Hey everyone, how's it going?
It wasn't long ago when I introduced this Shimano dropper remote to you.
This is the XTR version, MT800 that I like a lot, I'm still using it on my Yeti SB-100.
But guess what?
With the introduction of their Deore 12 speed, they have the cheaper version, the MT500.
Let's take a closer look at this!
If the XTR MT800 was made in Japan, this new MT500 Deore is made in Indonesia.
Shimano calls them the Seatpost Lever, and for some reason it has Shimano Alivio written on the box,
even though this was launched with the Deore 12 speed.
This is the I-SPEC EV version of the remote, they also have a bar clamp version.
Dropper remote with the barrel adjuster,
OT-SP41 is the cable and housing that's included in the box,
this is meant for cross-country and trail riding.
Interesting to note that the XTR only exists as an I-SPEC EV attachment,
this new MT500 comes with a bar clamp as well.
And in the box you're gonna get a user manual telling you to go online,
obviously you get the lever,
you're gonna get this I-SPEC EV attachment, and the SP41 cable and housing.
The housing is 1.5 meters long, I couldn't see that anywhere.
Here on the back of your lever, you see that this is made in Indonesia and the product code.
And looking at it next to the XTR, yes indeed, striking similarities.
Aside from this cut out on the XTR that doesn't exist on the Deore or the Alivio I should say.
And you can see the barrel adjuster being a bit more premium than the one used here on the Deore.
Other than that they look very similar, the shape is definitely identical.
I would say that the XTR is anodized aluminum versus the Deore which is painted aluminum.
The length of the lever is the same, it is grooved just like the XTR
and you can see the attachment screw here, which is trapped with an o-ring.
On the flip side you're gonna see, this is rotating around what should be either a big bushing or probably a bearing,
and it has this spring inside so the lever is always staying in place with or without cable attached.
On the XTR, the cable attachment bolt is black, this one seems to be cheaper material
but obviously is in the same spot, as the design of the two seems to be identical.
And aside from that the the feel of this is not bad at all, this being painted and that one being anodized aluminum.
The cable pull in this remote is 9 millimeters, that's the same with the XTR,
and that makes these remotes kind of universal, so you can use them with almost any dropper post that you might have.
I didn't notice this earlier but the XTR lever seems to be flat, the Deore it's a bit curved.
Also, if you look at the shape here of the Deore lever, this is slightly wider.
If anything, that would make it for slightly better ergonomics compared to the XTR, so that's not a bad thing.
The weight of the remote and the I-SPEC EV attachment is 44 grams, I think XTR was 41 grams.
And if I add the cable and housing, here is 109 grams.
I am pretty sure this is within a couple grams from the XTR.
In the video of the XTR remote I looked at the Wolf Tooth as a comparison,
make sure you check that out!
But let's just say that when it comes to integration with the I-SPEC EV brakes,
I would pick the Shimano remote versus Wolf Tooth probably nine times out of ten.
Installation on an I-SPEC EV brake lever is very simple.
That insert that comes with the remote integrates with the bar clamp and then, obviously,
your remote is going to be installed here underneath.
This is a 3 millimeter Allen key, and this is obviously an under the bar remote.
And you can see the extra adjustability that the I-SPEEC EV provides for your remote or shifter.
So what do you guys think?
Are you interested in any of these Shimano remotes?
Did I mention to you that this Deore is probably one third of the price of the XTR?
I am very excited that this exists, it comes in the bar clamp version as well,
so from my end this comes highly recommended as a nicely integrated remote to the I-SPEC EV brakes.
Let me know if you have any questions.
If you like this don't forget to like, subscribe, keep an eye on social media.
And until next time, I hope to see you on the trails,
riding some Shimano gear.
Cheers guys, cheers!