Japanese company Shimano Today it has in its arsenal quite a lot of classes of cycling equipment. For example, it is not entirely clear to beginners what works better - Shimano XT or SLX? What is the cheapest and most reliable Shimano cycling equipment? Is it worth paying extra for expensive Shimano XTR cycling equipment?

And it is sometimes very difficult for a person who is completely ignorant in cycling matters to make any choice in the direction of this or that equipment, especially since the Shimano bicycle line of different classes every year introduces certain new products into one or another of its bicycle groups. Therefore, in this article, based on my experience, I will try to tell you “what is what” in the cycling world of the Japanese company Shimano (or Shimano).

Shimano SIS (Shimano Sis) - review and brief overview

Under this index there are various components that are installed on the cheapest bicycles. The abbreviation SIS stands for Shimano Index System. SIS is an index shift system where one click of the shifter changes one gear.
Produced in China using the cheapest equipment. The performance quality of this group is low, but still much better than any Chinese “no name”. This equipment can very often be found on older bicycles. Shimano SIS is very cheap, does not perform well and constantly requires adjustments. It works somehow. It is installed on cheap bicycles of well-known brands, but can also be found on Chinese “Ashano-bikes” and other bicycle “junk”.

a very cheap group of equipment that requires constant intervention by a bicycle mechanic.

Shimano Tourney (Shimano tourney, tourney, English "tournament") - review and brief overview

This group of very cheap equipment is made entirely of the cheapest plastic. The main problem of this group is that for correct and proper operation it requires constant outside intervention. Currently, almost all well-known bicycle brands install this group on their cheap models under 20,000 rubles. In its work, this group is not much different from the SIS already listed above. I can tell you from experience that the old ancient Shimano SIS is better than the Tourney.

In the spring-summer season, alas, I often have to observe how sellers in bicycle stores, greedy for quick seasonal earnings, sell seemingly beautiful and fashionable bicycles to future cyclists who are equipped with this particular class of equipment.

Verdict of “bicycle life forms”: definitely needs to be replaced if the bike frame deserves it.

Shimano Altus (shimano altus, altus) - review and review

If you somehow want to make your cheapest Chinese bike even a little better, then perhaps this is the first group you should pay attention to. It is very inexpensive, made of very cheap plastic, and provides at least switching, which with great interference can be called normal even when working in quiet riding modes. The old Altus was a 7-speed, then became an 8-speed. 8-speed shifters were installed at one time on my Schwinn Mesa country bike, but they failed quite quickly, and I did not subject them to any heavy loads. Since 2012, Shimano has stopped producing this equipment, merging it with the Acera group.

Made in China.

Verdict of “bicycle life forms”: it works and is already good. Suitable for leisurely and quiet walks in the park and city. Definitely, this is Chinese rubbish, which, in principle, cannot work normally and must be replaced with something more decent.

Shimano Acera (Shimano Acera, Acera, Spanish "sidewalk") - review and review

Previously, it was an 8-speed group of equipment that was very low level in terms of quality of execution. Since 2012, this group has acquired a new (more stylish) look and a 9-speed cassette. The shifters of this group are made of inexpensive plastic, have intuitive indicators and provide relatively good gear shifting compared to lower groups. The rear derailleur has also been updated and has a new appearance, and has become a little more productive than the old one, although it still bends very easily and constantly requires adjustment. Acera is currently a 100% amateur group of equipment for your bike. If the Acera is not subjected to serious loads, is not wet in the mud and is driven quietly only on asphalt, then it will work somehow. This very old equipment is on my friend’s bike, who uses it to commute to work in the city. It crackles and whistles, but it works somehow, which is good. This equipment has outdated technical solutions and very heavy weight.

Made in China. It’s hardly worth going on a bike trip with such equipment.

Verdict of “bicycle life forms”: cheap equipment, which, in principle, you can ride leisurely somewhere near your home. Many weaknesses compared to more expensive groups. At the first more or less suitable opportunity, it is worth replacing the “acera” with something more worthwhile.

