Home | Reviews | Manufacturers | Shimano | Component Group

Login  |  Register

Shimano 1996 XTR Grouppo

MSRP $ 1600.00
# of Reviews 125
Average Rating 4.57/5
More Products from Shimano



Submit a Review
Description: Shimano XTR Grouppo



Other Ways To Shop
  • Buy and Sell the from our Classifieds.
    		• Shop for Similar Products







    Next >>

    Submitted by Philipp Haerta a Downhiller from Berlin, Germany
    Date Reviewed: October 10, 2002
    Duration Product Used:6 months
    Price Paid: $40.00
    Purchased At:1998
    Strengths:Super Design! It Works OK. It's old.
    Weaknesses:Looks immortal but i damaged it!
    Similar Products Used:SRAM ESP 9.0
    Bike Setup:Chaka Al600 Frame, Votec GS4 Fork, Magura HS44 Gustav M & HS33 Race Line Brakes, ESP 9.0, Race Face...
    Bottom Line:Its 7 Years ago since my first posting. :-)
    Value Rating:4Overall Rating:3

    Submitted by Robertani a Cross Country Rider from Canberra
    Date Reviewed: January 10, 2001
    Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
    Price Paid: $2000.00
    Strengths:Light Good Hubs, Smooth Shifting
    Weaknesses:Brakes develop slop, cranks wear out
    Similar Products Used:STX, XT, Race face
    Bike Setup:play Bike: ATX 990 Full suspension 96 XTR Z1. race bike ATX 890 hayes, SX-R
    Bottom Line:O.K Im reviewing the original 96 groupo here- a bit of a waste of time I guess but you can still buy some of the components. An interesting obsevation: the original components had the designation M-950. Now every component except the hubs has been remodeled- i.e the new brakes are M-951. Guess what- on my bike the hubs are the only component which have lasted. Shimano basically released a crap component group in 96 but has changed it over the years and I guess the group as it stands in 2000 might be O.K. I bought the hype in 96. My biggest beef was with the bottom bracket/crank interface- the pawls on the M-950 bottom bracket were tiny and only went half way into the spline of the crank- the spline eventually wore out and now Im riding with race face. The front derailler sheared off, the brakes are way sloppy (new ones have beefier linkage), the front shifter broke- it has plastic inside and plastic pawls on the indents, and the rear deralleier developed side play- the new one has a different bushing at the dropout mount.


    Bottom Line: If you have lotsa money XTR is O.K as you can buy a new set when it wears out, and initially it does function like a dream- I guess the 2000 line up might also be more durable than the 96. But as this catergory is for the 96 group then my rating is-
    Value Rating:1Overall Rating:1

    Submitted by G-man a Weekend Warrior from Wisconsin
    Date Reviewed: July 6, 2000
    Favorite Trail:Lost Lake, Vail CO
    Duration Product Used:1 Year
    Strengths:Light
    Durable
    Low maintenence
    Weaknesses:Price
    Similar Products Used:XTR 8Spd, XT & LX 9Spd, Bontrager Race Lite, Icon Sterling
    Bike Setup:Full XTR Groupo, Steel frame, Sid, Ceramic Rims
    Bottom Line:You get what you pay for. The best shifting, hands down, shifts with the front der climbing! Best V-Brakes, levers are smooth, brakes have bearings not bushings...
    Value Rating:4Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Chris a Cross Country Rider from Boulder, CO
    Date Reviewed: January 14, 2000
    Duration Product Used:1 Year
    Strengths:nice brakes and levers
    Weaknesses:9-speed drivetrain -- weak chain, more positions that rub, clogs more easily.
    Similar Products Used:Shimano XT 7-speed, Shimano XT 8-speed, Suntour 7-speed
    Bike Setup:Moots YBBeat
    Bottom Line:The bottom line is that 9-speed sucks. I'm snapping chains left and right, I have more gear combinations where the chain is rubbing the front derailleur, and the drivetrain clogs up more often in muddy conditions. How is this supposed to be "better" for us riders? Sure, shifting is smooth, but what good is that if other parts of the drive train are rubbing and snapping?

