New XT M8200!

• Posted on 18 June 2025
• 0

If you didn't happen to catch it, Shimano launched their M9200 XTR groupset a fortnight ago - it's now been joined by XT too!  The trickle down effect usually takes a good bit longer, but Shimano have smashed it out of the park and got this one out more quickly!

With XTR sitting as the top-tier, super fancy option, XT takes its place as the more workmanlike choice.  "Budget" would be the wrong word for any wireless drivetrain system, but leaving out Carbon Fibre and Titanium does help significantly!  As before, there's the same backwards compatibility with the existing mechanical 12 speed chains and cassettes - so no need to swap everything all at once if you don't need to.

Our full writeup on the dealer events in Spain and Wales will follow soon - until then, scroll on for more details and pricing on the latest Shimano XT parts!

XT M8200 Drivetrain

As with XTR, the drivetrain is the headline here.  It uses the same fully wireless Di2 setup, with a rechargeable battery in the mech, or ebike versions which hardwire to the bike.  

The new M8200 groupset is 12 speed - and although there’s a new cassette with refined shifting profiles, this setup is fully backwards compatible with all Shimano 12s mountain bike chains, cassettes and chainrings - giving the option to upgrade your existing bike without needing to buy a full groupset.  The mech fits to a standard hanger, including UDH - so fits basically every bike!

There is an additional ratio option, with a 9-45t cassette and matching short cage mech.  This setup is lighter - and with a smaller chainring gives better ground clearance at the mech and at the chainring. 

We were lucky enough to be invited to Spain back in February to test the new XTR and unsurprisingly we were mightily impressed.  Shimano Hyperglide+ has always shifted well under load and this new wireless option is no different.  The shifter is super neat - with a really positive feel, we felt at home right away. 

- Shimano XT M8200 Drivetrain upgrade package (mech, shifter, battery, charger, chain link) £650

- Shimano XT M8250 Di2 Rear mech, £430

- Shimano BT-DN320 Mech battery, £40

- Shimano EC-EN100 charger, £30

- Shimano XT M8250 Di2 Switch/shifter, £160

- Shimano XTR M8200 Crankset, £150

- Shimano XT CRM86 Chainring, £65

- Shimano XT M8200 Cassette, £150

- Shimano XT M8100 Chain (existing), £50

XT M8200 and M8220 brakes

As with XTR, we're keen on the XT brakes as much as the new drivetrain!  They're a significant step up from Shimano's previous brakes - and at £400 for a pair of 4-pots, they're bang on the money!

A new mineral fluid with a lighter viscosity gives a consistent feel no matter the temperature - no more wandering bite point!  Shimano have moved the lever pivot closer to the bar and canted the lever at a 5 degree angle to give a more natural feel.  In use, these brakes have plenty of predictable power and a great feel at the lever - another winner!

Just as the drivetrain has backwards compatibility, the brakes work with previous generation rotors, or you can match everything with the latest version.  With that in mind, there’s a brake upgrade kit which includes both levers, calipers and hoses - plus a small bottle of the new fluid.

- Shimano XT M8200 XC Brake (lever, hose, caliper), £180

- Shimano XT M8200 XC Brake upgrade kit (2 complete brakes as above, plus fluid), £350

- Shimano XT M8220 Trail/Enduro Brake (lever, hose, caliper) £200

- Shimano XT M8220 Trail/Enduro Brake upgrade kit (2 complete brakes as above, plus fluid), £400

Wheels and hubs

Wheels don't get missed out for XT, but it's a simpler range - just the M8200 models in either 27.5" or 29"

The significant cost saving compared to XTR is an aluminium rather than carbon rim, but these are still tough, versatile wheels for trail/enduro riding.  We see sensible, reliable cartridge bearing hubs and j-bend spokes too keep things dependable!

- Shimano M8200 Wheelset, £500

Prefer a different rim brand?  We can always help there!  The XT hubs are available separately too, for any custom wheel builds - just ask!

- Shimano M8210 Front hub, £70

- Shimano M8210 Rear hub, £160

We have our first drop of the new XT products landing imminently, so take a look at the range here or give us a shout if you're keen on getting something on your bike!