Singletrack

ST RECOMMENDED
with only the largest three sprockets mounted on a composite
carrier to reduce weight. The largest sprocket is aluminium,
again to cut down on weight. The 11–42T cassette weighs in
at 481g, not a huge penalty over the XT model.
So how does it ride? The groupset in general is extremely
competent to the point of dullness. Everything works as
expected and I couldn’t find anything really to complain
about. It’s a little heavier than XT, but it’s a little cheaper too.
Braking, especially after fitting upgraded pads, is great.
Firm and predictable, with instant hands-free adjustment of
reach. The look, too, is small and neat enough to complement
any bike.
I didn’t miss having a brake bite-point adjuster, but the
free play on the shift lever did annoy me, especially when
swapping from a bike with SRAM’s ballpoint pen-clickiness
to its shifting. And while we’re comparing, Shimano’s 11–46T
cassette is still left wanting compared to SRAM’s 10–50T GX
Eagle, or even Sun Race’s 11–50T for single ringers. If you’re
a double chainring advocate, then that’s not an issue and
Shimano’s ranges are great for 2x11. I can’t help but think that
front derailleurs will go the way of quill stems sooner rather
than later though.
Overall
Smooth shifting, firm braking and good, lasting looks from
SLX. I’d be quite happy running this on any of my bikes,
regardless of price, though I might upgrade to an XT shifter
in time. Though, when are they going to get properly on the
one-by boat, eh?
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