Shimano CS-M7000 SLX 11-Speed Cassette

Product Information

SRAM’s NX Eagle uses a standard Shimano HG freehub body for its cassette, so represents a cheaper way to upgrade to 12 gears from 9, 10 or 11 speeds compared to SLX. However, stretching to the Shimano Micro Spline freehub system rewards you with fantastically and evenly spaced gears, something that SRAM’s current cassettes, in my opinion, don’t offer. The derailleur’s adjustable and on/off switchable clutch meant wheel removal and installation was easy. Plus, the clutch’s lever has clear on/off lettering to avoid confusion about its position, unlike the Microshift Advent X derailleur. SRAM’s version is AXS, and the mountain bike version is Eagle AXS. It’s available as XX1 Eagle AXS, X01 Eagle AXS, and the entry-level GX Eagle AXS, and the system can be fine-tuned using the AXS App. Which Shimano drivetrain is best for you?

Setting b-tension incorrectly seemed to cause lazy shifting, but didn’t appear to reduce performance as much as incorrectly set b-tension does on SRAM’s systems. SLX M7100 also appeared to be less fussy about this setting compared to Deore M6100. I tested the Shimano SLX M7100 groupset on several bikes including my Yeti SB165 long-term test bike and my personal Marin Alpine Trail XR. Longer (175mm+) cranks offer a better mechanical advantage but are harder to turn and so are better suited to taller riders and for more XC oriented bikes. Remember, components can be upgraded over time so it might be worth investing in a better quality frame with a lower tier groupset and keep one eye on future upgrades. Which groupset should you get then?Shorter travel or more cross country oriented bikes can get away with larger chainring, 34 or 36 tooth being more frequent options. Again, these styles of bikes tend to be more efficient climbers and can cope with faster, more aggressive or out of the saddle climbing. 2. Crank arms – and what length should I go for?

Fitting the SLX M7100 groupset to the bike requires the same processes and tools as the rest of Shimano’s 12-speed kit. Although there are no unusual steps, care needs to be taken in certain areas to make sure everything is installed correctly. While it’s all very nice to play around with chichi components like Shimano’s XTR, or its electronic shifting Di2 groups, the majority of the world is more likely to be riding around on regular groupsets, like Shimano’s more down to earth SLX and Deore groups.The real advantage of 11-speed is the ability to have all the range you require without sacrificing the rhythm you need. Features & Benefits: Anyone who has ridden Shimano’s cranks knows just reliable and foolproof they are, but take care to tighten the pinch bolts that secure the left-hand crankarm nice and tight. We stuffed up badly, not torqueing them enough, and off a particularly harsh landing we actually rounded out the splines of the crankarm / axle interface. We stress though that this was our fault entirely, so we say this as a warning to others not to replicate our mistake, not as a criticism! (We said they were foolproof cranks, not Flow-foolproof!) The feel of the shifter under your thumb is really the only immediate giveaway that you’re riding SLX and not a more expensive groupset.