLX and XT versions are already available.  Keep an eye out at your local bike store and request a test ride before investing your dollars into Dyna-Sys.

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