In addition to DEORE and XT mechanical drivetrain components, pedals, and more, we can add 2.2mm thick disc brake rotors to this weeks growing list of Shimano product announcements. With an increase in thickness to 2.2mm, Shimano says its new rotors are engineered to improve braking performance, control, and durability for todays downhill, freeride, enduro, and e-MTB riders. Additionally, Shimano is making an intentional shift from its 203mm size to 200mm to simplify setup and frame/fork fitment.Shimano says the 2.2mm thickness and new vent hole construction improve durability, consistency, and control.Thicker is BetterAs we learned when SRAM introduced its HS2 rotors a few years back, increasing the thickness of the brake rotor can noticeably impact braking power and performance. With the introduction of these new 2.2mm thick rotors, it seems Shimano is finally getting on board the thicker-is-better train. They say they are intended to stand confidently on their own as a premium braking upgrade.Bumping up from the 1.75mm thickness of the standard versions, Shimano says the 2.2mm rotors raise the bar on braking performance for gravity-oriented riders and heavyweight e-MTBs. But Shimano claims it isnt only about more power; the added thickness also increases durability and impact resistance. Additionally, they state the new vent hole construction improves consistency and maintains predictable modulation, resulting in less hand fatigue.The 2.2mm thick rotors come in 200mm and 220mm sizes.SizesShimano has been making disc brake rotors in a 203mm diameter for many years. This size has always been a little confusing, given the even 20mm jumps between rotor sizes in the rest of the Shimano rotor lineup. And if youve ever run Shimano brakes with a 203mm rotor, then youre aware that it required the use of specific shims and/or adapters to do so.With the new 2.2mm thick rotors, Shimano tells us that its intentionally ditching the 203mm diameter in favor of 200mm. As Shimano puts it, this shift simplifies brake setup and alignment, reducing the need for extra shims or adapters for a cleaner caliper interface and broader frame and fork compatibility. In addition to 200mm, the 2.2mm rotors are also available in a 220mm diameter.CompatibilityThe new 2.2mm thick rotors are available in 6-bolt and center-lock interfaces, so they should work with virtually every mountain bike hub out there. Shimano says the thick rotors are compatible with its latest 4-piston braking systems, including XTR, DEORE XT, and the recently updated DEORE brakes.2.2mm thickness for great control and braking consistencyIncreased durability and resistance to bending in aggressive riding conditionsAvailable in 200mm and 220mm sizesAvailable in 6-bolt (RT-6B750) and CENTER LOCK (RT-CL750)Compatible with SHIMANO XTR, DEORE XT, and DEORE 4-piston brakesShimano 2.2mm Thick Brake Rotors: Pricing200mm, 6-Bolt: $60 USD / 49.99220mm, 6-Bolt: $75 USD / 54.99200mm, Center Lock: $70 USD / 49.99220mm, Center Lock: $80 USD / 54.99For more information or to find a dealer near you, head to the Shimano website.bike.shimano.comThe post Shimano Introduces New 2.2mm Thick Brake Rotors for Improved Braking Performance appeared first on Bikerumor.