    On the positive side, I really like the brakes and levers. That and the fact that I was able to get a good group price swayed me to buy the XTR grouppo. In hindsight, I really wish I had listened to the other negative reviews and gone with a non-Shimano for my drivetrain.

    And in case you think that we'll see the end of this stupid behavior on Shimano's part, think again. According to the Dec99 issue of "Dirt Rag", Shimano has been awared two patents for a 14-speed (!!) drive train. The patent numbers are 5954604 and 5921881, and you can read them at http://164.195.100.11/netahtml/srchnum.htm (the US Patent Office search engine).
    Value Rating:2Overall Rating:2

    Submitted by TJW a Racer from Mpls MN
    Date Reviewed: November 17, 1999
    Favorite Trail:
    Many
    Duration Product Used:
    6 months
    Strengths:
    Stiffness of cranks, rings
    Shifting performance
    Light
    Durability
    Wide range of gears
    Weaknesses:
    Interchange of non group parts is difficult and effects performance
    Chain wears quickly in 9 sp setup
    Expensive upgrade as a system
    Similar Products Used:
    Shimano - Many
    Race Face cranks, rings
    Specialized cranks
    Grip shift - Many
    Bike Setup:
    Spec. FSR XC Comp
    XTR shift group
    Avid brake/Lever
    Bottom Line:I have raced with many groups and set ups over the last 2 decades. The XTR groupset is the best shifting performance available. I have used the 9 sp system for the last 6 months and I am pleased with every aspect of performance. The drive system demands to be cleaned and lubed often - after every muddy or dusty condition ride/race. I disagree with the idea that the XTR is an expensive casual group. The XTR is an expensive race bred system. It's broad based popularity is a reflection of the willingness of off road fanatics of any skill level to pay for high performance stuff - go for it. If you are looking for the best shifting race group and price is not an issue, the XTR fits the bill.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Lee Lau a Racer from North Vancouver, BC
    Date Reviewed: October 31, 1999
    Favorite Trail:
    Various
    Duration Product Used:
    1 Year
    Strengths:
    - Mega Range allows you to not shift off the middle ring for inordinate amount of time
    - light weight
    - good resale value
    Weaknesses:
    - Subsceptibility of chain to breakage when torquing under load
    - Mis-shifts in muddy conditions
    - Quick chain wear
    - Tendency for chain to slip from middle to granny when bike is jarred or portaged.
    Similar Products Used:
    1998 XT
    1998 Grip Shift SRAM ESP 9.0, 1997 XT, 1997 LX
    Bike Setup:
    Norco Team Issue - OEM with XTR Mega Range 9 speed drivetrain except for Race Face chainrings
    Bottom Line:Review is for 1999 XTR Mega Range drivetrain. Chain rings are Race Face 9 speed.Experiences are for racing Snr Expert in BC Cup and local BC races in Pacific NW. Shared experiences with some training partners racing Mens and Womens Expert and Pro.Part of my frustration is the countless - oh but 9 speed is great without stating under what conditions 9 speed is used. I'm reluctant to say Expert rider, ride harder, faster and longer than the rest of you and in mud blah, blah but, generally, for myself and many of my racing mates - that is the truth relative to the majority of posters.Most tests are conducted in relatively friendly climatic conditions and I suspect that these conditions lend themselves to good gear performance. Moreover, most tests are designed for the mean/average rider. Performance is acceptable and would merit 3 stars. However, given the price of the group, downgrade to 2 stars
    Overall Rating:2