Shimano Alivio (Shimano Alivio, Spanish "relief") - review and review

This is a transitional group of cycling equipment between the amateur and semi-professional classes. Previously, this group was designed for 24 (3x8) speeds and was distinguished by very good reliability and price-quality ratio. Alivio 8-speed shifters are among the most reliable on the market. The 3x8 group was very simple and reliable in its time. Many cyclists said so: why pay more if there is “Alivio”.

Since 2012, Alivio has moved into the category of 9-speed equipment groups. The rear derailleur has changed a little for the better, the front derailleur has also become more rigid, but, nevertheless, remains subject to backlash, and the shifters have somehow become more flimsy and less reliable than before. In a word, it seems that the group has become 9-speed, but its quality has dropped.

The Shimano Alivio group will rightfully be the choice of those who do not want to pay a lot, but at the same time expect to receive at least some, even imaginary, Chinese quality. In general, this is an inexpensive group of equipment, but, unfortunately, in some technical solutions it is very close to Shimano Acera. The old 8-speed Alivio was closer in its parameters to the higher class Deore equipment. The main disadvantage of this group, in my opinion, is the low cost of individual components. For example, weak threads, not very reliable derailleur hinges, which will be invisible to the average bicycle user, but visible to professionals. The band is quite heavy and has a slightly prim appearance.

Made in China.

Verdict of “bicycle life forms”:inexpensive group of bicycle equipment designed for a 9-speed transmission. Suitable for leisurely, careful riding on smooth asphalt roads. She went quite a bit ahead of the lower acera.

Shimano Deore (shimano deor, deore) - review and review

This group was a 9-speed group for many years and was considered at one time to be a kind of compromise between price, reliability and performance. It was this group that was on my first advanced bike Specialized. The shifters are made entirely of plastic, the front derailleur, although not without its shortcomings, copes with its tasks quite well. The rear derailleur of this group has always been reliable and unpretentious in operation.

In 2012, this group became 10-speed. The design of the shifters has changed and the switches have been slightly improved. The brakes of this group will be an excellent and unpretentious choice if you choose from budget models. Overall, this group would be a good choice for tourism.

Made in Malaysia.

Verdict of “bicycle life forms”: without extra payment, it is best suited for cycling tourism. Excellent value for money, good appearance, reasonable price.

Shimano Hone (Shimano Hone) - review and review

This group of components was created by Shimano engineers in 2007 and was essentially a prototype of the future SLX group. The field of activity of this group lies in the field of extreme skating. This group was practically never installed on stock bicycles. As of 2015, the technical solutions of this group were already irrevocably outdated. However, when working with components of this group, I can note a very rigid and relatively light connecting rod system. Very reliable shifters.

Verdict of “bicycle life forms”:reliable, but already outdated group of equipment. A characteristic detail for this group is that the rear derailleur is mounted not on the frame, but on the hub axle. In general, it has an excellent safety margin and is suitable for extreme cycling.

Shimano Deore LX (shimano lx) - review and review

The once legendary group of mountain bike equipment was designed with an 8-speed drivetrain from its earliest days. A little later, in the early 2000s, the group became 9-speed. This group has always been distinguished by the high quality of all components. Very good bushings in terms of price-quality ratio, excellent shifters, reliable sprockets and high-quality chains. This group was at one time the best solution for touring bikes.

But everything is changing, and at the moment the LX group is positioned by the manufacturer as some kind of compromise between a road and mountain bike. That is, in other words, the modern 10-speed LX is the choice of those people who travel mainly on flat surfaces and engage in light asphalt tourism. In fact, the most optimal bike for this group would be a “touring” bike with straight handlebars or a hybrid and other road bikes with a slight off-road aspiration. The group is very reliable, however, it is worth noting that Russian reality with its long off-season, winter and unimportant roads will not be the best for it best choice. But for smooth roads in Europe, this group is just perfect. And it’s not for nothing that in Europe almost every second bicycle is equipped with exactly this equipment.

Made in Malaysia.

Verdict of “bicycle life forms”: An excellent group of equipment for road bikes at a very reasonable price. It has a long service life and excellent quality components.

