2004 Shimano XT

[jaybird]

The link below is to a cycling site with some new info on the the 2004 XT group. It appears Shimano will be pulling the integrated shifters, like in the 2003 XTR, down to the XT group. Looks like a nice step up for workhorse group of Shimano's lineup. ;)

The first thing that comes to mind with the new group is that it looks just like XTR. The same smooth looks, the same two-piece cranks, the same shifting and the same disc brakes… just in silver. That is pretty much true visually, but slightly heavier materials are used in some areas, as has always been the case.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech.php?id=tech/2003/news/jun20

2004 XT Brakes (http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech.php?id=photos/2003/tech/news/jun20news/1brakes)

2004 XT Cranks (http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech.php?id=photos/2003/tech/news/jun20news/1cranks)

2004 XT Full Group Photo (http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech.php?id=photos/2003/tech/news/jun20news/1xt)

[nigel]

I just hope they change the "readers" on the shifters, they look like the Nexave comfort type, but the group as a whole will be great!!!!

[SilverAthlon]

Expect to see a re-vamp of LX next year

[nigel]

Well that LX gold sure was a big hit this year!!!!

[SilverAthlon]

What's the sarcasm index of that last comment?? or at. is there none, and that comment was totally serious. I haven't seen it anywhere.

[fsrslug]

wasnt the black/gold LX group supposed to be something for paola pezzo or something like that. I have not seen any bikes that come with the group, and never heard of anyone buying it either.

What do you guys think of the up/down sti shifting? Will people still want high end rapid fire?

I have not really ridden the new stuff much, but from what everyone who does says it is awesome.

[nigel]

The gold stuff was pretty much just in their books and never brought out, go figure.

The new STI works great for me for rear shifting with the rapid rise setup. I know people using the old derailleurs and they like that way as well, but I prefer the rapid rise with this one.

As for the front shifter, well I might end up with a normal "old" shift lever and a seperate disc lever. I'm not happy with how far of a throw it is to go from 2 to 3. And as for going from 3 to 2, the thumb part works great but i find that using the up stroke on the blade is a bit to hard.

All in all the new XTR group works great!!!!! Im loving every ride on it!

[nigel]

oh yeah here goes the gold..........dunno why they even bothered to make it with the work into XTR and re-making XT for 2004. LX will probably be the same for 2004, with possibly mechanical discs added?!? Seeing how Deore has three brake types. Or maybe LX will fall by the wayside as did the trusty old STX-RC group (which kicked butt by the way!!) Anywhoooooo........

[SilverAthlon]

I saw that pic too, It's slick looking. It's hard to project what LX will do.... I would guess you'll see disc brakes, although they may keep the LX line for the cost conscious consumer/mfg spec wise, and let the Deore and XT pick up the slack.

Gold was widely released in europe from what i can gather.

You've got the new XTR huh? I haven't ridden it, but by the basic idea i figure i'd kill myself, not having my hands wrapped around my handlebar... Have you had any issues slipping or anything?

STX-RC is still considered to be good, as long as parts are still in working condition.

[nigel]

I've had no slipping issues.....I did strongly consider the possiblility of accidental shifting while braking before I got the group but that has yet to be an issue. You can set the reach of the levers too (like all shimano mtn) but you cannot adjust the throw.

I still have a complete STX-RC group in a box waiting for something special!!! Might have to do me up another townie bike or something. That group is still the most bombproof group they ever made from what Ive ridden and from what Ive fixed at the shop.

[SilverAthlon]

NO WAY!! is it new?? or just a used group. I agree that it's a bomb-proof group, i see it on many bikes that come in and it still performs very well.

Well its encouraging to hear that the new improved xtr isn't as bad as i thought.... I don't think that it is a transition that i can make, but who knows.

Btw if you weren't aware, that thumb shifter is removable, it's supposed to be a liasion for transitioning riders. Eventually their theory is that you just use the up-down motion.

[nigel]

Its an almost new group, used it for a bit, then the XT "V" brake group came out in 1997 so I snatched that up.

As for the thumb part of the new XTR, man Ive used em, took em off, put em back on, took em off. I cannot decide yet which way to go so right now they are on again.

When and where do you ride?? I'd be more than willing to let ya ride my group to check it out if ya'd like. PM me if you wanna ride, prolly going to be doing some night riding Monday night at Battle Creek. I use Shimano 959 pedals also, in case you have the same cleats.

Douglas

[SilverAthlon]

Mostly leb, but i was out at the bottoms yesterday, and thinkin about battle creek wed. Im not a night rider(except for road), and :embarass:i don't use clipless:embarass:. What kind of bike you got that XTR on anyways??

[nigel]

What time on Wed??? I can get there by 8:30 or a bit later. Im taking someone out for their first night ride. Maybe we'll see ya. Look for the little dark green pickup :)