    Submitted by Knute Aberhanson a Cross-Country Rider from Folsom, CA
    Date Reviewed: October 22, 1999
    Favorite Trail:
    I'm not telling!
    Duration Product Used:
    3 months
    Strengths:
    Light weight, the new MEGA 9 works pretty well, I like the gray metal color... cool
    Weaknesses:
    Doesn't shift quite as well as last years XTR due to the WIDE range (and only one availible) 12-34 rear cogset.I like compact gearing, I wish they had that option...Make sure youo get the SGS (long cage) rear deraileur if you want to be able to cross chain the gears or you will accedentally rip your der. off!
    Similar Products Used:
    '98 XTR, XT, race face (good stuff too)
    Bike Setup:
    Ventana Fuego, full new XTR MEGA 9, '99 SID
    Bottom Line:This new XTR MEGA 9 spd works OK but not as well as the standard set up like last years XTR. Why does Shimano think you need this wide range of gear ratios? I would put this gearing on an XT (more recreational) equipt bike. I NEVER use the 24 chainring with the 34 rear cog. (Not even in Moab on the slick rock trail) I just ordered a 5 arm spyder conversion and race face chainrings (32T and 44T) and I'm going to run, yes, only two chainrings up front. My buddy has been doing this for quite some time and the gearing is sufficiant for anything we ride... and yes we have STEEP and LONG hills around here too. Everything else is typical XTR... NICE! Great grouppo BUT stupid (no choice in the matter) gear ratios, so only 4 burnning turds...
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Jon Hewitt a Racer from Mont Tremblant, Quebec, Canada
    Date Reviewed: October 1, 1999
    Favorite Trail:
    Numeral Rock
    Duration Product Used:
    2 Years
    Strengths:
    Most functional group of parts
    Weaknesses:
    Cost
    Similar Products Used:
    SRAM, LX, XT, Alivio!! (What I'm trying to say is pretty much everything.)
    Bike Setup:
    Trek 8000SL Crosslink Disc, Full XTR, SX Carbon
    Bottom Line:If you read Shimano total information you would find their very logical explination to why Shimano XTR is not really compatible with everything else and that is that the XTR parts are made to work with nothing else but themselves. Basically those of you who want to complain about it feel free to but if maintained even a bit this group is the best one.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Jeff H.(bikeshop emp.) a Weekend Warrior from Sioux Falls,So.Dak.
    Date Reviewed: September 26, 1999
    Favorite Trail:
    Southmountain,Pheonix-Vail,Co.area!
    Duration Product Used:
    tested or demo'ed only
    Strengths:
    Simply the BEST components ever!
    Weaknesses:
    Price!Price!OUCH!Nothing else.
    Similar Products Used:
    XT components on all my bikes.I didn't think it got any better.WRONG!
    Bike Setup:
    GT STS CARBON full suspension -GT BACKWOODS-MONGOOSE IBOC COMP-SCHWINN FACTORY HOMEGROWN-GT OUTPOST-BIANCI roady !ROCKSHOX!
    Bottom Line:I just ordered all XTR components today! To go with my new year2000 GT ZASKAR LE TEAM frame,I just ordered also today!My god I got a massive boner just thinking about it!I'll let you know how it ends.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Aggie John a Racer from College Station, TX
    Date Reviewed: June 9, 1999
    Duration Product Used:
    1 Year
    Strengths:
    Light, strong, exceptional shifting, looks great.
    Weaknesses:
    The XTR crankset decal.
    Similar Products Used:
    XT w/ Raceface crankset.
    Bike Setup:
    Klein Attitude Pro.
    Bottom Line:No matter what a couple of these losers say, Shimano makes the best components on the market. Foremost of these is the XTR gruppo. Simply the best shifting, braking, stiffest and lightest for any price. Has never failed me in a race. Have you ever noticed that when the losers start ragging on Shimano, they NEVER have anything intelligent to say and have to mention that the trendy product of the moment that they just bought is so much better than Shimano. Too bad their brains are filled with crap instead of brains. I guess they are still in high school mode and think that you have to be different to be cool. Have a good ride!GIG 'EM Aggies! 1999 Big XII Champs in Football and Baseball!
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Robert Eager a Racer from Salisbury, NC
    Date Reviewed: May 2, 1999
    Favorite Trail:
    Umbstead park
    Duration Product Used:
    2 Years
    Strengths:
    Absolutely none
    Weaknesses:
    Heavy, ugly, never shifts correctly
    I am always loosing races because of these inferior components
    Shimano please fix this component group
    Similar Products Used:
    Everything out there baby!
    Bike Setup:
    Pee-Wee Herman special
    Bottom Line:I would not recommend this product to anyone intending to use it in races
    Buy the much superior Shimano Tourney components - they rock!
    What the hell is the point of reviewing the xtr component line?!
    Overall Rating:1

