Shimano

XT SL-M8000 Rapidfire Trigger Shifter

For 2015, Shimano took a big chunk of technology from last year's XTR update and dropped it into an all-new 11-speed XT drivetrain to create a component group that goes nearly toe-to-toe with its older brother, just with a more wallet-friendly price. The XT SL-M8000 RapidFire Trigger Shifter sits at the helm of the group like a little robot coxswain, commanding precise gear shifts to power effectively through any terrain.

Shimano designed the M8000 to further increase the trail ride fun factor and shepherd the XT line into the modern age of 11-speed design. It features a longer lever body, which provides riders with more space to aim for when shifting while reducing the force needed to engage the shifting mechanism. An anti-slip surface on the main lever also aids with ease of shifting and reduces potential for a finger slipping mid-shift. These features, combined with a new shift cable covered in a low-friction coating, leads to a claimed 20% reduction in force required for gear shifts. This means less hand fatigue and more hours out on the trail.

To make things even better, the M8000 features two-way release shifting so you can shift the upper lever with either your thumb or index finger for easy access to shifting wherever your hands are on the bars. Multi-release functionality lets you shift through multiple gears with a single lever sweep to quickly adjust to drastic changes in trail grade. This precision shifting is further complemented by the M8000's instant release design, which means you'll get the gear you want the moment you throw the lever. To cap it all off, the XT SL-M8000 RapidFire Trigger Shifter comes with a removable gear display window that sits neatly out of the way and leaves room for suspension lock clamps and other handlebar hardware.