News Shimano

Shimano and FOX introduce a revolutionary 15mm through axle hub system in combination with a 100mm Over Locknut Dimension (OLD), targeted at All Mountain, Cross Country and Marathon usage. Shimano will be providing Deore XT and XTR level hubs as well as a Deore XT level complete front wheel for this system.This new technology saves a lot of weight compared to the existing 20mm through axle system, while keeping almost the same rigidity. The 15mm standard allows not only a weight reduction on the hub, but especially on the fork, while increasing the rigidity of the system, so the benefit comes from the sum of all components together. FOX forks incorporating the 15mm through axle system are 15% stiffer torsionally and 25% stiffer in transverse shear than a traditional quick release front axle system. This new 15 x 100 system is destined to be a completely open format so other fork, hub and axle makers can participate as well.The XTR 15mm through axle hub HB-M978 is more than 100 grams lighter than the 20mm version HB-M976. HB-M978 has been developed with the Center Lock system just like HB-M778, the new front hub with 15mm through axle at Deore XT level. HB-M758 is a Deore XT level 15mm through axle front hub for 6 bolt rotors, carrying a neutral Shimano logo.Shimano also introduces a complete Deore XT front wheel WH-M778 with this new 15 x 100 technology. It has 24 butted spokes and is compatible with tube and tubeless tires. It has a new sealing design that improves bearing durability by 400% with less seal drag than cartridge bearings. Combined with a WH-M775 Deore XT rear wheel it weighs 1702 g for a set.