About the mountain bike - Shimano rear derailleurs: what is the difference between different models.

Tourney

Price of a full groupset: about 6-7,000 rubles

Features of Shimano TOURNEY:

• low quality, after breakdowns it is practically impossible to restore;
• 5 variations of rear derailleurs, mainly differences in design and mounting method;
• 6 types of ratchets (5 with 6 stars, 1 with 7 stars);
• connecting rods 170 mm long with a square fit;
• Instead of a cassette, there is a ratchet at the back, which is screwed onto the bushing along the thread.

Suitable only for city riding, it is better to avoid increased load, the groupset is suitable for children’s bicycles

This is the simplest and cheapest option for a Shimano gear shifter. You can find the components on the cheapest bicycles and children's bikes. The groupset will not withstand a significant load, and the slightest impact will cause it to break.

Altus M2000

Price: 7-10,000 rub.

Features of Shimano ALTUS:

• roller brakes;
• when actively pedaling, the balls of the bushing bearings suffer;
• the rear derailleur often experiences deformation of the tab in the area of ​​the front roller, because of this it ceases to hold one of the gears (depending on the degree of deformation);
• the shifter brake handle is adapted for 2 and 4 fingers;
• 8-speed combi shifters feature an enlarged gear indicator;
• sold in 9-star design, 3-star front with 40, 32 and 22 teeth;
• The rear derailleur shifter was developed using Shadow so that it is as close to the cassette as possible and less susceptible to shock.

Altus was initially considered as a higher quality alternative to Tourney and without serious overpayments. As a result, most of the components were copied from ACERA, after which they became cheaper

Suitable for city walks, with occasional trips to the dirt road. Often marketed as equipment for the cheapest XC bikes. Altus is installed on cheap bicycles, but with the potential for long walks in urban conditions. More than the bumps from curbs and the bumps of bad asphalt, this attachment won't last long.

Bicycle shops often use Altus as rear derailleurs, while Tourney derailleurs are used as front derailleurs. It is believed that the load on the front derailleur is less, so they save on it.

Main features

Many potential buyers often wonder: what to choose - acera or alivio? Of course, Acera offers a wider selection of bicycle components, and their prices are lower. Despite this, if you have extra money, it is best to choose Shimano Alivio.

One of the main advantages is the presence of a splined connection between the connecting rods and the Octalink carriage. Although square carriages can withstand high loads, they are not designed for long-term operation in difficult conditions. As a result, deformation of the square and complete failure are quite possible.

Octalink splines, available in the Alivio line, guarantee stable operation even when the bike is not used for its intended purpose. That is, a potential buyer can install the Alivio system on an all-mountain or enduro bike without worrying about their reliability. Naturally, the loads must be adequate, because even the best components tend to break. However, if given the opportunity to choose the acera or alivio systems, it is better to choose the second option.

Owners of a bicycle built on this group of equipment need to monitor the condition of the balls in the front and rear bushings. No matter how sad it may sound, the manufacturer does not add enough lubricant to them. Economy or negligence? A solid answer to this question is difficult to find.

However, we recommend checking the condition of the ball bearings after 2 thousand kilometers. The balls in the bearings must have the correct shape and not be wrinkled. Even if there is enough grease in the ball bearing seat, we recommend replacing it with a new one. Factory lubricant is designed to properly roll out the balls inside the bushings. Once they break in, the old lubricant will receive a large number of small metal particles and act as an abrasive. You can learn more about this property in the article “ Do-it-yourself bicycle repair - Detailed guide.”

Alivio brakes also need to be checked regularly. V-break pads wear out relatively quickly. To avoid sudden troubles, when purchasing Alivio brakes, it is recommended to buy two or three pairs of spare sets of pads. Relatively fast wear is explained by the softness of the material from which the pads are made. This may seem like a disadvantage, but no, it is rather an advantage - the brakes get more power.

ST-M410 Brake Levers/Shifter Kit with Rapidfire Plus Technology

Brake lever/shifter kit ST-M405 with EZ FirePlus technology

Shifter SL-M410, made using Rapidfire Plus technology:

• 8 speeds;
• Ability to adjust reach;
• Optical gear selector indicator with increased width;
• Color options: silver (ST-M410) and black.

Rear derailleur RD-M410-SGS:

• Supports compatibility with 7-8-speed HG cassettes;
• 13-spline derailleur rollers;
• Low weight;
• Low-friction link axle liners;
• Compatible with 43 tooth sprockets;
• Color options: silver, black.