The Tour de Suisse starts in Italy today and there are only five stages. What was once the fourth biggest stage race on the World Tour calendar has now become the joint-shortest.If Pogaar wins on Sunday hell add the Tour de Suisse to his palmars where hes got little else to win beyond the Vuelta and Olympics. If Primo Rogli wins hell add the only missing stage race, alongside the Tour of course. Missing because the Tour de Suisse has been held up as a week-long race to go alongside the Dauphin, the Tour of the Basque Country, Paris-Nice, Tirreno-Adriatico and other pillars of the calendar. Now at five days nobody will put an asterisk next to the Tour de Suisse but it is not what it was.The Tour de Suisse started in 1933. Despite the French name, it was organised by the Schweizerischer Radfahrer Bund, one of two cycling federations Switzerland at the time and as the name hints, held in the German-speaking cantons. Rather than being called the Schweizer Rundfahrt, French was for long the international language of cycling and the Tour de Suisse label was used.The race has shrunk over time. It used to have a mid-week start and finish. In 1986 it started on a Tuesday and after 12 days of racing finished on a Friday. In 2004 it settled on the weekend-to-weekend format, nine days of racing from Saturday to Sunday. In 2021 it went to eight days, Sunday to Sunday.Now at five days the race is shorter than the Tour Down Under and the Tour de Romandie and only matched by the Renewi Tour which is five days too. Anything less probably wouldnt be allowed as a World Tour stage race.Embed from Getty ImagesWhy the shrinkage? Theres some spin around this. The womens Tour de Suisse is growing from three days to five so the mens reduction has been presented as equalisation. Its great that the women get five days. But what is also happening is the womens race happens in the morning, the men in the afternoon and on the same course which allows for savings as the organisers have the same finish arch in place, the same staff on the ground. Putting the womens race in the morning gives them low audiences compared to the mens race in the late afternoon.In an interview with newspaper HLN (paywall), Thomas Spiegel of race shareholder Flanders Classics (it bought in 2023) call it a facelift and say the race has been condensed to better accommodate riders wishing to dip and in out of pre-Tour altitude training camps.Read the Swiss press and there is less spin, the race has been shortened because it has had financial and logistical difficulties. New website Watson.ch says the Tour de Suisse budget last year was eight million Swiss francs (8.7m), of which the womens race was one million and it lost several hundred thousand francs. Now the budget is cut to six million and putting on both races together saves money. But a shrinking race is less valuable, five days of content rather than eight.Similarly the concept of having the start and finish in the same place each day has its merits, the idea is to create an event for the day rather than seeing the buses park, riders assemble then then ride away. But again this is not always by choice, other reports suggest the race was struggling to find routes with locals and business frustrated by road closures.Embed from Getty ImagesWhat happens in here though can happen elsewhere. The Tour of California came and went because it was financially unviable. The Volta Catalunya has needed emergency loans in the past. The Tour de Romandie has financial troubles today. If wealthy Switzerland has problems running bike races, look at its neighbouring countries with high debts that are looking for savings and sports are an easy cut. But countries like the UK and Germany only have small races.Embed from Getty ImagesNone of this criticism is meant to be against the race. Theres the famous joke told by Woody Allen at the start of his film Annie Hall where he cites two women at a resort and one says Boy the food at this place is really terrible and the other says Yeah, I know, and such small portions. Today the only complaint is that the serving has shrunk, the dish remains mouthwatering. Give me more racing, give me the Sustenpass, the Furka, the Grosse Scheidegg, the Albula, the Gotthard and its Tremola cobbles, glacial lakes and landscapes that evoke the Sound of Music and Heidi, the Shangri-La for Alpine cycling, and all in the sublime June sunshine.ConclusionA diminished Tour de Suisse goes from eight to five days. Once heralded as the fourth stage race of the season, now its ranks alongside the Renewi Tour, although with far better scenery. Contrary to some reports, the shrinkage is because of financial losses.The dual format of men and women will be interesting to watch, as will the circuits format but less from a sports viewpoint and more the insider perspective of logistics and event management. Theres plenty to enjoy, the wish is there was more.The post The Shrinking Tour de Suisse first appeared on The Inner Ring.

