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11 spd MTB cassette compatibility? SLX-M7000 vs XT-M8000

Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2018 11:17 am
by uart
A mate has an MTB that is currently running a Shimano SLX M7000 11 spd cassette that needs replacing soon. I just want to check that the XT-M8000 11 spd cassette is also compatible.

Thanks. :)

Re: 11 spd MTB cassette comparability? SLX-M7000 vs XT-M8000

Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2018 5:35 pm
by Duck!
Are you asking how they compare or how they fit? :?

Re: 11 spd MTB cassette comparability? SLX-M7000 vs XT-M8000

Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2018 6:08 pm
by uart
Duck! wrote:Are you asking how they compare or how they fit? :?
Hi Duck. Yes I was just initially just wanting to know if the x8000 was an equivalent fit to the X7000. As in, will fit on the same freebody and work with the same shifters etc.

If however you also have some insight into how they compare as to quality and durability then I would definitely be interested to know that as well. :)

Re: 11 spd MTB cassette comparability? SLX-M7000 vs XT-M8000

Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2018 6:26 pm
by march83
uart wrote: Hi Duck. Yes I was just initially just wanting to know if the x8000 was an equivalent fit to the X7000. As in, will fit on the same freebody and work with the same shifters etc.
same freehub pattern, same cog spacing, same width.

So long as you buy the same gear range in each you will have no issues.

If you buy a different gear ratio you will need to check the cage length of the rear derr to ensure that it is compatible with the new cassette.
If however you also have some insight into how they compare as to quality and durability then I would definitely be interested to know that as well. :)
I don't notice quality difference, or durability, but the slx is slightly heavier I think.

Depending on where you're shopping, the difference can be as little as a few dollars. In the past I've selected based on what's in stock - I know wiggle have not held stock of the SLX for long periods so I've been "upsold" on the XT just to save on shopping somewhere else, but I don't think it's worth going out of your way to get the XT over the SLX.

Re: 11 spd MTB cassette comparability? SLX-M7000 vs XT-M8000

Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2018 6:28 pm
by Duck!
Confused because the heading asks about comparability (root word = "compare")...

All Shimano MTB 11-sp.cassettes are dimensionally identical, so they fit the same and shift the same. The main difference between XT and SLX is the hardening of the sprockets, making XT more durable.

Re: 11 spd MTB cassette comparability? SLX-M7000 vs XT-M8000

Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2018 6:45 pm
by uart
Duck! wrote:Confused because the heading asks about comparability (root word = "compare")...

All Shimano MTB 11-sp.cassettes are dimensionally identical, so they fit the same and shift the same. The main difference between XT and SLX is the hardening of the sprockets, making XT more durable.
Thanks Duck and march83.

Yeah I didn't notice the title stuff up. I typed "compatability" but the stoopid spell checker changed it to "comparability". (Will edit that now)