Front derailleur FD-M412, made using TOP SWING technology

• Front derailleur FD-M410-E, made using TOP SWING technology with integrated mount for the carriage;
• Front derailleur FD-M413, made using DOWN SWING technology:
• Compatible with seven-speed shifters;
• Hyperdrive technology support;

Acera M3000

Price: 12-15,000 rub.

The previous and this group are very similar in quality and purpose.

Features of Shimano ACERA:

• switches are 15% lighter than Altus ones;
• Instead of steel and plastic, aluminum is used where possible. This allows for optimal reliability and lightness;
• circuit protection is installed on the system;
• 2 types of carriages (splined connection with connecting rods and square), industrial bearings;
• connecting rods 170 mm;
• fastening the front derailleur - multi-clamp clamp;
• the cassette switches smoothly to lower gears and with minimal jerk to higher gears;
• Available in a variety of 9-speed versions. Front sprockets with a diameter of 36 and 22 teeth can be used, as well as a three-star transmission with 40, 30 and 22 teeth. The cassette includes stars with a diameter of 11-36 teeth.

The transition from the budget segment to the mid-range is suitable for experienced amateurs who want to get more efficiency and comfort from the transmission, and are also going to ride in cross-country mode. With this attachment you can start conquering unpaved roads, but for serious off-roading it will not be enough.

From a budget attachment, this is the best that the brand offers

In this case, the mechanisms are made from corrosion-resistant materials, which increases durability. More or less reliable bicycles from the budget segment often have this equipment installed.

Specifications

It is for the combination of optimal technical characteristics and cost that these models of spinning rods have become very popular among fishermen. Undoubtedly, this was also influenced by the quality of the products, as well as their power. Among the technical characteristics of the models, the following indicators are distinguished:

• The length of the form when folded can be 180, 200, 210, 240, 270, 300 and 400 millimeters.
• In most cases, 6 rings are used, but on some models they are installed in the amount of 5 pieces.
• All spinning rods consist of 2 sections that are connected to each other using a plug-in method.
• The build of poles in this line is absolutely medium-fast.
• Absolutely all handles are made of durable cork material and have a one-piece design.
• The minimum test is 0.5 grams, and the maximum is 135 grams, depending on the model of the form.
• When folded, the spinning rod has a length from 90 to 200 centimeters.

Convenience

Few fans of spinning fishing speak positively about the ease of use of this spinning rod, since the material used for its production is quite fragile. Therefore, inexperienced fishermen often face a situation where, due to an oversight, their form breaks, but Japanese manufacturers did not count on the fact that their rods would be trampled on or crushed under a car door.

But if you adhere to generally accepted rules of use, then this form will not cause you any discomfort while fishing. The medium-fast action allows for optimal casting range and accuracy even for novice fishermen, and sufficient power of the blanks makes it possible to catch the largest trophies without much effort.

Ergonomics

The manufacturers did their best when they worked on the ergonomics of this rod model. The Japanese have made every effort to provide fishermen with an optimal grip of the stick while fishing, making a very comfortable handle and a reliable reel seat, so no spontaneous situations almost ever happen on the pond.

The guides on the rod are located in the optimal number and at the correct distance from each other, which ensures good behavior of the blank. Since their internal part is made of high-quality materials, they provide minimal friction to the fishing line or cord, which significantly extends the service life.

Exploitation

When using this spinning rod on a pond with proper recommendations from the manufacturers, practically no questions arise. Using this form is quite comfortable if you choose it in accordance with your own requirements and preferences. You just have to remember the main drawback of these fishing rods and transport them to the pond with the utmost care.

Equipment

Despite the fact that the material from which the fishing rod is made is very fragile, manufacturers do not provide buyers with any compensation in the delivery package. By purchasing this form you will receive the rod itself and a regular cloth cover, which in this case cannot be used to transport the rod to the fishing spot.

Alivio M4000

Price: 14-20,000 rub.

Features of Shimano ALIVIO:

• vector rim brakes;
• splined connection of connecting rods;
• 2 types of brake shifter handles and 1 shifter;
• forged connecting rods 170 and 175 mm long, removable large star system;
• Octalink carriages and squares .

This is the company's first groupset, which can be considered high-quality and reliable. There is a sufficient margin of safety and potential for full use of MTB. However, if you are thinking about sporting achievements, equipment of this class will not be enough.

Suitable for touring, but without an emphasis on extreme off-roading

The line has undergone a number of changes in 2015. From that moment on, hydraulic brakes, a 9-speed transmission were included in the kit, the connecting rods were lightened, but received an even greater margin of safety due to the materials.