Two days ago, Shimano launched new DEORE components, and today, the brand is following that up with new versions of its DEORE XT mechanical drivetrain components and Trail pedals. Building on XT mechanicals legacy of performance and reliability, the new derailleurs and shifters are available in more variants and include modern technology and features found in the latest Di2 components. Shimano says the new versions should improve derailleur durability and shifter ergonomics while giving riders more drivetrain options.Along with cable-actuated shifting, Shimano is introducing an updated version of its ever-popular XT Trail pedals. Built around Shimanos time-tested SPD binding mechanism, the new M8220 pedals feature a wider platform with four optional traction pins per side to enhance grip, stability, and control. Not to be ignored, Shimano is also introducing an updated version of its affordable, workhorse M520 pedals, the MT520.New DEORE XT DerailleursOne of the most obvious visual updates is the SHADOW ES technology and low-profile wedge-shaped design.Similar to the DEORE mechanical components that we learned about earlier this week, Shimano is incorporating some of the tech and features from the latest Di2 components into the new XT mechanical.This includes SHADOW ES technology with an updated clutchless, dual-spring mechanism for chain tension and retention. SHADOW ES also refers to the low-profile, wedge-shaped design intended to provide more obstacle clearance and improve impact deflection compared to previous designs.The SHADOW ES technology includes the dual-spring mechanism, as well as the low-profile, wedge-shaped design.Additionally, the new derailleur bodies have been updated with a wider, well-braced linkage along with solid pulleys to minimize debris entry and interference. Those solid pulleys are housed in an updated alloy cage.The new DEORE XT derailleurs come in 12-speed and 11-speed LINKGLIDE variants. Similar to the latest XT Di2 derailleurs, the 12-speed version is offered in both long-cage (SGS) and mid-cage (GS) options. All of the new DEORE XT mechanical derailleurs have an MSRP of $170 USD / 119.RD-M8200 DEORE XT Derailleur for 12-speed HYPERGLIDE+The M8200 12-speed derailleur comes in SGS/long cage (left) and GS/mid-cage (right) versions.SHIMANO SHADOW ES TechnologyFast and precise shifting under loadRobust structure with slim stabilizerLight and compact mid-cage option with more ground clearanceSolid pulley constructionAlloy cage constructionLong Cage RD-M8200 SGS for use with 12-speed 10-51T cassetteClaimed weight: 370gMid Cage RD-M8200 GS for use with 12-speed 9-45T cassetteRD-M8230 DEORE XT Derailleur for 11-speed LINKGLIDE12 speeds may be all the rage, but Shimano is keeping 11-speed alive with its LINKGLIDE derailleurs and shifters.SHIMANO SHADOW ES TechnologyUltra smooth shifting under loadRobust structure with slim stabilizerSolid pulley constructionAlloy cage constructionLong Cage RD-M8230 SGS for use with 11-speed 11-50T LINKGLIDE cassetteNew DEORE XT ShiftersWhile the new XT shifters dont stray too far aesthetically from the previous versions, Shimano has made numerous small updates to improve their shifting performance and ergonomics. Theyve still got the familiar shift paddle design and two-way release that so many riders already know and love, but with improved ergonomics and a more intuitive thumb feel.According to Shimano, a shorter lever stroke, crisper actuation, and firmer secondary click provide precise feedback, while the optimized paddle positioning enhances rider control and clean cable routing keeps the cockpit tidy.Shimano offers the new DEORE XT shifters in three variants: the standard M8200, e-MTB-optimized M8120, and the 11-speed LINKGLIDE M8230. All of the new shifters are offered with either a universal clamp band or an I-Spec EV mount, and share the same MSRP of $85 USD / 64.99.The new XT mechanical shifters come in clamp band (left) and I-Spec EV mounting options.SL-M8200 DEORE XT 12-speed HYPERGLIDE+ shifter with multi-shiftFast and precise shiftingRAPIDFIRE PLUS and 2-WAY RELEASEMultiple shifts (up to 3) with main leverINSTANT RELEASEClean cable routingReplaceable rubber traction padCompatible with previous 12-speed drivetrainsI-SPEC EV (SL-M8200-IR) and clamp band options (SL-M8200-R)SL-M8210 DEORE XT 12-speed HYPERGLIDE+ shifter option for High-torque e-MTBFast and precise shiftingRAPIDFIRE PLUS and 2-WAY RELEASESingle shift only to protect the cassette by reducing non-gated shiftsINSTANT RELEASEClean cable routingReplaceable rubber traction padCompatible with previous 12-speed