Going from Xt shifters to XTR ?

Woods123

Is it WORTH it to upgrade from XT to XTR shifters , if you already have XTR RD?

thxalot

Chaz.Harding

If you value the tiny (and it is really SMALL) weight saving, and the 'bling' factor of XTR over plain XT, then yes.

If however, you don't need the extra edge, then no. Not really.

Woods123

But there should be some benefit to change XT shifters for XTR , if i already have XTR RD ?

thxalot

Chaz.Harding

IME, no.

Your derailluer will work absolutely fine with your current set up. It's only really for the weight saving the most dedicated weight-weenie would notice. The performance is really about par with XT.

If you upgrade, it'll just be for the bling factor.

Woods123

THe bling is cool to

But what about this Multifunction (only for racers ) ? and someone told about there would be faster shifter performance with XTR ?

or maby its just bling after all

alfablue

I don't think so, for maybe an imperceptible performance or weight benefit you pay very dearly. I have XTR, couldn't tell any difference myself. I just had more money than sense (at that particular moment :oops: ).

Woods123

The money its not a problem:) , maby i stick with mine XTR RD and XT gear shifters after all ..........

thx

allthegearnoidea

if you remove the shifter window pod from the xt's its only something silly like 30g heavier than the xtr's??

i very nievely thought that upgrading to all xtr would make me a better rider etc as its better kit!(hence screen name!) that was before i started riding wiht the local guys and saw most of them running Xt over XTR

i'd love to have the XTR kit on my bike, but i just cant justify it!

Salsa

XTR double downshift & dual push/pull downshifts are worth it imo.

Woods123

XTR double downshift & dual push/pull downshifts are worth it imo.

there is a reason to upgrade the shit

Woods123

But mine combo XT and XTR RD are worthless over XT and XT RD?

Salsa

I certainly noticed the difference in the crispness of the changes from my previous 2005 XT setup to my 2009 XTR setup on the same bike.
The XTR shifter feels a lot better as well, more positive when pushed, less flexy & plastic looking than my old XT.
It comes with a great cable as well, since I installed it a few months ago I haven't had to re-index once.
I only upgraded as my XT was past it's best & I got the XTR very cheaply new, not sure I'd pay full whack for it as although the difference is noticeable it's not hugely better than XT.

Milkie

XTR double downshift & dual push/pull downshifts are worth it imo.

I agree, makes changing the front rings while keeping the same cadence a lot easier and quicker.You can shift down the front from big to medium and shift 2 down on the rear in one "shift" (both front n rear at same time). Means you're maintaining roughly the same cadence and its a quicker shift.

Chaz.Harding

Salsa wrote:

XTR double downshift & dual push/pull downshifts are worth it imo.

But you can do this with XT, if I understand what you mean...!

Milkie

bigchazrocks wrote:

Salsa wrote:

XTR double downshift & dual push/pull downshifts are worth it imo.

But you can do this with XT, if I understand what you mean...!

I upgraded from LX, which wouldn't let you change down 2 gears in one shift. With the XTR's you can use either your thumb or index finger to change gear, not sure if you can with XT as I haven't ridden a bike with it.

Woods123

With the XTR's you can use either your thumb or index finger to change gear, not sure if you can with XT as I haven't ridden a bike with it.


yes you can do that with XT

supersonic

If I had a choice of XT shifters with XTR rear mech, or XTR shifters and XT rear mech, I'd take the latter.

Dirtydog11

supersonic wrote:

If I had a choice of XT shifters with XTR rear mech, or XTR shifters and XT rear mech, I'd take the latter.

+1

Chaz.Harding

But it's hardly a shifting performance upgrade. It's just 'bling'!! Not that there is anything wrong, it's just pricey!!!

And the OP is asking is it worth it to upgrade

Chaz.Harding

But it's hardly a shifting performance upgrade. It's just 'bling'!! Not that there is anything wrong, it's just pricey!!!

And the OP is asking is it worth it to upgrade

supersonic

I think they are better. But I wouldn't specifically upgrade to them from XT, but would consider it on a new bike build.

I think the shifters make much more difference than the mech.

Chaz.Harding

Absolutely - it's them that pulls the cable through. It's surprising how good shifting can feel with a good set of cables and outers too! IMO, the derailleur makes the least improvent on shifting performance. Just weight, and blingy-ness.

supersonic

Bike manufacturers still pull the old 'nice rear mech trick' lol. Deore shifters/xt mech is the classic!

Chaz.Harding

supersonic, yup. I had a Deore shifter / XTR rear mech combo on my old Specialized enduro (stock!!)

Ridg

if you've already got XT shifters then, there is no real need to upgrade as the 2008 Xt shifters (as you'll know) have the dual shift as in you can push or pull the down shift to shift down, on the XTR you can down shift twice in one push or pull (I think the XTRs also shift up more gears than the XT).

the XTR are also meant to have a slightly smoother internal parts.

when i upgraded my shifters from deore i went for the XTR ones, (paid about £65 last year) and I the double shift is handy as you can shift down, and with your finger still on the shifter execute a second shift during the acceleration.

the dual shift is a god send too, as you can down shift with your thumb, more handy on the front as you can break and drop a chain ring at the same time, however i find it most useful when wearing winter gloves, as it's much easier to downshift on the thumb than with my index finger wearing winter gloves.

but personally if i already had XT shifters, i'd stick with them esp given the current prices