11 speed XTR cassette

Looks like Shimano are finally coming to the party with an 11-speed offroad groupset. The XTR cassette has an 11-40 range (11-13-15-17-19-21-24-27-31-35-40) which should mean its compatible with a standard freehub. Its a pity to see that Shimano did not adopt the Capreo freehub standard for achieving a wider range.

How does it compare to XX1?

The XX1 cassette has a wider range than the 11 speed XTR cassette, going from 10 to 42t, but this does require a special XD driver freehub. It's just speculation at this stage, but the XTR cassette may be compatible with a standard freehub. In true bike industry fashion, it probably won't be just to spite anyone wanting to use a standard freehub.

Update: 16/2/2014

Rumours over on MTBR are that the 11-speed cassette will require a wider freehub and re-spaced hub. This would be an epic fail on the part of Shimano making changing to XTR 11 speed that bit more difficult than SRAM XX1 (XX1 just needs an XD compatible driver, not a whole new, re-spaced hub.

Update: 17/10/2014

It now appears that unlike the road 11 speed cassettes, the XTR 11-40t cassette will fit on an ordinary 8/9/10 speed freehub.  The extra space required by the extra gear is provided by making the cassette concave.  This is great news for anyone wanting to convert to 11 speed XTR - basically there's no need for a new freehub or wheel.

What's it weigh?

Claimed weight on the 11-40t XTR CS-M9000 cassette is 318g.  Not a bad weight for a 11-40t cassette, but considerably heavier than a 9 or 10 speed XTR cassette.

Update: actual weight on scale is 329g.

What do I need to go XTR 11 speed?

In addition to the Shimano 9000 XTR 11 speed cassette you will need at a minimum:

Unfortunately it looks like the move to 11 speed involves a move to another rear derailleur standard, just like the move from 9 to 10 speed mountain groups resulted in a new not backwards compatible derailleur. 

What do the parts weigh?

Drivetrain component
Weight
Shimano 11 speed cassette 11-40t
329g
Shimano 11 speed trigger shifter (incl. cable)
118g
Shimano 11 speed rear derailleur
224g

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XTR M970 9 speed cassette

The XTR M970 9 speed cassette is the latest design in the XTR cassette range and replaces the previous XTR M950 cassette.

Going 1 x 11 speed

Here's the analysis based on my daughter's current 1 x 10speed setup:

XTR M9000 11 speed shifters

These shifters are the I spec II variety which makes them compatible with the M9000 brake levers, avoiding the need for separate mounting clamps.