2008 XT (the Good, the Bad, the Ugly)

05-10-2007

As an avid Shimano fan I have to give my take on the new XT. I’ve been using it since 1991. The new technology looks compelling, especially the new hydraulic brakes (the best probably just got better) and the new shadow derailleur looks like good new stuff.

This stuff is almost beautiful, but instead is butt-ugly. Picture this stuff on almost any bike. The black and silver is reminiscent of a convict’s uniform. If you are going for that zebra theme then this stuff is on target.

If this stuff were naked metal, silver, whatever - it would be dead gorgeous. In fact I think that would be appropriate. 25 years is the silver anniversary (Duh!?). Plus it would be sort-of a throwback to when most components, especially cranks were beautiful, simple, polished metal - very appropriate for an anniversary. This stuff is so close to bling, but not quite. Just my opinion I guess.

Oh well,
bm

paneristi · 05-11-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbabaracus

As an avid Shimano fan I have to give my take on the new XT. I’ve been using it since 1991. The new technology looks compelling, especially the new hydraulic brakes (the best probably just got better) and the new shadow derailleur looks like good new stuff.

This stuff is almost beautiful, but instead is butt-ugly. Picture this stuff on almost any bike. The black and silver is reminiscent of a convict’s uniform. If you are going for that zebra theme then this stuff is on target.

If this stuff were naked metal, silver, whatever - it would be dead gorgeous. In fact I think that would be appropriate. 25 years is the silver anniversary (Duh!?). Plus it would be sort-of a throwback to when most components, especially cranks were beautiful, simple, polished metal - very appropriate for an anniversary. This stuff is so close to bling, but not quite. Just my opinion I guess.

Oh well,
bm

When I was choosing crank, I went for XT instead of XTR. Looks came into (my) area of selection. At that moment, I thought the past XTR's shiny surface looks inappropriate to my bike.
Now I see the new XTR, and I think the old XTR better.

I guess some design grows overtime. Some are like love at first sight, some not.

If the crank is polished metal, or even one piece forged, I think some people might say that Shimano is copying RaceFace, or, perhaps, cannibalizes XTR for bling factor (??)

mtnkiwi · 05-11-2007

Totally disagree about the XTR cranks. The polished face is so much nicer than the blue grey on the 965s. Also, that paint rubs off over time, whereas the new polished area doesn't seem to. I still like the look of the older xtr callipers, though undecided whether they look better than the new ones.

**crisillo** · 05-11-2007

just to add to the discussion...here's some non studio pics of it

http://www.singletrackworld.com/article.php?sid=2425

Purple Liquid · 05-12-2007

looks exactly like the M970 series. Not really liking the new crankset look. The rd looks bangin'.

Maybe Shimano is using the idea of having this year's xtr be next years xt?

Leadghost · 05-13-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purple Liquid

looks exactly like the M970 series. Not really liking the new crankset look. The rd looks bangin'.

Maybe Shimano is using the idea of having this year's xtr be next years xt?

They do that for most things. 2003 XTR lead to 2004 XT, 2003 Dura Ace lead to 2005 Ultegra (at least I think it was 2003 for Dura Ace?)

golokeung · 05-13-2007

The ugliest thing is a cyclist with big belly. The new XT looks okay! XTR 2007 works well enough and looks so much better and makes the last generation a 300 years old gruppo.

Stumpy_Steve · 05-16-2007

The only thing Im diggn is the rings on that crank. Arms? For geta bout it, they look gross... Im thinkn a few 760xt cranks when they go on immidiete sale, like ebay. Then get some of those rings, some phill wood bearings in those cups, and im mmm mmm good... crank is 10 grams lighter, though... I guess thats an improvement to accomidate the ugly.

Tinshield · 08-01-2007

I'm OK with the look. I think the 07 cranks look better but I'll probably get these. I'm planning on building an Ellsworth Epiphany with 08 XT complete, perhaps even the wheelset too.

Black RONIN · 08-01-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtnkiwi

Totally disagree about the XTR cranks. The polished face is so much nicer than the blue grey on the 965s. Also, that paint rubs off over time, whereas the new polished area doesn't seem to. I still like the look of the older xtr callipers, though undecided whether they look better than the new ones.

Well, I'm sorry to show you this, but the new XTR can be rubbed off just as bad. But I think that some may hurt the cranks more than others, it depends on the rider, I never rubbed mine like this, but for sure the M-970 they don't seem as fragile as the M-960 polished anodized grey. But sure there's no better looking parts in the whole cycling world than the XTR parts, and this apply for both the former and new sets. On the other hand, the new XT cranks is not looking as good as the curret one. The rest of the XT group is just way better, specially the brake levers, calipers and rotors, although I think they could have put more creative effort on the shifters. And of course, the new wheels are a BLAST.

Jwiffle · 08-10-2007

Guess I'm one of the few who likes the look of the new XT stuff. Not that I really care about looks. Cranks could look like poop on a stick, but if it works as well as adverstised, I'll be extremely happy. I've had the last generation XT cranks on my current rides, and just picked up 08 stuff for the new build. (Cranks, brakes, Shadow rear der.; scored a set of 07 XTR shifters cheap).

Gravity Assist · 09-05-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbabaracus

As an avid Shimano fan I have to give my take on the new XT. I’ve been using it since 1991. The new technology looks compelling, especially the new hydraulic brakes (the best probably just got better) and the new shadow derailleur looks like good new stuff.

This stuff is almost beautiful, but instead is butt-ugly. Picture this stuff on almost any bike. The black and silver is reminiscent of a convict’s uniform. If you are going for that zebra theme then this stuff is on target.

If this stuff were naked metal, silver, whatever - it would be dead gorgeous. In fact I think that would be appropriate. 25 years is the silver anniversary (Duh!?). Plus it would be sort-of a throwback to when most components, especially cranks were beautiful, simple, polished metal - very appropriate for an anniversary. This stuff is so close to bling, but not quite. Just my opinion I guess.

Oh well,
bm

I think you think too much... You probably get mad every time your bike gets the tiniest little scratch huh? Get a life man! Its just cosmetic! who cares how much it looks like an elephant carcus if it works right! People like you discust me... to think that you made a thread saying that a components physical attributes don't appeal to you is kind of rediculous... put a little more thought into it next time you post a tread will yuh?

Gravity Assist · 09-05-2007

hold on, quite a few of you are saying the same thing...wow... this is a great tread... tells me exactly who to put on my ignore list...

09-05-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gravity Assist

I think you think too much...

You're right. I do think too much. But you know what, it's gotten me pretty far in life. How's that blissful ignorance working out? How old is this thread and why are you digging it up now? You know what, I'm having another thought. You are a crusty botch of nature... Damn, there I go thinking too much again.

best wishes,
bm