The new SAINT is fully focused on the gravity sector in mountain biking, a statement that is clearly supported by the features of this new group. To ensure that the new SAINT sets standards even under the toughest conditions in downhill races, the component group was developed in close collaboration with professional riders like Aaron Gwin and Gee Atherton. These riders provided SHIMANO engineers and designers with invaluable input on where and how the previous SAINT could be further improved to achieve the best performance on the race track.

Because gravity riders rely heavily on high stability in critical situations, SHIMANO has equipped the SAINT 10-speed derailleur with SHADOW PLUS technology. This technology, first introduced with the XTR derailleur, has been adapted for the SAINT derailleur and allows for an extremely quiet drivetrain system for gravity disciplines. A switch activates a stabilizer that stabilizes the derailleur cage during the upward and downward movement of the chain in rough terrain. However, to install and remove the rear wheel, the switch must be set to the "Off" position.