I’m in love with Shimano’s new XTR Di2 components
17-6-2025
Translation: Elicia Payne
Pictures: Patrick Bardelli
Faster, more precise, more robust: two weeks ago Shimano launched new XTR M9200 Di2 wireless components for mountain bikes. I was able to test a bike fitted with the new parts and was blown away.
After 2,500 elevation gain spread over 150 kilometres (km) and four rides, my verdict on the new Shimano components is clear: I’m in love. The Japanese brand has developed the new groupset as the successor to the XTR M9100 to meet the requirements of «real MTB racing». The press release also states that it’s the most robust drive design to date with more intuitive ergonomics, predictable brake control and new features that every rider will appreciate.
Well, with my bike skills, I’m about as far away from MTB racing as Switzerland is from the Mediterranean. And despite this, or perhaps because of it, this makes me an interesting target group for the manufacturer’s new XTR Di2 components. After all, amateur riders generate the main share of sales.
You can’t hurt what you can’t hit
Robustness is extremely important to Shimano. Among other things, the manufacturer has equipped the new XTR rear derailleur with a flat wedge profile. The stabilisation unit fits seamlessly into the derailleur body, minimising edges. This is designed to bounce off obstacles and avoid most rockfalls and bumps on the trail. The derailleur can absorb impact and return to its original position through the Impact Recovery function.
Shifting under load thanks to Hyperglide+
One of the highlights of the new XTR Di2 components for me is without doubt the Hyperglide+ shifting technology, which you can now also shift electronically and experience on your MTB. Previously, this technology was only available for the road segment. So there’s no need to worry about switching under load now.
Riding an incline in too high a gear and quickly shifting down two gears (under full load) isn’t an issue here. In fact, quite the opposite. The gearshift seems to be designed to enable these kind of gear changes. It feels very smooth to ride. The fully wireless Di2 system in combination with Hyperglide+ and the robust construction makes fast and precise shifting a cool riding experience.
Powerful braking system
One of the most important changes to XTR is the revised brake system, which, according to Shimano, offers the most powerful and reliable brake control to date. And this is also the second major highlight: the combination of the brake calliper in four-piston design and the newly designed brake levers.
The new lever design ensures that the brake fluid has a consistent rebound speed. The low-viscosity mineral oil flows evenly through the system over a wider temperature range which guarantees a stable piston movement and a reliable braking performance.
Sound strange? Simply put, I’ve never had a braking system on a bike that was so well suited to my needs. Up to now, this was often a stressful experience for me: too much, too little, too tight, too abrupt, too much at the back, too little at the front. You get my gist. Here, braking felt natural and part of the ride.
Clever battery design
The battery of the electronic gearshift was still around 60 per cent charged after the 2,500 metres of altitude spread over 150 km mentioned at the beginning. This results in a range of around 350 km at an altitude of around 5,000 metres. And this aligns pretty well with the information I received from Shimano.
What’s nice is that the manufacturer has installed the battery in the rear derailleur. There are two advantages to this. It looks neat and tidy and reduces the possibility it’ll get damaged or be lost in rough terrain.
When it hurts to say goodbye
To be honest, I’d have liked to keep this test bike. But, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end and I returned the MTB to the manufacturer with a heavy heart. I really like the new XTR Di2 components from Shimano. So much so, in fact, that I did my first 40 km home tour with almost 1,000 metres of elevation gain on this bike – something I’ve only ever done on an e-bike. And I’d do it again in a heartbeat!
PS
This has nothing to do with the new components, but has to be included in the article anyway – the mechanics at Shimano who built the test bike deserve a shout-out for the sound of the freehub. I want that too. You’ll never have to worry about the pros and cons of bells on your bike again. All this one requires is for you to stop pedalling and everyone around you will hear you approaching:
In a nutshell
Shimano’s new XTR Di2 components are simply fantastic
I think my article on the new XTR Di2 components from Shimano says it all. And if not, here’s a summary: you can call me XTR Fanboy.
Pro
- Fast and precise shifting even under load thanks to Hyperglide+
- Powerful braking system
- Clever battery design
- Robust rear derailleur
- Fun to ride
Header image: Patrick Bardelli
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
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