When a new groupset is released, usually sexier components like the cranks and rear derailleur get most of the attention, but if you need any convincing that the Di2 is more than a luxury but an essential advancement in the world of mountain biking, perhaps all you’ll need to do is try a few front shifts with the Shimano XTR FD-M9070.
The FD-M9070 is the double chainring-compatible front derailleur for the XTR Di2 groupset. It can accommodate chainring sizes 34/24, 36/26, and 38/28. Add that to the 40-11 rear cassette that you’ll get with the XTR set-up, and you should be able to tackle just about any obstacle. Your shifting will be effortless and reliable largely because the electronic system makes use of wires instead of mechanical cables so that they will not be adversely affected by weather or trail conditions, and they won’t stretch out and lose their tuning over time. You might think you’ll be complicating your life with electric shifting, but you’d be mistaken in that assumption. Not only does it give you tons of choice, but also exceptional piece of mind that it will work consistently for a very long time.
If the last time you looked at a front derailleur was fifteen years ago, you might have trouble recognizing the XTR FD-M9070 for what it is. Shimano has reshaped the front derailleur so that it could leave more room for all the movement that is happening behind the bottom bracket, like suspension pivots and 29ner tires taking up tons of space. It is computer controlled to provide auto trim for each shift, saving you from having to worry about fine-adjusting, especially at awkward moments when you are battling to stay upright. When you have it paired with the two shifter set-up, you can stick with your manual shifting, but you can also take advantage of the Shimano Synchronized Shift capabilities. Synchro shift compatible meaning a single shifter can control both front and rear shifting which can be fully custom tuned to your riding preferences. So you can pre-program how you want your XTR Di2 to shift for you, with a wide variation in choices of everything from shift times to ratio jumps. You’ll also be amazed at how well this system shifts under load, and never have to worry about losing any reliability, even in the most adverse weather conditions.
An XTR Di2 Front Derailleur Mount Adaptor is required to fit your XTR Di2 M9070, and there are four options from which to choose depending on what your bike requires. The first time you feel the silky smooth front shifting that the Shimano XTR FD-M9070 will provide, you’ll be transported back to that childhood memory of the first time you road a 10-speed. Pure joy distilled in the push of a button.