Spinning rod review

Spinning rods of the Alivio series from the Japanese manufacturer Shimano are very popular among fishermen because they have good technical characteristics for a relatively low price. First of all, the company developed these spinning rods taking into account the requirements of beginners in spinning fishing, so professionals use them for fishing quite rarely.

These forms are made from high-quality and very durable raw materials - carbon material with geofiber elements. This makes the rod quite flexible and guarantees optimal sensitivity to bites. But it is worth noting the fact that although the material is quite durable, it is quite flexible, so if you step on it or press it with a car door, the rod will be broken. Therefore, despite the fact that the spinning rods of this series do an excellent job of catching trophy specimens, it is better to transport them in special tubes or cases.

The line of Shimano Alivio spinning rods is quite extensive, and it includes more than 30 different models, which differ in various technical characteristics that cover most of the requirements of domestic predatory fish lovers. The main differences between the models are their length and the power of the forms themselves. The main series are the following:

1. Shimano Alivio CX are blanks that manufacturers position as entry-level rods, since they are optimized for the use of light-weight lures. These models are made of carbon fiber, and Hardlite guide rings are installed on them.
2. Shimano Alivio DX is a line that replaces the discontinued old BX models. These are the main competitors of Catana, which differ from them in cost and the main material used during production, which affects the technical characteristics.

Who is it suitable for?

As mentioned above, the main target audience of these rods are beginner fishermen or fishermen who engage in recreational fishing on weekends. For professional use and participation in any competitions, even on a regional scale, this option is unlikely to be suitable.

If you have just decided to delve into the basics of predator fishing, then this option will be the best option. But you should be aware that this form will need proper care, since it is made of fragile material, so careful care is a must, otherwise your favorite spinning rod may simply be damaged.

What kind of fishing is it suitable for?

The use of spinning rods from this line is suitable for almost any type of fishing. Its low cost opens up all prospects for anglers to use quality poles from Shimano. You just have to choose a rod that meets the appropriate requirements, otherwise you won’t be able to do normal fishing, or it will bring more disappointments than positive emotions.

Various models were developed by manufacturers taking into account all the factors that anglers may need, so everyone can choose the appropriate option that allows them to enjoy not only fishing from a boat, but also from fishing from the shore of a large body of water. They are also quite suitable for fishing with spoons, wobblers or silicone baits.

Deore M6000

Price: within 20-30,000 rubles

Features of Shimano DEORE:

• in the middle price segment they have better quality, superior to Acera, but are not much more expensive;
• one of the first series of the company where disc hydraulics were used instead of disc mechanics;
• reinforced carriage with industrial bearings;
• large aluminum star of the system, connecting rods of 170 and 175 mm;
• the front derailleur is designed to allow installation on any double suspension, fastening is a multi-clamp clamp;
• the rear derailleur guide spring is strengthened;
• improved shifter ergonomics;
• precision chain design;
• The first groupset from the collection with a 10-speed transmission.

Its configuration, performance and technology allow it to be considered at the very top of the semi-professional series. Suitable for experienced amateurs and beginners who are demanding of quality, withstands off-road conditions and long journeys well. Allows you to try several styles, such as cross-country and all-mountain, but without the risk of breakdowns.

Components are well protected from rust and impact

It is very difficult to move the derailleur frame, so there is a clutch release lever when adjustments and maintenance are needed.

SLX M7100

Price: about 30,000 rubles and above

Shimano SLX Features:

• brakes with calipers 2 and 4 piston;
• The system stars are interchangeable with XTR and DEORE XT ;
• connecting rods 165-175 mm long;
• the cassette uses 1-2 aluminum stars for lightness, as well as an aluminum spider to fix them;
• front derailleur in one design, but with 3 types of fastenings due to the design of the clamp;
• the right shifter has a gear reset function;
• 4-piston brakes are positioned as equipment for enduro, 2-piston brakes for cross-country;
• The handles have 2 points of contact with the steering wheel to increase rigidity, and there is an adjustment for the reach of the lever.

This is the first in the line of professional groups

There are 10-45 and 10-51 tooth cassettes - 12-speed. During production, professional equipment technologies are used, but the cost of the kit is lower.

With such equipment you can safely go on rough off-road terrain; it is intended for difficult terrain, but for more amateur driving, long trips. For experts, switching will be noticeable a little more thoughtfully than with higher-quality components.

Where to order and buy

It is recommended to purchase such products exclusively from official representatives of manufacturers. Otherwise, there is a huge chance of purchasing a fake spinning rod that does not at all correspond to the stated technical characteristics and corresponding advantages. Therefore, it is worth paying sufficient attention to choosing a place to buy.

