It’s finally time for Shimano to introduce 12-speed Di2 for MTB… just maybe not as you’d expect. The new XT Di2 groups are ebike-only, meaning you’ll have to pair them with one of the new EP6 or EP8 drive units for the group to function properly. That may disappoint some non-e-bikers who have been waiting for an electronic version of Shimano’s 12-speed drivetrains, but on the ebike side, the announcement includes some interesting new tech.
Both 11 speed (LinkGlide) and 12 Speed (Hyperglide+) XT Di2 MTB – e-Bike Only
The last time we saw Shimano XT Di2 MTB (first unveiled in 2016), it was 11 speed. There’s still an 11-speed version, but now it’s part of the LinkGlide family. As a refresher, when LinkGlide was introduced, Shimano claimed it resulted in a drivetrain that was 3x more durable. With Deore XT Di2 LinkGlide, you should retain that increased durability, only with the benefits of a modern electronic drivetrain.
Also, while Di2 has not been available for traditional Shimano mountain bike drivetrains since they were 11-speed, Shimano’s e-bike drivetrains have continued to offer a Di2 version which relies on the battery of the e-bike itself for power. That continues here, and possibly why we still aren’t seeing Di2 options for non-e-bikes.
Along with the Di2 addition, Shimano has introduced a new CS-LG700 11-speed cassette for the LinkGlide groups that is a whopping 200g lighter than the previous CS-LG600.
For the most part, the 11-speed LinkGlide and 12-speed Hyperglide+ derailleurs look almost identical. The biggest difference seems to be in the design of the pulleys.
Deore XT Di2 MTB LinkGlide 11-speed Features:
- Precision Electronic Di2 Shifting
- Centralized Battery Power and Charging
- Durable and Seamless 11-speed LINKGLIDE Drivetrain
- Enables All-New FREE SHIFT and AUTO SHIFT WITH MANUAL OVERRIDE Modes
Specs:
- 1×11-speed with 11-50t Cassette
- New CS-LG700 Cassette – 200g Lighter Than Previous CS-LG600
- RD-M8150-11 e-MTB dedicated 11-speed Di2 rear derailleur
- SW-M8150-R/IR SHIMANO DEORE XT Di2 Right Shift Switch and I-SPEC EV
Available Shifting Modes:
- Full Manual Shifting
- Full Manual Shifting with FREE SHIFT Enabled
- Automatic Shifting While Pedaling and While Coasting with AUTO SHIFT WITH MANUAL OVERRIDE
Compatibility:
- SHIMANO EP600 and EP801 Drive Units
XT Di2 Hyperglide+
While LinkGlide has the edge on durability, the new 12-speed Deore XT Di2 Hyperglide+ group seems to have the edge on shifting performance. Built to utilize the current group of 12-speed HG 10-51t cassettes and chains, the group has its own dedicated 12-speed rear derailleur with a little 12s printed on the clutch cover.
Both the 11-speed and 12-speed groups utilize a new Di2 shifter with an interesting dual-thumb lever setup. We haven’t actually seen how this shifter would work, so currently it’s all speculation based on the photos. Considering availability isn’t scheduled until some time in 2023, it will be a while before we find out for ourselves.
Shimano Deore XT Di2 MTB HyperGlide+ 12-speed Features:
- Precision Electronic Di2 Shifting
- Centralized Battery Power and Charging
- Smooth 12-speed HYPERGLIDE+ Drivetrain
- Enables All-New FREE SHIFT Mode
Specs:
- 1×12-speed with 10-51t Cassette Options
- RD-M8150-12 e-MTB dedicated 12-speed Di2 rear derailleur
- SW-M8150-R/IR SHIMANO DEORE XT Di2 Right Shift Switch and I-SPEC EV
Available Shifting Modes:
- Full Manual Shifting
- Full Manual Shifting with FREE SHIFT Enabled
- Automatic Shifting when Coasting
Compatibility:
- SHIMANO EP600 and EP801 Drive Units
New & Updated Drive Units
Note that both groups list compatibility as requiring either the new EP600 or EP801 drive units. The EP6 series is all new and meant to bring EP8 performance to a mid-range price point. Mostly the specs are the same as the higher end EP8 drive unit, though the total weight is 300g heavier.
Shimano EP600 Specs:
- 85Nm max torque
- Continuous Rated Power: 250 watts
- 3.0 kg. total weight
- CAN port for expanded compatibility
- Maintains assist up to 28mph for US Class 3 e-bikes for comfortable e-City and e-Gravel riding
Compatibility:
- XT Di2 HYPERGLIDE+
- XT Di2 LINKGLIDE
- CUES Di2
- Internal Hub Gears Di2 specification
- Mechanical Drivetrains
While not completely new, the EP801 has been updated to be compatible with the new shift modes as well as the new ‘Fine Tune mode’ on the E-Tube Project App which will allow you to customize the power profile. Like the EP600, the EP801 receives additional accessory CAN ports to “ensure future-proof compatibility for Shimano EP platforms”.
Shimano EP801 Specs:
- 85Nm max torque
- Continuous Rated Power: 250 watts
- 2.7 kg. total weight
- CAN port for expanded compatibility
- Maintains assist up to 28mph for US Class 3 e-bikes for comfortable e-City and e-Gravel riding
Compatibility:
- XT Di2 HYPERGLIDE+
- XT Di2 LINKGLIDE
- CUES Di2
- Internal Hub Gears Di2 specification
- Mechanical Drivetrains
Shift even while Coasting
When you combine the new Deore XT Di2 groups with the new drive units, Shimano’s all-new Free Shift mode unlocks the ability to shift without pedaling. While this isn’t the first system we’ve seen that makes that claim, the Shimano EP platform does in a unique way–that’s all motor. Say you’re coasting down a hill and want to shift into a harder gear so you’re ready to hammer when it levels out, with Free Shift you simply shift as normal, no pedaling required.
Instead, the derailleur moves the chain to the chosen gear, while the motor spins the chainring without moving the cranks. The freewheel in the crankset makes it all work, allowing the motor to drive the chain and the rear cassette, and you end up with a bike that can shift at any time… and it can even shift for you.
Full Auto Shift with Manual Override (LinkGlide Only)
If you’d rather have the bike handle the shifting, the new Auto shift with Manual Override technology will gladly handle it for you. Note that while Free Shift is offered on both the 11-speed LinkGlide and 12-speed Hyperglide+ groups, only the LinkGlide groups will get the full Auto Shift feature. Shimano tells us that the 12-speed groups can still Auto Shift while coasting, but they are unable to Auto Shift while pedaling. For that feature you’ll need the LinkGlide group.
Shimano Di2 MTB Availability & Pricing
Since all of these components will only work together as a complete system, Shimano will initially not offer them individually – only as a part of a complete e-bike. We’re sure that there will be replacement parts available at some point, but for now individual pricing isn’t available.
If you want an e-bike with the new Di2 system, you’re going to have to wait… until “late-spring or early summer 2023.” However, we’re told that there will be new e-bikes on display at Eurobike with the system, so we’ll at least get a lead on where you can expect to find the systems, next year.
