Today we are going to take a look at the Shimano Deore M6100 groupset. This groupset has only been out a couple of years. The Shimano Deore 12s is the entry level series.
Deore in previous years was intended for lighter duty bikes that were intended for easier trails, and beginning or novice riders. Now that has all changed the new M6100 series, is a sturdier design.
That can meet the needs of just about anyone in any terrain. The new Deore 12s drivetrain is a wide range 12 speed drivetrain.
CASSETTE
The Deore cassette is a wide range 12s it has a 10-51 tooth cog. The Deore cassette is an all steel build. Steel has very good durability but it weighs a little more The cassette weighs in at 593 grams that’s 59 grams heavier than an SLX. And 123 grams more than an XT.
The way to tell the difference in cassettes is to count the number black anodize cogs. The XTR gets three, XT gets two, SLX gets one, Deore gets none. The cassette has the hyperglide+ technology so you’re shifting will be smooth even on steep climbs. This cassette requires a micro spline hub.
SPECS
SERIES DEORE M6100 Series
Combination 10-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-33-39-45-51T
Combination name (Group name) 10-51T
Type HYPERGLIDE+
Compatible chain HG 12-speed
Type HYPERGLIDE+
Rear speeds 12
Aluminum spider arm_QTY (pcs) 1
MICRO SPLINE ✔
Steel gear_QTY (pcs) 12MODEL NO CN-M6100
SERIES DEORE M6100 Series
Average weight 252
Remarks QUICK-LINK
Chromizing treatment roller link pin ✔
Type HG 12-speed
Pin link plate Gray
Roller link plate Brown
E-BIKE rear derailleur system compatible ✔
Type HG 12-speed
CHAIN
The Deore level chain has the same hyperglide plus technology as the cassette. The chains technology came from the higher priced versions like the SLX, XT.
SPECS
SERIES DEORE M6100 Series
Average weight 252
Remarks QUICK-LINK
Chromizing treatment roller link pin ✔
Type HG 12-speed
Pin link plate Gray
Roller link plate Brown
E-BIKE rear derailleur system compatible ✔
Type HG 12-speed
DERAILLEUR
The groupset comes with a single 1X12 derailleur. It has a well-built sturdy look to it. It has a clutch to reduce chain slap the tension is also adjustable internally. It has an on off lever near the upper pulley wheel.
One difference between it and the SLX is it has bushings in the jockey wheels rather than bearings. The weight is about the same as the SLX. The shifting is smooth and efficient. Shifting is smooth even under a load.
The pulley cages are both steel. The weight on the Deore is 318 grams 2 grams lighter than the SLX.
SPECS
SERIES DEORE M6100 Series
Color Series color
Compatible chain HG 12-speed
Total capacity 41T
B-axle_Hollow axle ✔
Mount_Direct attachment (Conventional) ✔
Fluoric coated link bushings 7
Low sprocket_Max. 51T
Low sprocket_Min. 51T
Max. front difference 0T
Pulley_Sunken type pulley bolt ✔
Pulley_Teeth 13T
Pulley cage SGS
Top-normal spring type_SHIMANO SHADOW RD+ ✔
Top sprocket_Max. 10T
SHIFTER
The looks of Shimanos12 speed shifters are similar. But there are few things that set them apart.Deore and SLX multi release is not available. Multi release enables you to go down to gears at a time on XT, XTR.
So on the Deore you can only go down one gear at a time. Shifting up you can go up three gears at a time.
The Deore has ribs on the paddles for better grip. Rubber pads are on the XT, XTR.
SPECS
SERIES DEORE M6100 Series
Color Series color
Mount type_Clamp band ✔
Shift lever cable_Inner cable_Stainless ✔
Compatible rear derailleur type MTB 12-speed
Max. Multiple shifts (Main lever/rear) 3
OPTICAL GEAR DISPLAY_with ✔
OPTICAL GEAR DISPLAY_without ✔
Rear speeds 12
Recommended shifting lever outer casing OT-SP41
Release function_2-WAY RELEASE ✔
Shift lever cable adjust ✔
Shifter type RAPIDFIRE PLUS
Shift lever cable_Inner cable_OPTISLICK ✔
Compatible with I-SPEC EV Brake Lever ✔
CRANK
Shimano Deore-2 piece crankdet-chainline 55mm-1×12 speed. The 12 speed Deore cranks are single ring only. They have Shimanos direct mount chainring. They are available in 30 and 32 tooth options at the Deore level.
The cranks are made from forged aluminum. The higher end models XT, XTR use the hollowtech 2 construction process. Which, makes them lighter.
The chainring also has the hyperglide + technology. Which, provides smoother shifting under a load. Also, better chain retention for smoother running.
SPECS
SERIES DEORE M6100 Series
Color Series Color
2-PIECE CRANKSET ✔
Chainring combination 30T, 32T
Compatible bottom bracket type_Outboard ✔
Crank fixing screw included ✔
Crank arm length (mm)_165 X (NEW)
Crank arm length (mm)_170 ✔
Crank arm length (mm)_175 ✔
Spider/Gear arms 4
Optional chain guard_Without chain/bash guard ✔
Recommended bottom bracket_Press-fit BB-MT500-PA
Recommended bottom bracket_Threaded (normal) SM-BB52
Threaded bottom bracket shell width (mm)_68 ✔
Threaded bottom bracket shell width (mm)_73 ✔
Q-factor (mm) 178
Chain line (mm) 55
Compatible chain HG 12-speed
P.C.D. (mm) Direct
Rear speeds 12
O.L.D._QR/Nut (mm) 141
O.L.D._Thru (mm) 148
PROS CONS
good price single downshift
good performance limited chainring options
nice aesthetics crank weighs more than xt,xtr
SUMMARY
the Shimano Deore12S groupset is the budget group set but it performs well above that level. The Deore12s groupset is an outstanding option.
The durability and performance is great. The only drawback would be downshifting one gear at a time. That can be solved by adding XT shifter.
The Shimano Deore 6100 groupset All in all is a great option. Dave