Test: Two in one go - that's what Shimano thought when they presented the SLX M7100 together with the XT 8100 to us. In any case, the SLX has the same DNA as its bigger brother, which has many advantages. The Shimano SLX M7100 group was designed for mountain bikers who have high expectations in terms of durability and affordability.
In addition to the new Shimano XT M8100 (for presentation + test) the Japanese recently also presented the "budget version" of their top group with the SLX M7100. In recent years, the SLX has blossomed into an absolute insider tip and has delighted price-conscious buyers in particular with its almost unbeatable performance. Nevertheless, it was somewhat overshadowed by the seemingly all-powerful XT group. Will that change with the new generations? Our assessment: it will! How come? You can find out in our test.
Shimano SLX M7100 – XT(R) Light?
It is part of Shimano's philosophy that after the introduction of the respective top groupsets (XTR on MTBs, Dura Ace on road bikes), the new features are transferred to the cheaper groupsets in the years that follow. To date, however, one has chosen quite selectively which properties really made it into the lower groups and sometimes it took a few years until, for example, special features of the XTR group made it to the inexpensive SLX. That is now changing in 2019 with the SLX M7100.
Just one year after the presentation of the current XTR group, the Japanese have also given their "Best-Bang-for-the-Buck" group a refresh that has it all: The group not only inherits the twelfth gear from the big one Brother XTR, also the 510% range and 1-speed operation without front derailleur and the new 4-piston brakes have made it to the M7100.
The new SLX has almost the same features as the M8100 XT group presented at the same time. But in order not to compete too much within the company, there are of course a few differences, which are particularly reflected in the look and weight. The two cassettes - also here 10-45 and 10-51 - are a good deal heavier than the parts of the XT and XTR groupsets. This is mainly due to the fact that eleven sprockets are now made of steel (on the XT there are 10, on the XTR even titanium is used). The downside of the coin: the SLX cassette should last a few kilometers longer for frequent drivers.
The same applies to the crank and rear derailleur: they weigh a few grams more, and the SLX also has fewer chainring options: For example, you don't have to use a 36 chainring for one-by drives. Perhaps the biggest difference can be found in the shift lever: Compared to the XT group, you have to do without the rubber coating on the lever itself and the multi-release feature when shifting down is also omitted.
Shimano XT / SLX 2019 weights
| Shimano SLX M7100 | Shimano XT M8100 | Shimano XTR M9100 | Sram GX Eagle | Sram XX1 Eagle | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| derailleur | 322g | 290g | 241g | 290g | 264g |
| Gear levers | 117g | 117g | 117g | 122g | 122g |
| Crank (32t / 175mm( | 631g | 620g | 516g | 621g | 422g |
| Cassette (10-51 / 10-50) | 534g | 470g | 357g | 450g | 356g |
Shimano SLX M7100 – The new brake benchmark for bargain hunters?
It gets particularly exciting when it comes to the brakes, more precisely the 4-piston trail stoppers. While the 2-piston variant is identical in construction to its predecessor apart from its appearance, the 4-piston caliper is strongly reminiscent of the XT and XTR brakes at first glance. This impression is not deceptive either: Apart from the surface coating, this is the same brake caliper as the XT M8100, which in turn is based on the XTR variant in many respects.
Almost the same applies to the encoders, although here you have to do without the Free Stroke Adjust screw, which you can use to fine-tune the pressure point. But to be honest: This point should be bearable for the vast majority of drivers. Otherwise, the encoder is the same as the M8100 counterpart, including the new support on the handlebars and the associated pressure point.
The new SLX discs, like the XT and XTR, have an aluminum core for better fading resistance, but do without the Freeza cooling fins.
Shimano SLX M7100 – First riding impressions
In Spain we had the opportunity to test the new SLX at a press camp and also to compare it directly with the new XT. When it comes to performance - whether it's the gears or the brakes - it doesn't have to hide at all. Yes, it is a total of almost 200g heavier than the XT, but let's be honest: Apart from lightweight construction fans, this difference shouldn't really be relevant for most drivers.
While we didn't miss the Free Stroke Adjust screw on the brake calliper at all, the shifter was noticeably inferior to its higher-quality colleague: Above all, the lack of the option to shift down two gears at once with a determined push made itself felt. It's a pity that the lever itself does not have a rubber coating, but if you're wearing good gloves, you'll hardly notice it.
Otherwise, our driving impressions match those of the XT group - so we would like to refer you again to our detailed test:
components: Test: Shimano XT M8100 - The all-round carefree package
Test: It's that time again! Shimano presented the latest development of their oldest XT group, established in 1982, in Spain last weekend. We have the most important information and first test impressions for you. It's been five years since Shimano gave its best-known and most important MTB group a huge evolutionary boost with the XT M8000. […]
Shimano SLX M7100 Pricing and Availability
Like the XT group, the SLX M7100 should also be available this June. We can't name any prices here either - but as soon as we can find out about them from the German importer Paul Lange, we'll add them here.