After giving up near the top of a climb strewn with rocks the size of coffee cups and whilst dismounting a rock popped up and hit my clutch lever – which snapped off!

is this bad luck or is this a common issue?

Happened to mine too.

I think it’s common-ish.

Relatively cheap and easy to fit a new lever though.

Yeah, had the same. Just leave it ‘on’ and use a bit more force to get the wheel in and out. The mech is still fine.

Unlucky I’d say, never had this happen to a Shimano clutch lever

Don’t stress, buy another and move on 🙂

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/gear-spares/shimano-deore-xt-rdm8000-switch-lever-unit-fixing-plate-y5rt98030/

yeah I have emailed SJS as they out of stock!!!

Shame there isnt an alloy replacement!