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Durability of Shimano XT m8120 wheels and hubs

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Durability of Shimano XT m8120 wheels and hubs

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flag crustin
O+ FL
Posted: Jan 25, 2021 at 14:09 Quote
I'm having a hard time finding any reviews of the new Shimano xt m8120 wheels and hubs. They're a little over $400 for a set, so they could be a great deal if they're as good and reliable as shimano's other stuff. Anyone have any experience with them?
flag Tinshield
O+
Posted: Jan 26, 2021 at 8:50 Quote
I haven't tried their MTB wheels but I have a couple road sets, a 105 and a carbon Dura-Ace. For $400 I wouldn't sweat it, Shimano makes good products. Usually their wheels are not the lightest but they are smooth and durable. Shimano still uses cup and cone bearings which some don't like but they work fine to me and easily serviceable. Just check the width on the rims and make sure they'll be adequate for that you're doing. Seems like 30mm is the sweet spot for trail bikes now.

You have to wonder why their wheels don't get more attention?
flag ursmeloman
Posted: Feb 22, 2021 at 23:10 Quote
A bit late but I use shimano xt enduro wheels, the hub is dead silent (awesome imo), they seem durable until now and look very good. would recommend
flag Angu58
O+
Posted: Apr 29, 2021 at 9:17 Quote
I rode XT hubs for 1 season. They ride nicely, spin well, and are basically silent. However, I snapped the internals after only a few months. I got them from a reputable shop, and it still took more than 3 months to get a warranty hub replacement, and I had to buy a spare set of wheels in the process. I wouldn't bother with Shimano hubs, just go for some DT 350 or 370 if you want a bit cheaper.

https://www.pinkbike.com/photo/20531044/
here's a photo of the hub internals. the part in the bottom left of the frame should be attached.
flag radiorental
Posted: Aug 9, 2021 at 7:46 Quote
I really like them, seem to be good bang for buck. I have read that people blow out the hub, I have not (yet) but also see my other post, clear coat is peeling. https://www.pinkbike.com/forum/listcomments/?threadid=231227

I guess, if you can find a set, buy them from a reputable seller and potentially be prepared for warranty issues which will incur a long wait these days.
flag ozhuck2flat
Posted: Sep 29, 2024 at 22:42 Quote
I've got a set that came with my trail bike. They're cheap, quiet and good while they're working, but pretty flimsy compared to DT 350, 240 and Hope hubs.

I've had a few issues with them in the last 2 years: I've had the rear hub hollow axle break at the threads under the cone ring or lockring, the same as Angu58.
The freehub locking nut had stripped out at less than the 45Nm.
The plastic spiky freehub spacer crushed when I was servicing of the freehub.

They have cup and cone bearings, so need to be inspected regularly to prevent damage to the bearing races/cones. I prefer sealed bearings on wheel hub because they don't need to be inspected until the wheel doesn't spin well or has knocking. You'll always notice this wear well before the wheel is irreparably damaged, unlike cup and cone bearings.

I'd be happy with them on a cheap wheelset and where I'd need to inspect it at least as regularly as doing fork lowers servicing.
If I was building a wheel though, I'd pick a DT 350.
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