Shimano 12 speed quality issues?

[EB]

I was lucky enough to get very early access to Shimano's 12 speed XTR group when Shimano was having supply problems and it was very hard to get. It's the best mechanical shifting I've ever experienced - try shifting it under heavy load and you'll see what I mean.

However, I've had persistent quality issues with these parts, and have heard chatter from some mechanics on this, and now I'm wondering if something is up. Normally Shimano is rock solid, but my experience so far:

- One shifter pod warrantied after about 8 months of use when the downshift lever stopped shifting - no shop could fix it, blowing WD40 inside the shifter didn't address it
- The shifter issue just happened again yesterday to the replacement shifter at about the six month mark, and now my mountain bike currently can't downshift.
- One XT superboost hub that made intermittent, obnoxious grinding noises while pedaling straight from the factory. Swapping out for a different model hub with the same drivetrain removed the issue.
- One brand new XT rear derailleur on my wife's hardtail whose clutch seized up after 3 rides - fortunately this was serviceable.
- One 4 piston rear brake whose pistons completely ruptured and failed during a routine bleed and had to be warrantied.

Anecdotally, have heard of one local rider who has had 3 12 speed XT shifters warrantied with the same issue that I'm experiencing.

Anyone else?

[Velocipede]

Yep. Heard and had the same from the XT and XTR kits I've had. Hubs have been a big problem.

[Mikej]

Yeah, Shimano isn’t what it used to be. I have had the 9000 XTR since introduced and I’ve worn out an unusual amount of cassettes, rear mechs, and shifters.

[Veloo]

Wow, interesting...

Has the mighty fallen?

Originally Posted by Mikej

Yeah, Shimano isn’t what it used to be. I have had the 9000 XTR since introduced and I’ve worn out an unusual amount of cassettes, rear mechs, and shifters.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by Velocipede

Yep. Heard and had the same from the XT and XTR kits I've had. Hubs have been a big problem.

I'm SURE this is the beginning of the end for shimano..I heard that they are going to be bought by Campagnolo....

--->>

[Velocipede]

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

I'm SURE this is the beginning of the end for shimano..I heard that they are going to be bought by Campagnolo....

--->>

LOL!!!!! Freaking brilliant reply!

[thirdgenbird]

Han anyone tried the TRP kit? If I built a mtb today, I would be tempted to use:
TRP shifter and derailleur
Magura brakes
Praxis crank
Fulcrum wheels

[John H.]

I have been on the group since it became available. 1st on my hardtail, a year later on a full suspension bike.
Still on all the original gear on my hardtail- On 3rd shifter pod on my full sus.

[tylercheung]

I kinda wonder if this has anything to do w the factory fire a year ago...

Then again also wondering how great anything that spends on supply chain manufacturing is in 2020...

[charliedid]

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

I'm SURE this is the beginning of the end for shimano..I heard that they are going to be bought by Campagnolo....

--->>

They're fine, they sell a lot of fishing gear.

[ariw]

I have 2x12 XT on my Ripley and love it, 0 issues with a Hunt wheelset. The only change I want to make is to swap 175 cranks for 170, too many pedal strikes.

Ari

[Velocipede]

Originally Posted by tylercheung

I kinda wonder if this has anything to do w the factory fire a year ago...

Then again also wondering how great anything that spends on supply chain manufacturing is in 2020...

The fire they had was related to an anodizing plant. Not sure how that would affect actual manufacturing or shifting, hubs, whatever.

[EB]

Third shifter pod, yep - just ordered number 3 from backcountry for me as estimated warranty time was November (!).

Every store I called looking for a local part were out of stock, as they’ve had a steady stream of them needing replacement.

I guess I will warranty the broken one anyway so I have a backup for when the new one goes. And maybe it’s time to start thinking about AXS eagle...

[tele]

Havent heard about the shifter issues but the rd clutch spring was shipped without any real grease and I know I among many others have had to pull the dust cover off and add some grease. Pretty easy fix but unusual for Shimano to have this many issues.

Now on a bike with XO1 and man do I miss the XT shifting.

[John H.]

My last one broke about 3 weeks ago. When I called Shimano for warranty they sent me an SLX to use until the XTR is back in stock.
So good on Shimano fo this.
The tech on the phone even said "I need to get you a shifter, this is the best time to ride in NorCal"!

Originally Posted by Eli Bingham

Third shifter pod, yep - just ordered number 3 from backcountry for me as estimated warranty time was November (!).

Every store I called looking for a local part were out of stock, as they’ve had a steady stream of them needing replacement.

I guess I will warranty the broken one anyway so I have a backup for when the new one goes. And maybe it’s time to start thinking about AXS eagle...