drivetrainsI-SPEC EV (SL-M8210-IR) and clamp band options (SL-M8210-R)SL-M8230 DEORE XT 11-speed LINKGLIDE shifter with multi-shiftUltra-smooth shifting under loadRAPIDFIRE PLUS and 2-WAY RELEASEMultiple shifts (up to 2) with main leverINSTANT RELEASEClean cable routingReplaceable rubber traction padCompatible with previous 11-speed LINKGLIDE drivetrainsI-SPEC EV (SL-M8230-IR) and clamp band options (SL-M8230-R)New DEORE XT Trail PedalsShimano updated its XTR Trail pedals last year, and it was only a matter of time before the XT version got the same treatment. Similar to previous versions, the new XT Trail pedals look nearly identical to their more expensive XTR sibling, but come with a slight weight penalty and a lower price. With the goals of improving stability and grip, the new XT Trail pedals have a wider platform, along with four optional, adjustable traction pins per side.The XT Trails wider platform is said to offer a larger contact area than its predecessor, with the increased shoe-to-pedal interface enhancing lateral stability. The exact dimensions of the contact area, pedal body, and pedal thickness were not provided, but it appears to closely mirror the latest XTR Trail pedals. That said, the XT Trail looks a touch narrower overall, with a straighter edge on the crank side of the pedal body.A total of four adjustable, removable traction pins per side, two at the leading edge of the pedal body and two at the rear, allow riders to optimize the pedal grip to their preferences. These can be helpful when orienting the pedal underfoot, for maintaining pedal grip when unclipped, or enhancing clipped-in traction and stability.Of course, the new pedals are built around the renowned consistency and reliability of Shimanos SPD binding mechanism, which has been optimized for use with the new multi-entry CL-MT001 cleats. The multi-directional entry should make it even easier for riders to clip back into their pedals when riding in technical terrain.DEORE XT PD-M8220 Trail Pedal SpecsDual-sided SPD trail pedal with robust outer cageWide contact area with XTR-inspired grip patternSecure traction when unclippedOptimized for easy engagement with CL-MT001 cleatsDurable sealed design for long-lasting performanceAdjustable spring release tension for personal adjustmentWeight: 472g (pair)US MSRP: $160New Shimano PD-MT520 PedalsShimanos M520 pedals have been around for ages, offering an affordable entry point to clipless pedals. Today, Shimano is updating its workhorse, budget-friendly pedals with a refreshed design and rugged off-road styling. Now known as the MT520, theyre built around the same SPD binding mechanism and reliable performance as their more expensive counterparts, in a slightly heavier and much less expensive package.PD-MT520 SPD Pedal SpecsDual-Sided SPD pedalRefined shape and rugged styleOptimized for easy engagement with SM-SH51cleatsDurable sealed design for long-lasting performanceAdjustable spring release tension for personal adjustmentAvailable in silver and blackWeight: 380g (pair)US MSRP: $55Head to the Shimano website to learn more or find a dealer near you.bike.shimano.comThe post Shimano Launches Updated DEORE XT Mechanical Derailleurs, Shifters, and Trail Pedals appeared first on Bikerumor.

Shimano has launched new Deore XT M8200 mechanical drivetrain components, with the brands latest Shadow ES rear derailleur architecture, revised shifters and updated chain stabilisation. Unlike the broader Deore M7200 and M6200 launch on Monday, which includes drivetrain and brake components, the new XT release focuses on the rear derailleur and shifter. But the M7200, M6200 and now the M8200 launches suggest Shimano is giving its cable-operated mountain bike groupsets a wider refresh, rather than treating mechanical shifting as yesterdays news. Shadow ES is the big update The Deore XT M8200 rear derailleur uses Shimanos Shadow ES architecture, with a low-profile shape designed to reduce snagging on trail obstacles. Kevin Fickling The biggest change with Deore XT is the new rear derailleur. Both the 12-speed RD-M8200 and 11-speed RD-M8230 use Shimanos Shadow ES design, which gives the derailleur a lower-profile, wedge-shaped body. This is intended to reduce its front-facing surface area and limit the chances of it catching on rocks, roots and trail debris. Shadow ES is not simply Shimanos older Shadow+ clutch system with a new name. Shadow+ is Shimanos familiar adjustable clutch design, used to control derailleur cage movement and reduce chain slap on rough ground. But Shadow ES takes a different approach. Rather than using the same