    Submitted by Don Fitterer a Cross-Country Rider from Ithaca, NY
    Date Reviewed: April 30, 1999
    Favorite Trail:
    Shindagin
    Duration Product Used:
    3 months
    Strengths:
    Light, beautiful, good gear ratios
    Weaknesses:
    rear cogs easy to bend. Doesn't work well when it gets dirty.
    Similar Products Used:
    XT
    Bike Setup:
    Sola Seven
    Bottom Line:Great looking and I love having 9 speeds to chose. When I get it dirty or muddy performance really drops. Bent the 3rd cog in the rear cluster during a ride. Must have been a stick because I never felt like I really torqued up.
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Jeff a Cross-Country Rider from Brooklyn, NY
    Date Reviewed: April 16, 1999
    Duration Product Used:
    2 Years
    Strengths:
    Great components.
    It's simple, they work! Silently, smoothly, quickly. AND they're LIGHT!
    Weaknesses:
    None
    Similar Products Used:
    XT Group
    Bike Setup:
    Rhygin Juke SS Frame, Full XTR, '97 Judy SL, King Headset, Cane Creek WAMs, Moxey Suspension Post, Time ATAC Pedals, KORE Elite Stem, Titec 118 bars, WTB SST Seat…
    Bottom Line:I have a a '97 goup with a'98 Rapid-Rise Rear Derailleur. I upgraded from an XT group and was astounded by the improvement. I ride through mud, sand, dirt and city streets (NYC streets are a bit like riding off-road) and have had nothing but flawless performance. The Rapid-Rise Derailleur is a treat to use! The cranks are stiff. Both derailleuers WORK! The brakes are excellent. Shifting is Quick and Precise.Keep it all clean and lubricated and you'll have perfect performance.Definately worth the price!
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by shawn a Cross-Country Rider from spartanburg sc
    Date Reviewed: April 16, 1999
    Duration Product Used:
    3 months
    Strengths:
    light weight, smooooooth like butta
    Bike Setup:
    schwinn homegrown factory team
    Bottom Line:if you rate this stuff less than four chilis, you probably don't own it. Flawless performance in all conditions, even the 9-speed that I have.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Win a Weekend Warrior from New York, NY
    Date Reviewed: March 31, 1999
    Favorite Trail:
    Any
    Duration Product Used:
    2 Years
    Strengths:
    Shiftters, derailleurs, brakes, hubs, cassette
    Weaknesses:
    BB, brake levers, cranks
    Similar Products Used:
    '89 Shimano Deore II, '92 Shimano Deore XT, '99 Shimano Deore LX
    Bike Setup:
    '98 Merlin XLM w/ '98 Rockshox Judy SL
    Bottom Line:The absolute best shifting. No other group comes close. It's worth it to get XT or XTR instead of LX for the shifters alone, which have quicker action and much shorter travel. The quality of the other components is also superb. The V-brakes are great. The hubs and cassette are light and strong.The only gripes I have are minor: (1.) The cost is still brutal. (2.) I love the brake levers (I think only Avid makes better brake levers than Shimano) but they're too damned short. It's hard to get 2 fingers on them. I know they're supposed to be 1-finger levers, but it pisses me off that Shimano is not giving people a choice. I still think better than 90% of bikers like to use 2 fingers. I have relatively skinny fingers. Someone with big hands could really get to hate these levers. (3.) The BB is great, but you're forced to use Shimano's cranks. Come to think of it, the splined spindle and 4-arm cranks are really good ideas and are already starting to become standards. I have to admit that many of Shimano's innovations become standards, not because of the company's dominance in the component market, but because they do work better. (4.) In an earlier review, someone else mentioned how the finish on the cranks can wear away relatively easily. (5.) I wish the shifters had more adjustability. I like my brake levers angled down somewhat and this causes the shifters to be positioned too close to my thumbs.Like I said, all my gripes are minor. I consider 5 flames to mean perfection, so I score the XTR group a 4, but that doesn't mean I don't consider it to be the best group out there by far.
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Ryan a cross-country rider from Pleasanton, CA USA
    Date Reviewed: March 8, 1999
    Bottom Line:

