Shimano DEORE M7200/M6200 Mechanical – BIKEPACKING.com

These days, it seems most new drivetrain announcements are of the electronic variety, but many bikepackers still prefer the simplicity and repairability of a mechanical drivetrain. It’s common to see high-end tech trickle down into more budget-friendly components, and the new Shimano DEORE 11 and 12-speed drivetrain is a perfect example.

There are a lot of updates across all of the drivetrain components, but the changes to the new derailleurs are the most interesting. They include what appears to be an improved SHIMANO SHADOW ES chain stabilizer mechanism (aka, clutch) that uses a dual-spring design with increased spring force. SHADOW ES is what’s used in their newer Di2 derailleurs, although the chain stabilizer had a few issues on the XT Di2 group (see Logan’s review for details). However, Shimano claims this updated version has 70% more spring tension for better chain wrap and engagement over rough terrain. The derailleurs also have a lower-profile design and more robust construction using wide, braced linkage and new pulleys.

Neil is already testing it and will share his long-term thoughts later this year. In the meantime, here are some quick specs and details provided by Shimano for each of the new components, followed by a table of pricing at the bottom of this post.

RD-M7200 DEORE Derailleur for 12-speed HYPERGLIDE+

• SHIMANO SHADOW ES Technology
• Fast and precise shifting under load
• Robust structure with slim stabilizer
• Solid pulley construction
• Steel cage construction
• Long Cage RD-M7200 SGS for use with 12-speed 10-51T Cassette

RD-M7230 DEORE Derailleur for 11-speed LINKGLIDE

• SHIMANO SHADOW ES Technology
• Maximum durability and strength coupled with ultra smooth shifting
• Robust structure with slim stabilizer
• Solid pulley construction
• Steel cage construction
• Long Cage RD-M7230 SGS for use with 11-speed 11-50T Cassette

RD-M6200 Lower Cost DEORE Derailleur for 12-speed HYPERGLIDE+

• SHIMANO SHADOW+ RD Technology
• Fast shifting under load
• Clutch chain stabilizer reduces chain drop
• Steel cage construction
• Long Cage RD-M6200 SGS for use with 12-speed 10-51T Cassette

FC-M6200 DEORE Crank

• 2-piece crankset optimized for rigidity and durability
• 24mm steel axle
• Standard 176mm Q-factor
• Direct mount steel chainring
• DYNAMIC CHAIN ENGAGEMENT technology
• Crank Arm Lengths: 165, 170, 175mm
• Chainring Sizes: 30T, 32T
• Chain line: 55mm

CS-M7200-12 DEORE 12-speed HYPERGLIDE+ 10-51T Cassette

• Lightweight performance design
• Robust shifting performance and improved strength
• MICRO SPLINE
• Steel cogs with an alloy largest cog
• Wide-range 10-51T gear range

CS-M6200-12 – DEORE 12-speed HYPERGLIDE+ 10-51T Cassette

• Robust shifting performance and improved strength
• MICRO SPLINE
• Durable steel cogs
• Light weight alloy carrier construction
• Wide-range 10-51T gear range

SL-M6200 – DEORE 12-speed HYPERGLIDE+ shifter with multi-shift

• Fast and precise shifting
• RAPIDFIRE PLUS and 2-WAY RELEASE
• Multiple shifts (up to 3) with main lever
• Clean cable routing
• Compatible with previous 12-speed drivetrains
• I-SPEC EV (SL-M6200-IR) and clamp band options (SL-M6200-R)

SL-M6230 – DEORE 11-speed LINKGLIDE shifter with multi-shift

• Ultra-smooth shifting under load
• RAPIDFIRE PLUS and 2-WAY RELEASE
• Multiple shifts (up to 2) with main lever
• Clean cable routing
• Compatible with previous 11-speed LINKGLIDE drivetrains
• I-SPEC EV (SL-M6230-IR) and clamp band options (SL-M6230-R)

BL-M6200 – DEORE Brake Lever

• Smooth SERVO WAVE power curve
• Low-viscosity oil that remains stable over a wider temperature range
• Clean look with hydraulic hose following parallel to bar
• Durable alloy lever
• I-SPEC EV compatible

BR-M6220 – Enduro / Trail Brake Caliper

• Dual diameter 4-piston design
• Low-viscosity hydraulic brake fluid
• Caliper seals with consistent rebound speed
• Rigid two-piece design

BR-M6200– XC Brake Caliper

• Lightweight 2-piston design
• Low-viscosity hydraulic brake fluid
• Caliper seals with consistent rebound speed
• Rigid two-piece design

Shimano Deore Pricing

There’s a lot to unpack here, and we’re excited to see the new components on upcoming low/mid-priced bikes this season. We’re also eager to hear Neil’s thoughts after some time riding the Colorado Trail. Visit Bike.Shimano to learn more.

Further Reading

Make sure to dig into these related articles for more info…

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