rider-adjustable clutch layout, it relies on a low-profile dual-spring design to increase chain tension and improve chain wrap. Shimano says the updated dual-spring chain stabiliser increases spring force by 70%, which helps improve chain retention and consistency over rough terrain. The derailleur body also uses a wide, well-braced linkage and solid pulley construction to improve durability and reduce debris entry. Long cage, mid cage or LinkGlide A side-on profile view of the Deore XT M8230 rear derailleur shows how Shimanos Shadow ES design keeps the mech tucked in close to the bike. Shimano There are two versions of the new 12-speed Deore XT RD-M8200 rear derailleur. The long-cage RD-M8200 SGS is designed for use with Shimanos 10-51t 12-speed HyperGlide+ cassette, giving riders the wide-range setup already common on modern trail, enduro and cross-country mountain bikes. The mid-cage RD-M8200 GS is designed for a 9-45t cassette. That smaller cassette range enables a shorter derailleur cage, which should improve ground clearance and reduce the chances of clipping the mech on rocks and roots. Shimano is also offering an 11-speed LinkGlide version in the form of the RD-M8230. This is designed for use with an 11-50t LinkGlide cassette and is aimed at riders who prioritise durability, smooth shifting and long service life over having the lightest or widest-range drivetrain. A sharper XT shifter The updated Deore XT shifter gets a shorter lever stroke, crisper actuation and revised paddle position. Kevin Fickling Shimano has also updated the Deore XT shifter. It now has a shorter lever stroke, crisper actuation and a firmer secondary click. The paddle position has been revised to improve thumb feel and control, while cleaner cable routing should help keep the cockpit looking tidier. There are three main shifter options: SL-M8200 is the standard 12-speed HyperGlide+ shifter. It uses Rapidfire Plus and 2-Way Release, allows up to three shifts with the main lever and adds Instant Release for faster shift response. SL-M8210 is designed for high-torque eMTB use. It is still a 12-speed HyperGlide+ shifter, but limits the rider to one shift at a time to help protect the cassette by reducing non-gated shifts under load. SL-M8230 is the 11-speed LinkGlide option. It allows up to two shifts with the main lever and is designed for Shimanos durability-focused LinkGlide drivetrains. All three shifters are available in I-Spec EV and clamp-band versions, and feature a replaceable rubber traction pad. Why it matters Deore XT M8200 brings Shimanos tougher Shadow ES architecture to premium mechanical shifting, not just its latest Di2 drivetrains. Kevin Fickling The new Deore XT M8200 mechanical drivetrain components should not be seen simply as a cheaper alternative to Shimanos electronic groupsets. XT has always been a serious contender. Its not as premium as XTR Di2, but its usually close enough in performance for most people and often better suited to hard use. This latest update leans into that identity. The Shadow ES derailleur gives mechanical XT a more modern, impact-resistant design, the mid-cage 9-45t option adds a more aggressive trail-friendly flavour, and the updated shifters should make the whole system feel sharper at the bar. Wireless drivetrains may dominate the conversation, but Shimano clearly thinks there is still a place for high-end mechanical shifting. For riders who want XT performance without batteries or chargers, that is very good news.

Thanks to reclaimed carbon fibre and vibration-damping technology, the Strade GT wheels provide a notable boost in ride quality and overall performance - theyre faultless

Belgian brand says new model focuses on the rider as much as the bike, using progressive geometry, longer reach and steeper seat angles to help you hold faster, more aerodynamic positions

Mathieu van der Poel returns to road racing after ParisRoubaix and tackles the Tour de Suisse as a fresh chance to test his level in a five-day race defined by intensity from the start. On the eve of the event, the Dutch rider outlined his recent preparation, his sensations, and his goals for the w...

The weather may be overcast, the summer a distant thought, but Callum would still rather be here talking bicycles than in Dallas. Until 9pm of course...

Tadej Pogacar is primed and ready to take on his first Tour de Suisse. After a hard training camp, the Tour de France champion is ready to find out if he's in shape for the Grand Boucle next month. The UAE Team Emirates - XRG leader arrives at the Swiss WorldTour race for the first time, hoping to a...