Shimano Deore gains 12 gears and better brakes

Shimano Deore12-speed groupset
Deore now offers wider gearing and trail-rated brakes (Image credit: Shimano)

Shimano’s latest Deore groupset has a dozen reasons to get mountain bikers excited.

Technology trickledown has finally produced a more affordable 12-speed drivetrain for fans of the Japanese component brand.

Mountain bikers on a budget, who need the spread of 12-gears and powerful brakes, will be heartened by technical specifications of the Shimano’s new M6100 Deore groupset.

A generous 10-51T rear cassette provides the gearing for this 12-speed Deore drivetrain and stacks steel sprockets on a Microspline core.

Derailing the chain is Shimano’s RD-M6100-SGS rear mech, which spins 13t pulley wheels and keeps drivetrain tension true, with Shadow+ clutch technology.

Cranking leg-power into cadence are new Deore 12-speed cranks, available in two arm lengths and chainring sizes. Riders who value greater leverage can opt for the 175mm Deore 12-speed cranks, whilst those who are more daring on technical terrain and mindful of pedal strikes can select the shorter 170mm option. Shimano’s Deore 12-speed cranks can be equipped with either 30- or 32T chainrings.

With the 12-speed M6100 your thumb will trigger a new shifter, featuring 14mm of lateral movement and 10-degree of rotational adjustment. Those modifications not only provide excellent ergonomics but also avoid the annoyance of an incompatibly crowded handlebar. Shimano’s new 12-speed M6100 shifter easily spaces with brake and dropper seatpost controls.

The Deore brakes are impressive new stoppers from Shimano, with two- or four-piston M6100 calipers, featuring a redesigned lever for superior modulation.

Pricing for the various bits of Shimano’s new 12-sped M6100 groupset is £89.99 for cranks, £59.99 for the rear derailleur and £32.99 for a shifter. Shimano’s 12-speed cassette sells for £89.99 and a matching chain is priced at £24.99.

The two-piston Deore brakes are £79.99, with the more powerful four-piston M6100s retailing at  £99.99, for riders who require fade-free stopping ability on those punishingly long Alpine singletrack descents.

Lance Branquinho
Freelance writer

Lance Branquinho is a Namibian-born journalist who graduated to mountain biking after injuries curtailed his trail running. He has a weakness for British steel hardtails, especially those which only run a single gear. As well as Bike Perfect, Lance has written for MBR.com, Off-Road.cc and Cycling News.