[rynogee]

Can anyone advise if you can successfully combine an XTR rear derailleur (RD-M9100) with XT 12sp shifter (SL-M8100) and XT 12sp cassette (10-45).

I have read on a few review sites and third sellers sites that you can only use the 11/12 sp adjustable SL-M9100 shifter with the XTR 12sp rear derailleur, but cannot see any confirmation of this in Shimano documentation (e.g. dealer manual or user guide).

I'd like to combine XT shifter which I already have with the XTR rear mech because I can't find the short cage XT rear derailleur anywhere and I'm using a 10-45 XT cassette

Thanks to anyone who can advise!

 

[brex17]

Yes, that would work perfectly fine. Disregard anything saying you have to use an xtr shifter with an xtr derailleur. It's horseshit. You can use a deore 12 speed shifter with an xtr 12 speed derailleur if you want.
You just need to make sure you are matching the proper cage to the cassette. The GS cage can only work with the 45 tooth cassette, not the 51. The SGS works with either.

 

[IMeasure]

Yes you can mix and match everything as long as you have the correct derailleur cage length to match the rear cassette size.

 

[rynogee]

thanks very much

 

[Mountainfrog]

I run all XT except XTR shifter and chain. No problemo.

 

[Koban]

Yep works great as said above use the right derailleur cage length. XTR & XT are both HG+

You can even mix a SRAM derailleur with XTR drive train. I use an SRAM xx1 AXS derailleur/remote with XTR cassette/chain & AB HG+ oval chainring. Works for me even beter then full Shimano. Mixing with non HG+ cassette/chain/chainrings where working. But not as smooth as full HG+

 

[redsailsinthesunset]

I'm using an XT shifter with XTR RD and XT cassette on my MY2021 Scalpel. Works flawlessly, until the pawl spring in the shifter breaks for the downshift lever, which happened to me earlier this week. I have bought a replacement to fit while the original goes off for warranty replacement. Apparently current shifters are OK, but there has been no announcement or acknowledgement from Shimano regarding this issue.

 

[Koban]

This is something that happens quit often with XTR shifter –> Shimano XTR M9100 shifters keep breaking--no downshift...

This is the main raison I use the SRAM xx1 AXS Shifter/derailleur. I broke 2 shifters In one year.

 

[ATXZJ]

You'd be surprised what you can mix & match provided pull ratios and spacings are the same. One of my bikes has a M8100 XT derailleur, Box One 11spd shifter and a sunrace cassette with a KMC chain. Shifts same as my 9100 XTR