To limit yourself from the possibility of purchasing non-original goods, we recommend that you contact official online stores. The representative of the Japanese company in Russia is TopRadar, which guarantees the quality of goods, and the absence of intermediaries allows us to ensure the optimal cost of all items.

Market price

Cost is the main advantage of the Japanese company’s products in this line. Depending on the specific model, the price of an Alivio spinning rod starts at $25 and ends at $50, which makes these rods one of the most budget-friendly in their class. But the fairly low cost does not in any way affect the quality of the products, provided, of course, that they are original.

Zee M640

Price: around 40,000 rubles

Shimano ZEE Features:

• the rear derailleur is pressed against the cassette as much as possible to reduce the risk of damage;
• aluminum stars of the system to reduce weight;
• installing only one star at the front;
• from the above list, brakes based on a 4-piston circuit are used.

Zee is positioned as a system for downhill and freeride. For these disciplines, strength is very important, which the developers achieved by simply increasing the thickness of the components. This allows you to cope with very powerful blows.

Deore XT M8100

Price: about 45-49,000 rub.

Features of Shimano Deore XT M8100:

• 20 mm front hub – this is the first series in the line to use a part of such high strength;
• there may be 1-2 chainrings in the front, a cassette with 10-45 and 10-51 teeth at the rear;
• two versions of rims for cross-country and all-mountain, you can install vibration brakes or hydraulics, depending on the rim model;
• The kit includes polymer pads that are approximately twice as durable as classic ones.

One of the company's best sets, professional for 12-speed bicycles. You can often find this Shimano set on training rides; for performances on the slopes, you can use the following set from the list.

At our bike rental in St. Petersburg, our bikes mostly have exactly these models, since only they have shown high reliability and comfort for our customers.

Shimano Deore XT

This series is the best option for cyclists who like enduro and all-mountain. The brakes of this series operate not only on hydraulic oil, but also on a cable.

Deore XT

Deore XT

The advantage of this series is its relatively low weight, as for enduro and all-mountain. The dual-piston brakes will stop you in almost any situation, and the shifters in this group will always operate accurately and quickly.

XTR M9100

Price: from 50-55,000 rub.

Shimano XTR Features:

• two-piston hydraulic brakes;
• stainless steel carriage bearing balls;
• the carriage and the system are combined, one star is used;
• the teeth of the cassette sprockets have a new profile with 3 edges, which provides better chain retention, improves smooth shifting, and reduces vibrations;
• the chain is equipped with a lock;
• There are 3 types of rear derailleurs in the collection; it is possible to optionally install a chain guide for better alignment.

This is the best that the Japanese have created for MTB, the metal alloys are high-quality, carbon is present to reduce weight

In fact, this is the XT , but with an emphasis on weight reduction. Considering the high cost and excessive quality even for very advanced amateurs, the collection is “tailored” for sports.

Deore XT Di2 and XTR Di2

Price: from 110-112,000 for XT Di2 and up to 168 thousand rubles for XTR Di2

A further development of the Shimano transmission was the Di2 . In fact, these are the same XT and XTR , but with electronic filling. There are no cables here, but there are servos and you need to take care of the routing of the wires. You can hide them in the seatpost, handlebars and frame, depending on the design.

Features of Deore XT Di2 and XTR Di2:

• when changing gears, a click is heard, which the developers specifically left so that the rider understands that the system has worked;
• allows you to minimize the attention paid to switching and fully concentrate on the track;
• the overshoot of the star when switching, which often occurs on mechanical transmissions, is eliminated;
• the switch setting is practically unchanged, some testers report that it lasts without adjustments until the season;
• in operating mode, the battery holds a charge for about 20 hours; you do not need to remove it from the case to charge it;
• the large star of the system is made of titanium, the small one is aluminum;
• There is no smartphone version of the customization app.

Designed for top athletes and equipping very expensive bikes

Charging is necessary, which is why it is often positioned as a hitch for electric bikes. Otherwise, the direction of application corresponds to the mechanical prototypes.

Road groupsets

The Japanese produce groupsets for road bikers:

• Claris;
• Sora;
• Tiagra;
• 105 5800;
• 105 R7000;
• Ultegra 6800;
• Ultegra 6870 Di2;
• Ultegra R8050 Di2;
• Ultegra R8000;
• Dura-Ace 9100;
• Dura-Ace 9150 Di2.

Claris R2000

Price: 9-12,000 rub.