    I just purchased the 98 XTR 9-speed Rapid Rise rear der. and shifter pod. I havent had a single problem with them. I enjoy the fact that both my shifters work in the same direction. The large throw from just a single push of my thump is worth the extra cost alone.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Adam Schneider a racer from Trinidad Ca
    Date Reviewed: January 27, 1999
    Bottom Line:

    I bought an xtr front derailer, becoase it was the only derailer that would let me run a 52 tooth chainring that alone is anuff to be worth the price the awsome smooth shifting it only a bonus a very nice bonus, I now kick ass down hill and I can still climb up its awsome five stars
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Daryl a racer from usa
    Date Reviewed: January 22, 1999
    Bottom Line:

    I hate the XTR grouppo. It is overly expensive and I would much rather mess up an LX component than XTR. And if any body tries to say that they don't f*** up their XTR then they don't ride. If i could i would give it minus stars
    Overall Rating:1

    Submitted by Mario a weekend warrior from Boston Ma
    Date Reviewed: November 15, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    Just bought a bunch of xtr stuff cheap from Jenson USA . They set me up with all xtr, excluding crankset, but including mavic 517 wheels for $680. Dropped 7 lbs off my Giant DS2 Warp. Works so much better then the stx standard stuff that came on my bike.
    Can pull the front wheel to get over logs so much better . Probably because each wheel is a whole pound lighter!
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by James a cross-country rider from Singapore
    Date Reviewed: October 11, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    This is definitely the best grouppo available out there. Just bought a Voodoo with full XTR and the bike rocks. The shifting is smooth and precise, the hubs spins silky smooth. It is tons better than the LX/XT I was using on my old GT. Buy it if you can afford it. Worth all the investment.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Don Conley a weekend warrior from Manchester NH USA
    Date Reviewed: September 30, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    When I bought my 98 Stumpjumper Comp, the dealer said you know this shifts backwards, it has the reverse spring. Well I nodded acknowlegement but since this is my first bike with shifting (I'm 55; we bought one for my wife also) I didn't know what he meant. Well, I like the Rapid Rise concept so well, I installed the XTR-951 on our Burley Rhumba Tandem for the downshifting ease. To me it just seems natural and hopefully we'll have a choice.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Adam a racer from Springfield, MO
    Date Reviewed: September 4, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    I can not wait until I get this grouppo. It is by far the best component grouppo I have ever seen in my life. (And also the most expesive I have ever seen!) But who cares, it's still the best. I am still trying to save up for it. I am almost there though. If you would like to e-mail me to talk about it please do.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Adam a racer from Springfield, MO
    Date Reviewed: September 4, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    This is the best componnent group I have ever seen in my entier life. (It's also the most expensive I've ever seen too!) But who cares, it's still the best. I am trying to save up for it. If anybody wants to email me to talk about it please do. Because I have noyhing better to do with my time.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Ivan Arles Marin Lopez a cross-country rider from Guayaquil, Ecuador
    Date Reviewed: August 26, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    Este grupo es un excelente producto, super liviano y eficiente, pero demasiado delicado para mi gusto y mi bolsillo. Si a las partes roscadas se les aplica un torque un poco mas de la cuenta, estas terminan rompiendose. Esto me ocurrio con las tuercas de los Platos, y la tuerca de los frenos. Total toca que reemplazarlos. Pienso que las roscas deberian llevar cierto tratamiento termico, para mejorar su dureza y evitar torpes como Yo.
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Norman a racer from Vnacouver, BC
    Date Reviewed: July 17, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    I got the Full gruppo with my new bike, an Ibis Alibi, which just rocks. Overall, the gruppo works really well,its lightweight, shifts smoothly, almost no friction from any of the parts and great braking. However, I do have some minor complaints, first of all, the grey paint on the cranks wore off after one ride, really annoying considiring this is suppose to be top of the line. Also, the brakes tend to fade on long descents, I think that it the pads and I'm gonna try the WTB dual compounds. Overall this gruppo is great.. 4 chilis cause it ain't perfect... yet.
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Mike Ligus a cross-country rider from Cornwall ON Canada
    Date Reviewed: July 9, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    I just bought an XTR wheelset with Mavic X517 rims. The axle's are titanium, and the weight is nothing. I would recomened these to any one who is thinking of up-grading. I plan to outfit my bike with full XTR, I have XT shifters and brake levers, I like it better because I can see what gear I'm in.
    There's no dought that XTR is the best componets out there.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Don Walker a racer from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
    Date Reviewed: March 29, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    I don't know how anyone can complain about this set of parts. I think if you complain about this groupo you don't know how to maintain your bike. I have 2 bikes that are xtr one bike is a 95 and one that is a 98. The 95 parts are still working great thanks to very good upkeep. Everything works flawlessly in my opinion, is all you have to do is maintain the parts. If you follow that rule I promise that this set of parts will be your favourite by far over any other set of parts you can buy!
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Hakim a cross-country rider from Germany
    Date Reviewed: March 19, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    I own a ´97 Zaskar LE, equipped with the new XTR. The link between bottom bracket an cranks squeals, but the advantage is, that no bell is needed. It had been replaced two times since i bought the bike and now it´s lock-titend, but is still squealing. The front derailleur is far to complex and flexy and doesn´t shift any better than his XT-pendant. Excellent parts are hubs, brakes and levers.
    Overall Rating:3

