Shimano Deore XT Dual Control Levers are one of those rare equations when chunky equals smooth. These levers resemble some kind of Frankenshifter, with components on top of components, like kids trying to make a 21-in-one toy with Legos. There's a big clamp that attaches the unit to the handlebar. Attached to the big clamp is a port for the brake cable or hose. Bolted atop, is a port for the shift cable. Bolted on top of that, is a shift button. Attached to that is the shift mechanism. Bolted on top of the mechanism is the pivoting brake lever. Sure, it's a monster, but it's a monster that works great. You can do everything fast and easy and without removing your hand from the bar.

And that's not the best part. The best thing is that Shimano has incorporated their Servo Wave mechanism to hydraulic brakes -- built into the brake mechanism. Servo Wave is an old Shimano idea that basically speeds the travel from open or rest, to engaged at the brake pads. The result is that the disc brake pads can be placed at a greater distance from the rotor or rim so there's less chance of speed-robbing, noise-inducing rub. Along with the Servo Wave, there is also adjustable free stroke on the lever, which means you can adjust the distance the brake pads are set from the rotor, and there is even adjustable reach on the lever. All in all, plenty of nice little customization adjustments so the brakes work not only the way you want them, but also work with your ergonomics.

This being an upgrade, the new XT has multi-release shifting like XTR. Now you can shift multiple gears up and down in one motion, rather than the click-return-click again of the older XT. If you want faster, you can work with the spring by pressing the instant release button.

The Shimano Deore XT ST-M775 Dual Control lever is designed to work best with the low-normal Shimano RD-M770 XT rear derailleur. However, it will also work with top-normal rear derailleurs as well, though it will reverse the direction of your shifts. It should work with older XT and current XTR, but Shimano won't guarantee performance.

Almost all hydraulic brake lines need to be cut to size before a bike is properly shod with hydraulic disc brakes. You'll need a quality cable-cutter like the Park CN-10 and a spoke to first cut and then de-crimp the housing. 515g. MSRP $349.99.