The most accessible groupset, everything is very simple here.

The material is as cheap as possible, the safety margin is minimal, the weight is quite large

Front 3 stars, rear 8 gears. A more compact version includes 2 stars in the front and 8 in the rear.

Sora R3000

Price: 13-20,000 rub.

The year of the last modernization of Sora was 2021, it also affected the design, which became more attractive.

The manufacturer claims that this body kit is 90% similar in its parameters to top-end kits. However, much cheaper and lower quality materials were used, and the weight was increased.

This is an entry level, which is only suitable for the first bike purchased without any applications for sports

Shimano equipment classification. What is the difference?

Today there are many manufacturers producing all kinds of components for bicycles. Some of the largest and most popular companies are the American SRAM and the Japanese manufacturer Shimano. The leading organization Shimano, which has been tested by time and is among the most popular among customers due to the huge volume of products produced and the excellent price-quality ratio. It actively produces various components, ranging from bearings to reliable and convenient switches of an innovative type. If necessary, you can choose standard or professional level products to suit different requirements and financial capabilities.

Equipment is divided into subtypes depending on class:

1. Mountain.
2. Tourist.
3. Urban tourist/Comfort.
4. Highway.

Each of these types is actively used for various purposes related to improving the performance of the bicycle. Next, we will look at each option in as much detail as possible, depending on the applications and other key functions.

Classification of existing equipment levels from leading manufacturer Shimano

Shimano equipment for mountain bikes:

• Tourney
  - this version of the device was created for bicycles that belong directly to the initial type. It is intended for everyday driving in the city and other flat terrain. Not suitable for active driving over rough terrain. The most relevant are 18-21 speeds.

• Altus
  - like the above type, refers to the initial version. Ideal for urban areas and relatively flat off-road conditions. Equipped with 21 to 24 speeds.

• Acera
  - this version of the device is in demand for entry-level and mid-level users. Most relevant for comfortable driving around the city, despite this off-road you can feel comfortable and confident. Most often there are speeds from 24 to 27.

• Alivio
  - refers to the middle level of the special edition. The bikes have 24 to 27 speeds and are great for both city streets and off-road.

• Shimano Deore
  - belongs to a good average level, for those who like to ride not at a professional level. It is light in weight and equipped with 24 to 27 speeds. And also suitable for urban areas.

• SLX
  is the highest level common type. Thanks to it, you can safely ride on small mountain slopes. The advantages include: high-quality operation, low weight, efficiency and wear resistance during operation. The most relevant are 27 speeds.

• Deore XT
  - refers to the configuration with a professional level of release. The cost is significantly higher than that of similar equipment. When producing, exclusively innovative technologies from a leading manufacturer are used. The bicycles are equipped with 27 speeds and can take part in various bicycle marches.

• Shimano Saint
  - like the above option, it has a professional look. High wear resistance, price and abrasion resistance speak for themselves. Therefore ideal for professional cyclists.

• Shimano XTR
  is a very expensive and extremely high-end option, which is suitable for sincere connoisseurs of the best devices. Athletes who are well versed in this topic note the main advantages of the device being light weight and significant properties during operation.

Equipment from leading brand Shimano for touring bikes:

• Deore
  - it is considered ideal for the mountain type.
• Deore LX
  - excellent weight and stylish design are key advantages.

Increased stability and low price create increased demand for it.

• Deore XT
  - suitable for use with contact pedals and rim brakes.

Shimano equipment for city and hybrid bikes:

• Shimano Nexave
  is ideal for hikers who want to use the intermediate level. It has a long service life, ease of use, and increased resistance to environmental influences.

• Shimano Capreo
  - specially released for small bicycles with a folding option. The medium level makes it easier to use.

• Shimano Nexus
  is an option with additions that are designed for simplified riding.

• Shimano Alfine
  is an innovative and improved type that is a comfortable option for city riding. It is equipped with many different features for maximum convenience for owners.

Equipment from the Shimano brand for road bikes:

• Shimano Sora
  is an entry-level type for beginners who want to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle and riding.

• Tiagra
  - belongs to the middle class. Many amateurs and novice athletes use it to improve their riding.

• Shimano 105
  is a high-tech option at a low cost. Stylish appearance and good functionality ensure increased interest in the model.

• Shimano Ultegra
  - refers to the professional version with good rigidity and low weight. Shimano Dura-Ace is the highest type, which has good rigidity, lightness and excellent operating efficiency. It is most in demand when installed on expensive and luxury bicycle models.

Shimano bicycle parts