I'm in the market for a new groupset, pretty much decided shimano but question now is - which one? I can scrimp to afford XTR, but is it worth it?? I'm after a light build on an XC bike so really boils down to what's the weight difference and what's the ride feel like on both? Can't easily find the groupset weight (minus wheelset) to compare. Anyone have this info for the 2012 kits?
FWIW, I don't ride with a camelbak and always toilet before a ride 🙂 Just simply throwing the question out to see if saving up for XTR is worth the effort or not
Based on my older XTR, each part weighs slight less and works slightly better - if you can afford it, go XTR.
I'd say XTR is worth the extra for brakes, cranks and shifter. The mech, ultra bling cassette and chain etc are all lovely, but too consumable for me to shell out the extra.
I can tell a difference between XT and XTR when it comes to the shifters and mech so use these, but the weight saving there is minimal.
The chainset saves a lot of weight and is meant to be stiffer but I can't feel this but still use it as it looks bling and the weight saving is worthwhile.
I don't use the cassettes as although there is a worthwhile weight saving, they are a consumable part and too expensive to change regularly!
I don't use the brakes either as I couldn't tell any difference between the new XT and the new XTR and the weight saving is minimal.
Once you've tried it, you won't go back!
I swapped my bike from 2012 XT to 2012 XTR, I did weigh each component at the time (sad I know) and the difference on most parts was pretty small.
As has been said the biggest saving is the chainset, 40/28 double is 741g for XT and 625g for the same in XTR Race. I don't seem to have kept a note of all the figures but I seem to remember the total weight saving for the groupset was in the region of 250-300g and most of this was the chainset followed by the cassette.
I'm pretty sure the XTR shadow+ rear mech was slightly heavier than the standard XT shadow but think the shadow+ is well worth any extra weight.
Having used both I think the XTR is nicer both in terms of looks and in use but it'd be hard to justify the cost on any marked increase in performance (other than the shadow+ mech which I think is now also available on XT anyway).
If you're building a light bike and can afford XTR then go for it, you won't be disappointed.
Thanks guys - all that advice is seriously helpful 🙂 Sounds like XTR is definitely the way to go. Now to start saving up.... No beers for me this weekend, trust the sun to make an appearance just in the nick of time!
XTR shifters, cranks, brakes, rear mech, XT front mech and cassette. KMC X10SL chain.
Best combination, the XTR cassette is three times the price, not much lighter and doesn't last as long. The X10 SL chain is also far lighter than anything Shimano. Get one on eBay from Taiwan and they're only £20 or so too.
Given the significant price gap I think Id look at spending the change on wheels where youd be more likely to notice the difference.