In the year or so since Shimano’s new XTR Di2 group came out, we’ve spent hours on hours riding the new wireless drivetrain, comparing it to the wireless competition, comparing it to mechanical groups and even comparing it to a gearbox. We’ve talked about it a whole lot, too. The good, the bad, the many options.
But why listen to what we have to say when you could ride it at Shimano’s XTR demo tour and decide for your self?
That’s only half in jest. There really is nothing quite like experiencing a new piece of equipment on your own home trails to decide whether or not its right for you.
We can describe the shift lever feel as best we can, but only you can decide if that’s actually what you like. We can talk about the differences between a clutch and a non-clutch derailleur all we want, (and various comments sections have a lot to say about that decision) but we can’t tell you how you’ll actually feel about it as well as riding it will. We can describe the differences between the wide range cassette and the new 9-45 cassette ad nauseam, but only you can decide if that’s something you’d actually like riding, not just like the idea of. All of that is even better when you don’t have to shell out your own cash to pay for it to find out.
Shimano’s XTR Demo tour has already rolled through New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Alberta. There are still stops throughout the summer in Ontario, Quebec and B.C. that run until October. Check out of the full schedule for specific locations near you.