SHIMANO XTR MTB groupset M9100 1x12 | FC-M9120 crank | 10-51 teeth
With the XTR M9100, Shimano presents its most versatile MTB groupset. While the first generations of XT racing groupsets were developed for the needs of XC racers, the concept of MTB racing is now much broader. With a wide range of options, everyone from enduro racers to marathon riders can put together their own XTR M9100 drivetrain to suit their needs.
Crank
With the M9100/M9120 XTR crank, Shimano has taken a big step forward in several aspects. Probably the most striking innovation: the crank is designed for direct mount chainrings. Thanks to the special DCE+ Narrow Wide profile of the teeth and the Hyperglide+ chain design, the 52 millimeter offset of the chainrings is suitable for both BOOST and standard rear hubs. The matching Direct Mount chainrings are available with 30 to 38 teeth. Shimano also offers a suitable 2x chainring/spider combination for riders who are looking for a wider range without wanting to forego the advantages of the close-ratio 10-45 cassette.
Shimano continues to rely on the proven Hollowtech 2 technology with a 24 millimeter crankshaft for the crank design. By optimizing the design of the current generation of cold-forged aluminium cranks, however, it has been possible to further reduce weight and increase stiffness at the same time. The XTR crank is available with a 162 millimeter wide (FC-M9100) and 168 millimeter wide (FC-M9120) Q-factor to suit the different areas of use and preferences of bikers.
Chainring
The matching 1-speed Direct Mount chainrings for the FC-M9100/9120 XTR cranks. With their special Dynamic-Chain-Mount+ design, they guide the CN-M9100 chain safely and with low vibration even on rough trails. In combination with the Hyperglide+ chain, the chainrings with their offset of 52 millimetres work with both BOOST and standard rear hubs.
Rear derailleur
The XTR M9000 rear derailleur was already known for its clean shifting and smooth chain operation. With the M9100, these characteristics have been further improved and even faster shifting has been achieved. In order to be equipped for the extreme bandwidths of cassettes with 10-51 and 10-45 teeth, the rear derailleur was redesigned from the ground up. The derailleur pulleys were positioned in such a way that they keep the chain at the optimum distance from the cassette in all gears. The size of the derailleur pulleys has also been increased to 13 teeth. This not only provides the chain with better guidance, but also ensures smoother and more energy-efficient running. The smooth chain run is supported by the Shadow+ design with vibration damper.
Shift lever
As one of the contact points, the shift levers are an important link between rider and bike. Compared to the M9000 shifter, the operating forces have been reduced by 35% thanks to a modified gear ratio in combination with a lower cage tension on the rear derailleur. The proven Rapidfire Plus shifting logic with two-way release levers has been carried over from the previous version. However, the M9100 shifter shifts 20% faster thanks to a revised inner workings, allowing the rider to react even faster to changing track conditions.
With the I-Spec EV version, the lever can be attached to XTR M9100/9120 brake levers to save space. In addition, the new standard mounting offers a 14 millimeter wide lateral adjustment range and the shifter can also be rotated by 60 degrees. The shifter can be adjusted for use with an 11-speed or 12-speed cassette via an adjusting screw on the underside.
Cassette
In contrast to the competition, the Japanese CS-M9100 cassette gives the rider the choice between maximum gear range (10-51 teeth) and a narrower gear ratio with smaller cadence jumps when shifting (10-45 teeth). The latter should suit XC and marathon racers in particular, who can conserve their power reserves by pedaling in the optimum frequency range.
Smooth and precise shifting has always been a hallmark of Shimano cassettes. In the Hyperglide cassettes of the last generations, the sprockets were positioned in such a way that the chain runs extremely smoothly and with little vibration, especially when shifting to a larger sprocket. The XTR M9100 cassette introduces Hyperglide+. Thanks to this technology, shifting now runs just as smoothly even when shifting into a heavier gear and is 1/3 faster than with the CS-M9000 cassette.
In the construction of the cassette, Shimano relies on a material mix of steel, titanium and aluminum for the sprockets. While the smallest sprockets with the lowest chain wrap and highest load are made of steel, the middle sprockets are made of titanium and the largest sprockets are made of aluminum. This load-appropriate use of materials leads to even wear of the cassette and also extends the service life of the chain. The cassette is held together by an aluminum spider.
Chain
The CN-M9100 chain is specially adapted to the M9100 chainrings and cassettes. Thanks to cut-outs on the inside of the plates, the chain harmonizes perfectly with the Dynamic Chain Engagement+ (DCE+) Narrow-Wide tooth profiles of the new XTR chainrings. The design results in a tighter fit of the chain on the teeth. Vibrations are avoided and the smoother chain run is not only noticeable when pedaling, but also manifests itself acoustically through a 4db quieter drive. Thanks to a new chrome-plated surface in combination with the proven SIL-TEC coating, the service life of the chain has been kept at the same level as the M9000 chain, despite the smaller outer width.
Bottom bracket
High-quality, lightweight and durable bottom bracket for the XTR groupset.
Technical data:
Cassette material: steel, titanium, aluminum
Trigger and rear derailleur material: aluminum, carbon composite
Crank material: Aluminum
Gear steps: 12
Crank length: 165, 170 or 175 mm
Chainring: 30, 32 or 34 teeth
Chainline: 52 mm (for 148 mm Boost and 142 mm standard rear triangle)
Q-factor: 168 mm
Shift lever mounting: I-Spec EV or clamp
Abstufung: 10-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-33-39-45-51
Gear range: 510%
Freehub compatibility: Shimano Micro Spline
Rear derailleur compatibility: Shimano 10-51 tooth cassettes
Color: anthracite, black
Weight according to manufacturer: n.a.
Weight self-weighed: from approx. 1510g (including 32 tooth chainring; without bottom bracket)
Scope of delivery:
1x Shimano XTR crank FC-M9120-1
1x Shimano XTR rear derailleur RD-M9100 SGS | long cage
1x Shimano XTR cassette CS-M9100-12 10-51 teeth
1x Shimano XTR chain CN-M9100 chain including chain lock
1x Shimano XTR shift lever SL-M9100 right with clamp or I-Spec EV, incl. shift cable
1x Shimano XTR direct mount chainring (optional)
1x Shimano bottom bracket SMBB94 or SMBB93 (optional)
Note: Weights may vary depending on the selected configuration. Any tools and mounting accessories you may need can be found in our store.
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