Shimano Zee (shimano zi) - review and review

This is a very good group of equipment from Shimano, which, in essence, repeats in general terms the components of the higher Saint group, but has a higher weight and is made of cheaper materials. For example, the rear derailleur is a simple stamped and steel design, although it's worth noting that it's quite indestructible. This group is intended for freeride and other extreme riding disciplines. The cranksets of the group are essentially the same as the Deore, but they already have reinforced inserts for the pedals. They can be installed on an 83 mm carriage.

Verdict of “bicycle life forms”:Shimano Zee is a great opportunity to join the world of extreme riding for relatively little money. However, on the other hand, this is far from the most worthy group of cycling equipment. The same SLX will be much better.

Shimano SLX(shimano slx) - review and feedback

I fell in love with this group at first sight. And that’s what he installed on his beloved wife’s bike. It is the components of this group that will easily satisfy almost 90% of amateur and even professional cyclists. This group is intended for people who, as a rule, do not feel sorry for themselves or their bike. This group lies somewhere in the middle between the groups for extreme skiing and XC racing. Reliability, not too much weight, excellent performance - that's what the SLX is all about. Plus, 80% of the riding crowd won't notice much of a difference between the SLX and the higher levels of Shimano equipment. In my opinion, the rear derailleur of this group is the best in terms of durability - quality of work - performance - reliability.

Made in Malaysia.

Verdict of “bicycle life forms”: interesting advanced technical ie solutions for a very reasonable fee. Better than Deore and no worse than the more expensive XT. Perfectly covers any cyclist's needs from extreme disciplines to regular riding and tourism.

Shimano Deore XT (Shimano xt) - review and review

This is perhaps the most legendary group of equipment, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. The components of this group are distinguished by high performance, stylish appearance and very low weight. This group inherits many technical solutions from the higher XTR group. Take, for example, the completely updated XT 8000 group, which, in fact, completely repeats the top XTR group in its solutions, but has a higher weight, is made of more simple materials and costs customers much less than XTR. The XT, in general, is not much different in operation from the lower-cost SLX, but it has a lower weight and an attractive design. XT components are the most common choice for most advanced cyclists, and they really are always a great choice. Bushings of this group have very good rolling and reliability at a relatively low weight and price.

Made in Malaysia.

Verdict of “bicycle life forms”: one of the most popular and popular groups of Shimano cycling equipment. Perfect for XC racing and tourism, but a little weak for extreme disciplines.

Shimano Saint (shimano saint, saint, saint) - review and review

This group was developed by Shimano specialists for extra-heavy use. It is the components of this group that can be found on all three of my bicycles. Unsurpassed reliability, the ability to withstand even the heaviest blows of cycling fate, an interesting design - all this is distinctive features this group of equipment, and I simply don’t see any alternatives to the shifters of this group on the market. Sturdy, completely waterproof and shockproof. Perfectly suitable for all types of extreme disciplines and any type of riding. The components of this group rightfully deserve installation on the most reliable touring bicycles. It is with the components of this group that world championships in downhill and other extreme disciplines have been won and are being won. The brakes of this group will be too powerful for normal riding and tourism, but I would advise you to pay attention to the shifters and rear derailleur when selecting components.

Made in Japan.

Verdict of “bicycle life forms”:the most reliable and highly technological group of bicycle equipment.

Shimano XTR (shimano xtr, xtya) - review and review

Shimano XTR is by far the most advanced group of mountain bike equipment. This group celebrates the most advanced solutions in the field of bicycle equipment, ultra-low weight and high quality workmanship of all components without loss of reliability. Unlike other groups, Shimano XTR uses more expensive materials, such as carbon, magnesium or titanium. Naturally, the equipment of this group is produced in Japan.

The equipment of this group is primarily aimed at competitions and the best racers on the planet. However, if the budget allows, it will serve well in tourism. One of my bicycles has a system and a cassette of this group, as well as brakes (). XTR brakes are real space: excellent modulation, low weight and very high performance. The connecting rod system is also the lightest and most rigid of all groups.

