Shimano SLX M7100 £293.95
SLX is an interesting proposition, sharing almost identical tech to Deore, which is one level below it in Shimano’s range. This includes a 10-51t Micro Spline cassette, a Rapidfire Plus shift lever with 2-Way Release (the trigger can be actuated with your thumb or forefinger) and a Shadow RD+ rear mech boasting an adjustable clutch with on/off lever. It does have Hollowtech II crank arms, though, which reduce weight and increase stiffness compared to Deore, plus an upgraded cassette, and SLX’s finish feels more premium.
Set-up was as simple as with the rest of Shimano’s 12-speed kit. Indexing the gears was a breeze, but the small 2mm Allen bolts used to set B-tension and high/low limits require care. Shifter ergonomics are identical to Deore and XT and were very comfortable, but adjusting the bar clamp requires a long 3mm Allen key – not ideal for on-trail adjustment, and a problem shared across the I-SPEC [Shimano’s integrated clamp system] range. Each shift was notably crisper than with Deore, but less accurate and instant and with more lever travel than XT. The omission of Multi Release, where you can drop down two cogs at a time – present on XT – was frustrating. We feel an SLX set-up would greatly benefit from an XT shifter upgrade. Shifting under load was light when pushing the trigger, and Shimano’s Hyperglide+ tech prevented any crunching of the mech. The whole system proved robust despite needing meticulous cleaning and lubing. SLX feels similar to GX Eagle in quality, and shift performance is on par. There’s a big difference in cost, with SLX over £100 cheaper, but GX Eagle is lighter. www.freewheel.co.uk