    Submitted by Tristan King a downhiller from Timaru,New Zealand
    Date Reviewed: March 12, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    The XTR is the best conpontery that is about on my trek Y-33 that I upgraded to.
    This is the best investmint after mt bike and the Z-1 bommers. There is no
    comparason betwen XT and XTR it ROCKS!!!!!! I am a bit of a rough rider and have
    gone through 1 whole XT groupset but now with XTR I have not rooted any of it.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Warren Sy a racer from Phillippines
    Date Reviewed: March 12, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    I bought this second-hand HUFFY at a garage sale and couldnt believe just how fun mountain biking could be. Two weeks later, I upgraded to full XTR components on mt bike. The difference was unbelievable. I lost almost two pounds and now have a sub-35 pound bike.My HUFFY just took off! Highly recommended.
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Ioan Bonneville a downhiller from Montreal,Quebec
    Date Reviewed: February 26, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    I own a GT STS-1 and I love the drivetrain. It shift wonderfully and it is troublefree.
    The only problem I see is the cost of the components when you break it.
    The V-brakes do an excellent jobe for downhill. I never try XTR hubs because I bought Spin wheelsets
    when I bought my bike but I'm certain it does an excellent joke as well!!
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Chuck a cross-country rider from CA
    Date Reviewed: February 9, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    As a group nothing can beat it. Sure there might be those who prefer
    the characteristics of other brand's items w/in the group, but as the whole enchilada, XTR is it. Quality, weight, dependability, looks, PERFORMANCE!!!
    No need for extra chi-chi parts (which are gonna break anyway;-)
    with this beautious group of mouth watering components.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Bob Lyksett a racer from Salt Lake City, Utah USA
    Date Reviewed: February 8, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    I race Sport catagory Cross Country and have been using XT components for the last two years....I just upgraded to XTR and also got the remote ! IF YOU RACE THEN YOU NEED THE REMOTE! this is a dream piece of equipment ! This should be compared to the paper clip ie; ...how did we live without it in the past... It shifts soooo smooth and WITHOUT any drag or pull-NONE ! Even if you have older XTR check and see if your shifters can up grade with the adapter package ! DO IT NOW !!
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Brian a cross-country rider from Italy
    Date Reviewed: January 4, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    This is the best thing going in my opinion, it is currently going for around 1200.00 and if you cant afford all of that try peicing it together, XTR is extremely light and well worth the money IF you are in the market for a high end set of components! it might not make you a better rider but it will definitly lighten your bike which can mean the difference between first and fourth place at a race. and the components are practically bomb proof.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by sverre Petlund a from Oslo, Norway
    Date Reviewed: December 8, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    finally pedalling an XTR group, after upgrading from LS through XT components on different bikes. Got the impression that all drivetrains work well. You pay for the weight reduction, and shifts are also quick and smoother on XTR, still can the 500 g off really compensate for the price level of these cool moulds (a cost of $3,2 pr.g saved)?
    Awesome look, yes, but the finish does not stand wearing and tearing in the bush like the silver chromed XT/LS did.
    Shimano's first name is precision and therefore, except no substitute.
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Ben a cross-country rider from Boulder
    Date Reviewed: December 7, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    I lost the little crank extractor bolts for my XTR crank just riding around. I bought new ones ($16) and lock tighted them in. When ever I pedal hard, my P.O.S. XTR bottom bracket squeals. I've had it rebuilt twice, and no one has any idea what is causing the horrendous squeal. XTR is light though.
    Overall Rating:3

