Im looking to buy a new XC bike. Will be used for training and racing.
Have been looking mainly at carbon HT's with XT groupos. Have also found a few decent deals on 2010 carbon HTs with SLX groupsets.
Functionally , is there much difference in XT over SLX or is really just pimp factor?
Both cranksets are nice but XT a bit lighter, both are bombproof though
Shifters - SLX have cheap plastic feel to them but work the same as XT
Rear Mech - definitely crispier shifts with XT (defo more play in SLX after year of riding)
Breaks - haven't tried SLX but XT are really good
New XT is coming out in a few months, old XT equipped bikes will drop in price so might be worth holding out for. There's a nice Be One for sale on here too
I've got an SLX crank (double ring & integrated bash) and SLX brakes on the Ragley.
The brakes are solid & feel great, and the cranks do what they're supposed to - no complaints
XT brakes have a little more adjustment from the lever, but apart from that, they are the same really. both are very capable.
As the lads said. cranks are lighter, but thats it. XT shifters have a nicer feel.
If you are looking for a carbon HT, I have a lovely one for sale. never used. I built it up for someone, and he didn't have the cash. full SLX, with reba SL forks (remote lockout).
DT swiss 445D rims on Xt hubs. carbon bars, stem etc... really nice bike. €1200
Thanks lads,I might go with SLX and upgrade as I go, although its probably worth shelling out the extra few quid for the XT Im on a budget.I think on 2009/2010 SLX /XT chainsets theres less than a 50gram weight difference,.
Unfortunately that be one is on the small side for me.