Shimano SLX

steve said:

What is your experience with Shimano SLX? is it good enough for weekend warrior types? Even though I don't plan on racing, should I spend a bit more and get a bike with deore XT instead?

I only have XTR & XT because my MTB components pre-date the introduction of the SLX series, but if I were buying new Shimano MTB components, I would probably choose SLX.

SLX is more than good enough for racing ... you should really consider it to be an economy version of the XT rather than a better version of the LX (which is good enough for racing, too).

I think that the only reason to choose the XT over the SLX (at least with regard to the rear derailleur) is if you want a 'traditional' rear deralleur (standard pull or rapid rise) vs. a SHADOW rear derailleur -- I think that there is only one type of SLX rear derailleur (i.e., "Shadow"😉.

I like the "Shadow" rear derailleur design ... I'm presuming it is as reliable as the "regular" rear derailleurs ... the "Shadow" rear derailleurs weigh less than the non-Shadow rear derailleurs.

BTW. XT does seem porky when compared with XTR if the rear derailleurs are held in your hand (vs. on the bike); but, the weight difference between SLX & XT is probably much smaller.

steve said:

What is your experience with Shimano SLX? is it good enough for weekend warrior types? Even though I don't plan on racing, should I spend a bit more and get a bike with deore XT instead?

thanks

more than enough for a weekend warrior
Because you don't have plan to involve on a race so I think go on with slx instead than XT.