XT and XTR sprockets questions

Erik Lindeberg

1. At the Shimano site the rear derailleurs (RD-M960) are specified to
service a 11T minimum sprocket and 34T maximum sprocket and 22T maximum
front difference. All this information is clear to me., but I do not
understand the specification called "Total Capacity", 43T for SGS and 33T
for SG. I understand that SGS (the derailleur with super long arm) can take
up more slack than the SG (long arm) and also handle a larger rear sprocket,
but what does the notation 33T and 43T actually refer to?
2. In all previous groups from Deore to Deore XT there was always a crank
and a front derailleur that could be used with a maximum 48T front sprocket.
On the XTR (M960 series) there seems to be no option to fit a larger than
44T sprocket on the crank and the front derailleur can only service a 46T
sprocket. Is this right or is it something like a FC-M961 crank around the
corner? I will build a cross/hybrid with 700C wheels and 11-34 rear sprocket
and 26-36-48 crank and was considering the XTR group M960. Do I really have
to stick with XT if I shell keep my favorite gear span?

Erik L
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