New Shimano SLX Groupset revealed for 2009 year (or July)

[neil_bolton]

See here: http://www.bikebiz.com/news/29401/Shimano-SLX-to-g...

Seems that its to sit at the LX level for XC and Freeride - very reminiscent of STX of old (and STX-RC).

Not quite sure of the 15mm thru axle idea, unless its meant to be a lighter weight version of the 20mm one in order to give the benefits without the wieght?

Another groupset that will die without trace, just like STX, Alivio ranges etc?

[Rico]

Shimano have amazing ideas (Servowave, Shadow etc) then some utter pointless ideas (specifically 15mm bolt through hubs)... think this falls into the latter.

Diversity for diversity's sake I think. No real need for it and we end up paying for all the R&D through higher than necessary prices.

Edited by Rico on Tuesday 19th February 15:34

[WildCards]

neil_bolton said:

Another groupset that will die without trace, just like STX, Alivio ranges etc?

Yup

[pdV6]

WildCards said:

neil_bolton said:

Another groupset that will die without trace, just like STX, Alivio ranges etc?

Yup

IIRC STX-RC was simply STX with 8sp rather than 7 wasn't it?
A bit firkin pointless imo.

15mm bolt-through? Would it really much lighter than a 20mm? How much exactly?
How many hub manufacturers will get on-board?

[WildCards]

Shimano & Fox are apparently pioneering the 15mm thru axle, this is some of the marketing gumpf that accompanied the press release.

"FOX forks incorporating the 15mm through axle system are 15% stiffer torsionally and 25% stiffer in transverse shear than a traditional 9mm quick release front axle system..."

"The XTR 15mm through axle hub HB-M978 is more than 100 grams lighter than the 20mm version HB-M976..."

And heres some more info on the SLX:
http://www.bikemagic.com/news/article.asp?UAN=6067...

It's tasty looking kit, and if it offers a real benefit over LX stuff I can see it taking off, but will it?

[pdV6]

WildCards said:

It's tasty looking kit, and if it offers a real benefit over LX stuff I can see it taking off, but will it?

Looking at that article, it seems that LX is going to be downgraded a bit, so effectively SLX replaces it. Thus it can't fail to take off?

[neil_bolton]

pdV6 said:

WildCards said:

It's tasty looking kit, and if it offers a real benefit over LX stuff I can see it taking off, but will it?

Looking at that article, it seems that LX is going to be downgraded a bit, so effectively SLX replaces it. Thus it can't fail to take off?

Nope, still can't get STX out of my head, and as such, will always assume SLX to be under LX.

They can't downgrade LX - they keep trying to raise the whole DX thing, and keep failing, so can't they just bring out something new - just like they did with the Saint range - that worked well?

Edited to add: I think theres an careful note to be taken from that article - they mention that its going to be everywhere ala OEM on bikes - and I think this is Shimanos main aim - just like STX was.

Nobody will *really* buy it, as XT is so well priced nowadays...

Edited by neil_bolton on Wednesday 20th February 14:36

[pdV6]

The Article said:

For 2009, Deore LX becomes a "trekking" group (think upright riding positions, comfy saddles, the Netherlands) with the new SLX group coming with a myriad of options to cover all persuasions of MTBing from XC to freeride.

Reckon they should have gone for "LXS" rather than "SLX"

[pdV6]

neil_bolton said:

Nobody will *really* buy it, as XT is so well priced nowadays...

You're probably right there.

[neil_bolton]

pdV6 said:

The Article said:

For 2009, Deore LX becomes a "trekking" group (think upright riding positions, comfy saddles, the Netherlands) with the new SLX group coming with a myriad of options to cover all persuasions of MTBing from XC to freeride.

Reckon they should have gone for "LXS" rather than "SLX"

pdV6 said:

neil_bolton said:

Nobody will *really* buy it, as XT is so well priced nowadays...

You're probably right there.

You know I'm right