Got an email from Western BIkeworks taking preorders.
Mechanical only so far--which is a bit of a surprise. I do like the 1x options--10-45 and 10-51 for when things get steep. I'm assuming these are just their mountain cassettes.
Also surprised to not see any wireless options, although it's probably the best Shimano could do if they want to shift to 1x microspline as the main focus, but a wireless 12 speed RD for dual use MTB / gravel is not close to ready yet. Will be interesting to see what the market says with Apex and Rival wireless setups available so cheap now too.
Rather than making them all Microspline, shim is going to have another hub design yet for the 12spd road cassettes. Ugh. And a 2x 12 speed with 34t max? Meh. The only advantage I see over the 11spd is the lower tooth count on the top speed.
I have a couple 12 spd Shim XT mtn bikes. They do shift like butter and I really like them but I don’t see how they can complete with the Eagle AXS stuff on a Gravel bike. I’m an old school 2x rider but I rode an Eagle AXS bike this season for a while and it is really hard not to like. I think it’s the best gravel drivetrain available and Shim has done nothing to change that with this new 12 spd.
