Taking the plunge on a clutch mech setup for a new build, why should I spend the extra 10 quid or so on XT over slx or deore? Shimano don’t seem to be able to tell me, can anyone here? Is it notably lighter? Or just branding?
And where’s cheapest for these at the moment?

I was going to say about 30 quid and and few grams. If its only £10 then go for the XT. Just because.

Personally I find the shifter is the place to spend a bit more for the precision of the shift and build quality. Plus it’s less likely to get smashed on a rock.

Slx has a few more steel parts (back plate and cable clamp arm) and jockey wheels not as well sealed but prettier IMHO

Shimano’s tech doc spells out exactly which parts are the same, and which are interchangeable.

Any opinions on the zee stuff? A friends just pointed out that you can still get the wide range (11 – 36) with a short cage one, less likely to get smashed on a rock I guess?

Im running 1×10

Any opinions on the zee stuff? A friends just pointed out that you can still get the wide range (11 – 36) with a short cage one, less likely to get smashed on a rock I guess?

I’ve got a Zee on my 1×10 bike and XT on my 2×10. Honestly the Zee looks a lot nicer – for example the clutch switch is metal versus plastic (!?!) on the XT. There’s been a few reports of Zee’s failing on here, but seemed to be early models and were replaced by Madison I believe.

Yeh think I’m gunna go for a Zee.. only £42 on chain reaction at the moment!

The Zee comes in two different capacities. 28t or 36t. Just double check before ordering.

My Zee has been faultless. Amazing bit of kit.

The Zee shifter is nice too. Very low-profile and clicky.

Zee mechs on both my bikes. They are great bits of kit.

wonderful! Will order one soon then! Does the zee shifter have i spec compatible? This is half the reason Im changing as Ive found the wonders of shimano brakes (XTs) recently so want to give the drivetrain stuff a chance now!
edit: I assume the zee derailleur works with any shimano rapid-fire shifters?

edit: I assume the zee derailleur works with any shimano rapid-fire shifters?

Yep, any 10 speed shimano shifter. I use mine with an XT shifter (i-spec)