SLX or XT

zstaines

Both are the 2009 version is there anyone out there who can tell me the difference?

I ride xc but want something a bit tough for small drops

canada16

Value for money SLX, but XT is a bit of bling, and you will probably get a bit lighter from xt.

But I could but a crank SLX and then maybe a mech as well for the price of a XT.

BlackSpur

What are you looking to buy? One specific part or the whole groupset?

zstaines

im looking to buy a whole group set mainly because im lazy and can be arsed to chop and change

stevieboy

XT, it's still pretty tough....

ride_whenever

xt is tough, and lighter, but SLX has the useful bash option.

It depends, I wouldn't sacrifice brakes or wheel strength or forks or frame for xt over slx. Basically build up the bike as you want for everything, then do the group set as an afterthought!

stumpyjon

XT is a mountain bike groupset designed to used on ...... mountain bikes :roll:

Unless you ride particularly heavily XT will be fine.
Other points to consider:

XT has a 25 year pedigree, SLX is new this year, teething problems? As I understand it SLX is replacing LX which is being rebranded as a touring spec. On that logic XT is a higher grade groupset.

ride_whenever

You really think SLX will have teething problems? It is similar enough to the other groupsets that it is hugely unlikely that there will be any issues with it.

Both are very good, xt is better, whether it is worth the extra cost is debatable, and depends on the room in your budget.

stumpyjon

SLX will probably be fine, maybe I'm just a bit cautious.

The Spiderman

All the SLX reviews I have seen of the SLX have been very positive,and it would appear that it does90% of what XT does at much reduced price.SLX chainset is only about 50g heavier,than XT for example and features the same bb and composite middle ring.I reckon it looks better too.SLX brakes have servowave.SLX shifters have the same internals.Only difference is a bit of plastic on levers,which probably doesn`t affect performance.
I would say it depends on what budget you have,but I`d spend more on forks,wheels and tyres first then see what you have left,for the groupset.
If you have only enough for SLX,I doubt that you are going to really notice an extra 100g,and I doubt its functionality functionality is any less.Spares wil be cheaper too.
This advice is from someone who has XT by the way!

BlackSpur

I'd get full SLX with an XT rear mech for some added bling - I think the SLX rear mech is a bit dull. I agree with everything Spiderman hgas just said too.

WaterMonkey

SLX without doubt... kitted out one of my bikes with SLX and really happy with performance and value for money!

dave_hill

For what it's worth I honestly don't see the point of spending the extra on XT. The only XT I have on my main bike is the cassette, 'cos it's mounted on a spider which is the recommended fitment for Hope Pro II hubs.

All my other Shimano bits are either LX or Hone, so the next replacements will probably be SLX.

zstaines

Thank you for all your advise, I was confused because the ever helpful Shinamo website gave me no information. I have decided on the SLX mainly because the XT seems far to much to pay for a little extra gain and it look pretty good as well. I think it will go well on the Merlin Malt 2 which will be on its way soon

gcwebbyuk

On a pimp my bike kinda note - the SLX chainset does def look better than the XT - looks kinda XTR'ish :oops:

zero303

SLX but with XT shifters - I like the metal levers enough to warrant the extra...