If you already love XTR dual control (DCL), your love will only grow exponentially after seeing this shifter in action. If you haven’t seen the need for DCL, dispose of your original impressions and have a second look -- your eyes just might pop out of your head.

The second look is for both the improved aesthetics, the reduced weight, and the greater ease of shifting. Shimano has debuted “instant-release” and “multi-release” on XTR DCL this year. The former refers to an immediate shift when going in the “release cable tension” direction, no waiting for the distance to the click to be covered before releasing. The latter refers to the fact that releasing cable tension shifts up to two gears at a time, a 100% increase from the XTR 960. And the reason we’re talking about the shifting in cable-release terms rather than up or down is that DCL shifters work with both top normal (the common way rear derailleurs shift) and low normal (reverse spring, a.k.a. rapid rise) rear derailleurs.

The ST-M975 Shimano XTR Dual Control lever set is designed for three chainrings in the front and nine cogs in the back. It features instant release and multi release shifting. It comes with sealed SIS-SP41 shift housing and Shimano stainless steel shift cables. This DCL is designed to work with Shimano’s hydraulic disc brakes. and can work with either low normal or top normal rear derailleurs, though Shimano recommends low normal. The weight is 442g. MSRP $439.99.