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Written by Alan Starrett
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Friday, 15 September 2006 |
 | | 007 Shimano XTR SL-M970 RapidFire Plus Shift Levers |
Day four of the 2007 XTR component review and pricing preview. Today we look at the new RapidFire shift levers. These rank up in the top three of our favorite changes for the 2007 XTR lineup. We are stoked that Shimano has finally brought back separate shift pods for their top mountain group. Whether you want to mix and match brake and shift systems or just want to limit your replacement cost in the event of a crash, seperate shifter pods are a great idea. Shimano has been too long without them. ETA is early October so we are keeping an eye out and will let you know as soon as we have them.
SL-M970: RapidFire Plus Shift Levers
Since 1990, RapidFire levers have been the industry standard. Improving on our own technology, the newly designed XTR RapidFire Plus shifters raise the bar with four new features:
• Instant-release shifting:
A click of the release lever (upper lever) releases cable tension, same as it always has. The difference is that it now releases immediately when the lever is depressed making shifts that much faster.
• Multi-release shifting:
You’ve always been able to grab more than one gear with the thumb lever (lower lever) on RapidFire Shifters. With RapidFire Plus you can now shift two gears with the release lever too. More gears when you need them. Indexing is strong enough to prevent accidental over shift so if you just want one gear, that’s great too.
• Two-way shift:
The release lever still performs the same function but now it shifts in both directions. Pull it with your finger, push it with your thumb – you choose. With two-way shifting the new XTR shift levers adapt to meet your needs.
• Variable positioning:
Customizable ergonomics allow the shifter to be positioned to work for the way you ride – with infinitely adjustable lateral positioning; you can mount the shifter inboard or outboard of the brake lever and fine tune the position from there.
Outboard mounting works great on wide bars, allowing riders to push the brake lever farther in to get the most possible leverage and braking power.
Inboard mounting provides great ergonomics on narrow handlebars, delivering the shifting and brake positions you have come to know and trust.
Shimano XTR SL-M970 9spd Shift Lever Set - MSRP $237.95
Shimano XTR SL-M970 Left Shift Lever - $112.95
Shimano XTR SL-M970 9spd Right Shift Lever - $112.95 |
; "007 Shimano XTR SL-M970 RapidFire Plus Shift Levers")