    Submitted by Anthony a racer from Boston
    Date Reviewed: November 13, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    What can be said? Shimano is the best, regardless of what anyone says. Only the best form the best, for a price that will burn a hole in your pocket. I race downhill and x-country, and have XTR on both. I guess you can call me lucky, but I would call me poor. They are light and work flawlessly. If you are in doubt, get XTR. You can't lose.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Jens & Sven a racer from Germany
    Date Reviewed: October 5, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    One of the best component groups on the market. When you have the money then buy a XTR, the best fun when you riding.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by BRAD a cross-country rider from ERIE, MI.
    Date Reviewed: September 30, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    I BOUGHT A GIANT CADEX IN JAN. 1993 WITH THE FULL XTR COMPONENT GROUP. THE STORE SALESMAN SAID IT WAS THE BEST AND HE WAS RIGHT. THEN AND NOW.
    I HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE GROUP THAT I DIDN'T CAUSE WITH A CRASH, AND ONLY THEN THE FRONT DER. HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO BENDING.
    IT'S GOOD TO KNOW THE PRODUCT REVIEWS BY RIDERS ARE STILL FAVORABLE. I JUST HAD TEFLON CABLES INSTALLED, BUT ONLY FOR PREVENTATIVE MAINT. AND THE XTR SHIFTS SO SMOOTH IT'S ALMOST INSANE. AS OTHERS HAVE SAID, YOU NEVER MISS A SHIFT AND THE COMPONENTS WORK PERFECT EVERY TIME.
    AS FAR AS THE NEW GROUPS HAVING V-BRAKES, I DON'T FEEL THAT IS NESC. DUE TO GREAT STOPPING PERFORMANCE WITH OLD STYLE. IF YOU HAVE TO STOP ANY FASTER YOU ALREADY HIT THE TREE.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Albert a cross-country rider from Lennoxville, Quebec, Canada
    Date Reviewed: September 16, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    Have the whole XTR group except for the hubs (TNT HDS) and the brakes (Avid Tri-align 2) and I think that if you can afford it why not get the best.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Ferry van der Veen a weekend warrior from Warmond, the Netherlands
    Date Reviewed: September 8, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    I've been using XTR in combination with ESP 9.0 shifters and rear deraileur and Magura raceline D brakes. I've got no regreds buying Magura instead of XTR brakes because the XTR brakes need lots of maintenance and the Magura need nothing at all.
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Albert Tuertscher a cross-country rider from Austria
    Date Reviewed: September 3, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    I am riding XTR for one year now, and it works, works, works. I never missed a single shift - which was the case frequently with my ancient XT set. The stuff is incredible light - I got the chance to have everything in my hands before it was mounted to the bike! You have to feel it to believe it! And it looks awesome cool. Sure the best stuff you will get on this planet! If you can afford it, go for it!
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by M.R. a cross-country rider from Portland, Oregon USA
    Date Reviewed: July 21, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    I Have The 97' XTR Group On My Litespeed Obed. (Sans The Shifters, Which Are
