Hi Guys.

Anyone know what the plating is on this XTR part? Dark chrome plating, gloss anodising or some sort of cvd?

https://r2-bike.com/SHIMANO-XTR-Hub-rear-FH-M9010-for-X-12-Thru-Axle-265g

I always thought it was nickel plating or dark chrome plate as it’s crazy tough compared to other finishes.
XTR has always been the best looking group set!

Chrome effect powder coat?

I know the early stuff (M900) was polished sulphuric etch.

Dunno what that is but it looks double ace.

Anodized, apparently: https://www.evanscycles.com/en-us/shimano-xtr-m9010-centre-lock-135mm-rear-hub-EV220653

yebbut wot wiv?

It’s probably just had a very high polish before anodising, followed be a coloured dye afterwards. Perhaps a further polish & clear lacquer coat.
It could even be just a high polish & dark tinted lacquer coat.

Nickel isn’t great on alloy, it’s more for brass, or steel.

Any plating process is only as good as the surface condition it’s presented with. With anodising they do a light sulphuric etch, to key & clean the surface, & it will clean up the surface to a degree; but it’s better done on a nice surface.