New Shimano SLX Components

Shimano proudly introduces a completely new mountain bike group named SLX. Designed for All Mountain and tough Trail use, this groupset excels in terms of durability and high performance. The parts are tough and lightweight and, in-keeping with the recent trend of Shimano products a lot of attention has been given to the aesthetics. SLX, although targeted primarily at hardcore riders also fulfils the demands of other riding styles. Are you ready to challenge its extreme potential or do you stay with Cross Country specific components?

SLX Crankset

The SLX group includes two types of HOLLOWTECH II cranksets for different types of riding styles. The first is an All Mountain compact drive crankset with a double chainring 36/22T combination, designed to give more range over the traditional 32/22T setup. It has a reinforced construction with increased axle and spider strength to meet the rigours of All Mountain riding. This crankset will be provided with a 'honeycomb' designed bash guard and a steel pedal thread insert. Its superb rigidity offers a direct and reliable control on even the most demanding trails.

In addition to the double/bash guard chainset, there will also be a triple SLX crankset for Cross Country riding where a larger spread of gearing is required. Using technology from the current generation of XT and XTR chainsets the triple will come with a composite/steel middle chainring that doubles durability over the standard middle ring and improves the shifting performance. It will be available in a chainring combination of 44/32/22T.

SLX Front Derailleurs

Shimano has developed two different types of front derailleurs specific to each chainset. The double front derailleur is an exclusive design for All Mountain compact drive cranksets. The matching compact design and radius specifically for 36/22T reduces the chance of chain drops considerably and offers more tyre, chain and chainstay clearance for compatibility with the majority of full suspension frames on the market today. This front derailleur will also be available in a direct mount version. This new technology ensures a perfect alignment with all kinds of full suspension frame designs.

The triple front derailleur has angled adjustment screws and an angled clamp band design for ease of instalment and setup. This derailleur offers extra clearance and will be available in Top Swing and Down Swing versions.

SLX Shadow Rear Derailleur

The SLX rear derailleur gets the full Shadow treatment currently seen in the XT and XTR groupsets. The main advantages are its extra thin profile (reducing chances of the rear derailleur snagging or hitting any trail objects) and shorter, more direct cable routing enabling crisp shifting and a faster response. This derailleur will be available in both medium and long cage versions and weighs in at only 260 grams.

The group is completed with shifters, disc brakes and hubs. The SLX Rapidfire Plus shifters feature 2-Way Release technology that enables the release lever to be operated in two directions. Furthermore it has an inboard/outboard mounting option and a removable optical gear display with an integrated cover plate, similar to that currently seen on Deore XT.

The disc brakes feature 2-piston hydraulic calipers and boast 20% extra stopping power compared to previous generation LX and Hone brakesets thanks to the Shimano's Servo Wave technology in the lever. The levers have also been developed with a tool-free reach adjust.

The freehub integrates Shimano's quick engagement technology for faster acceleration and improved reaction in technical terrain. The hub and freehub have been developed with a high quality sealing and they carry cup and cone bearings for easy adjustment and high durability particularly to side loads. In addition to the standard 9mm QR front hub there is also a 20mm through axle version for an extra rigid hub/fork combination and some of the longer travel forks on today's market.

Click here to view our range of Shimano SLX components