    Grip-Shift SRT 800's-I Figured I Would Give It A Shot.) Anyways XTR Is The Best
    Anyway You Look At It. It's Built The Best And Is Almost As Light As A Paul
    Derailleur Setup And Functions About 100% Smoother! I Just Wouldnt Trade It For Anything.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Doug a racer from Detroit, MI
    Date Reviewed: May 29, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    XTR Rules. The stuff just works. It's an aftermarket weenies nightmare! It's stronger, cheaper cooler looking and as light as cheezy annodized aftermarket crap! It does look sorta dirty unless you keep your bike spotless and I don't. See ya in my dust!
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Jeff a racer from Milwaukee, WI
    Date Reviewed: May 27, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    Works like a dream.
    Lighter than anything out there (except for stupid-light parts).
    Spare parts are readily available.
    Looks cool.
    More and better features than anything else.
    Well worth the money.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Ben Walters a racer from Raleigh NC, USA
    Date Reviewed: May 24, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    In my opinion XTR has the best drivetrain made. out of the grouppo the only things that I don't have are hubs I have White Industry. The only thing that schimano needs to correct on the line of XTR is 1. the hubs are not as good as they should be, don't get me wrong the XTR hubs are great hubs to have they just don't have the greatest rolling ratio that some of the other top of the line hubs have. That is why I bought white industry. 2. On the cranks the letters XTR rub off after about a week to two weeks, they sould have laser cut the XTR letters into the crank. I love XTR and would never use much else.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Ping Chou a cross-country rider from Davis, CA
    Date Reviewed: May 20, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    Amazing. Shifting is almost telepathic. The cranks are great. Stiff, light, cool looking, and the rings shift like its going out of style. Shimano makes the best chainrings on the planet bar none. XTR is expensive, but it is worth it. I have the XTR rear derailleur, rear cassette, and crankset. I couldn't afford the rest of the grouppo unfortunately. If you can afford it, get XTR.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by TR Mayfield a cross-country rider from Seattle, WA
    Date Reviewed: March 24, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    These parts work as well as one might expect, given the company and
    the dollars involved.The shifting is very nice, though not noticeably
    better really than previous efforts.The hubs are excellent, and well sealed.
    The brakes work great, though durability is a major issue. I reccomend
    going with a more straightforward design perhaps the original marinovative.
    I must say that the crank especially, but overall the grey color is ugly
    as sin, and when it easily scratches it looks like hell. The Dura Ace crank
    is similar and is gorgeous it looks like Campy but the XTR is hideous
    and wierd. It works though the funky chainring setup is of dubious value.
    The bottom bracket concept is Magic Motorcycle excellent. Dump the ugly crank
    though unless you are PURE functionality I am obviously not.
    <