Shimano

XTR SL-M980 Shifter - Left or Right

If you love the thought of running a single ring up front with XTR 10-speed in back, then this XTR Rapidfire Plus Rear Shift Lever SL-M980 is all you'll need. And if lightness and simplicity is what you seek, you won't be disappointed with the new XTR 980 design. It doesn't have an optical gear display, and the clamp assembly can be replaced with the available I-Spec mount so that you can fasten the shifter directly to the clamp assembly on your 980 XTR brake levers, saving space and weight on the handlebars.

Like previous generations of XTR rear shifters, this one has the multi-release function, which means that you can make upshifts to smaller cogs more than one gear at a time. Less expensive groups like XT and SLX do not have this function. It also has instant release, so cable tension is released as soon as you click the forward trigger paddle. It can be operated with either your thumb or finger. This 2-way release design allows easy upshifts in the back even when standing out of the saddle. One technology that is new for these 980 XTR Shifters is Shimano's Vivid Index. It creates a more positive feel for the large, thumb shifter paddle. As you push it, you can't help but notice the click of the indexed ratchet mechanism so you'll always know you've made the shift. Another benefit is that the "weight" of the shifts is more consistent across the gear range for the rear shifter so a shift from the 34 to 36t feels like a shift from the 12 to 13t cogs.

The XTR Rapidfire Plus Rear Shift Lever SL-M980 comes as rear shifter only. It's designed to be used with XTR 980 10-speed derailleurs, cassettes, and chain.