SHIMANO SLX

Aqui fica alguma da pouca informação que consegui encontrar sobre este novo grupo da Shimano, dizem as más línguas que vem "substituir" o LX, outros dizem que é mais virado para o Freeride e Enduro, mas parece que é muito mais versátil que isso, pois segundo o António, um conjunto de travões SLX consegue no global ser mais leve que uns LX. Gosto do "look", e é mais barato que XT.

"Shimano introduces a completely new mountain bike group named SLX. Developed for Extreme All Mountain, this groupset excels in terms of durability and high performance. The parts are tough and lightweight and they are real eye-catchers too. SLX targets hardcore riders although it also fulfills the demands of other riding styles. Are you ready to challenge its extreme potential or do you stay with Cross Country specific components?

Cranksets and front derailleurs

The SLX group includes two types of HOLLOWTECH II cranksets for completely different types of mountain biking. The first one is an All Mountain compact drive crankset with a double chainring 36/22T combination. It has a reinforced construction with increased axle and spider strength for All Mountain usage. This crankset will be provided with a “honeycomb” designed bash guard and a steel pedal thread insert. Its superb rigidity offers a direct and reliable control at even the most demanding trails.
Available will also be a triple SLX crankset for Cross Country riding. It has been provided with a composite/steel middle chainring that doubles durability and improves the shifting performance. It will be available in a chainring combination of 44/32/22T.

Shimano has developed two different types of front derailleurs for these cranksets. The double front derailleur is an exclusive design for All Mountain compact drive cranksets. The matching compact design and radius specifically for 36/22T reduces the chance of chain drops considerably and offers more tire, chain and chain stay clearance for compatibility with all kinds of full suspension bikes. This front derailleur will also be available in a direct mount version. This new technology ensures a perfect alignment with all kinds of full suspension frame designs.

The triple front derailleur for Cross Country usage has angled adjustment screws and an angled clamp band design. This derailleur offers also extra clearance and will be available in Top Swing and Down Swing versions.

Shadow

SLX carries a Shimano Shadow rear derailleur with an extra thin profile that reduces the chance to hit any object on the trail. Furthermore, it features a crisp shift feeling and the cable routing has been shortened for faster response. This derailleur will be available in a medium (GS) and long (SGS) cage version and weighs only 260 grams.

The group is being completed with shifters, disc brakes and hubs. The SLX Rapidfire Plus shifters feature 2-Way Release technology that enables the release lever to be operated in two directions. Furthermore it has an inboard/outboard mounting option and a removable optical gear display with an integrated cover plate, similar to Deore XT.
The disc brakes feature 2-piston hydraulic calipers. They offer 20% extra stopping power compared to BR-M585/BR-M600. The brake levers feature Shimano’s Servo Wave technology and they have been developed with a tool-free reach adjust.
The freehub integrates Shimano’s quick engagement technology for faster acceleration and improved reaction in technical terrain. The hub and freehub have been developed with a high quality sealing and they carry cup and cone bearings for easy adjustment and high durability. Besides the normal front hub with quick release mechanism there is also an option for a 20mm through axle front hub for an extra rigid hub/fork combination.

Availability in the market: July 2008"