#!markdown
My XO1 11spd is hands down better for the type of riding I do compared to 10
Speed XT- Shifts are easier, it's lighter, the clutch works better… The new XT
11 speed is a big leap forwards as well, but with a heavier cassette. The
older gear hasn't gotten any worse, but I don't want to switch back. I'll
accept $250 a year for a cassette that makes this significantly better system
work- some will not. Both will be available at most US bike shops. Elsewhere
in the world, good luck. The Eagle drivetrain looks like a step forward- not
just because of the range, but due to small improvements like better machining
on the chain and chain-ring teeth. I'm planning to ride my 11speed for many
years still, but if I lived in an area where I needed the additional range I
would consider the upgrade- or ride a new XT 2x setup.
I guess what I'm staying is that 11speed and 12speed and what comes with it is
just another option.
What I find disappointing in the industry today are the little details of
compatibility that are falling by the wayside. If you want to run a Boost fork
on your hardtail, but also sometimes switch to a rigid carbon fork, you need 2
wheels. If you want to buy a SS hub from Chris King or Hope in Boost, no luck.
(I know it's already dishless, but what if I want to swap back and forth from
summer to winter… then I can't buy a Boost frame) - Also, no SS on and XD
freehub- you have to buy a shimano freehub for that. Anyway, rant over. Thanks
for the thoughtful article!
May 11, 2016, 11:17 a.m. - Vincent
#!markdown My XO1 11spd is hands down better for the type of riding I do compared to 10 Speed XT- Shifts are easier, it's lighter, the clutch works better… The new XT 11 speed is a big leap forwards as well, but with a heavier cassette. The older gear hasn't gotten any worse, but I don't want to switch back. I'll accept $250 a year for a cassette that makes this significantly better system work- some will not. Both will be available at most US bike shops. Elsewhere in the world, good luck. The Eagle drivetrain looks like a step forward- not just because of the range, but due to small improvements like better machining on the chain and chain-ring teeth. I'm planning to ride my 11speed for many years still, but if I lived in an area where I needed the additional range I would consider the upgrade- or ride a new XT 2x setup. I guess what I'm staying is that 11speed and 12speed and what comes with it is just another option. What I find disappointing in the industry today are the little details of compatibility that are falling by the wayside. If you want to run a Boost fork on your hardtail, but also sometimes switch to a rigid carbon fork, you need 2 wheels. If you want to buy a SS hub from Chris King or Hope in Boost, no luck. (I know it's already dishless, but what if I want to swap back and forth from summer to winter… then I can't buy a Boost frame) - Also, no SS on and XD freehub- you have to buy a shimano freehub for that. Anyway, rant over. Thanks for the thoughtful article!