Not long ago, the XTR 9000 series was released, which already has electronic gear shifting. I've already had a bike in my workshop using this equipment. What can I say - these are real space technologies.

The older XTR groups have always had excellent reliability and performance. The components of this group will always be in price. Of course, this class also sometimes has mounts weaknesses- such as the often breaking carbon rear derailleur tab, the slightly strange 970 series brakes, but, in general, the “XTY” will always be the best choice for many cyclists.

Verdict of “bicycle life forms”: many cyclists believe that this group is a kind of excess. Frankly, I thought so at one time, until I partially installed the components of this group on one of my bicycles. However, having ridden this group of equipment, I concluded that in reality it provides the bike with the smoothest and best ride and the best braking. The disadvantage of this group is obvious - the price. Well, for cargo tourism it will probably still not be the best solution. Although, as many bike tourists say, “install XTR and forget about the problems of the bike for many years.” Perhaps this is true.

SRAM Rocket (shame rocket) - review and review

Many new school cyclists or those who have only recently understood the issues of equipment compatibility may be thinking - what does SRAM have to do with it? After all, Shimano and SRAM cycling equipment are largely incompatible.

In case anyone doesn’t know, I’ll say: SRAM is a direct competitor and rival of Shimano. At one time, until 2007, this corporation produced some of the best shifters on the bicycle market, which were a direct analogue of the SRAM X-9 group and were called Sram Rocket. This was a kind of blow from Sram to Shimano products, since these were the first shifters from this company that worked perfectly with any nine-speed Shimano derailleur. These shifters are made entirely of aluminum, come complete with Teflon cables, have intuitive indicators, relatively light weight, a large margin of safety and are very reliable and durable.

Alas, they are no longer produced, but on the Internet, on the same ebay.com, you can purchase them without any problems.

Verdict of “bicycle life forms”: one of the most reliable shifters for a 9-speed bicycle transmission.

Which group and class of bicycle attachments should I choose? Help you decide on the choice of bicycle components and equipment.

Often, readers of my posts on Velomania, and even this resource of mine “bicycle life forms,” as well as clients of my small workshop, write to me by email asking for help in deciding on the choice of equipment or choosing a bike. It is for them and all other cyclists that I finally wrote this article. I apologize if I do not have time to respond to letters quickly. Therefore, I will briefly say that when choosing attachments You should always start from:

—your budget

- riding style

— the possibility or impossibility of further upgrading the bike

— prices for components

— opportunities for winter cycling

- Opportunities to go on a bike tour

— the terrain you plan to ride on

- your weight

- general neatness

Sometimes it happens that sometimes it is more profitable to take more junior group equipment at a lower price, or take something top-end on the secondary market. However, when buying used items, you should always be sure that the components are fully intact, so always negotiate with the seller about a certain warranty and return options. Try to check everything carefully when purchasing. Never buy brakes that are not properly bled, or bushings that are seized. Always check the operation of the shifter shifters and springs. These are general tips.

Well, I wouldn’t choose any switching group. After all, there are always very compromise options for assembling or upgrading a bicycle for certain purposes of use. Shifters can be taken from one group, the connecting rod system from another, and consumables from a third. The main thing is that all this is compatible and works perfectly.

There is power in movement, there is power in movement!

There are two main competitors in the mountain bike derailleur market, SRAM and SHIMANO. Everyone is trying to stand out from their competitors in some way, and this confrontation has been going on for many years. There are adherents of both sides who will zealously defend their choice, spending hours searching for flaws in the opposing side. In today's article we will simply tell you about the current line of SHIMANO rear derailleurs. But first, a moment of history.

SHIMANO is a Japanese company, one of the world's largest manufacturers of equipment for bicycles (80% of production), as well as equipment for fishing and rowing (20%). Headquarters in Osaka. Founded in February 1921.
Taking a leading position in the market means not only successfully selling your product, but also keeping up with the times and innovations. SHIMANO has clearly succeeded in this matter. This company has had a lot of experiments with switches equipped with reverse switching. Due to the internal design of the shifter, to upshift, you had to press the reset lever on the shifter, which made upshifting faster and was very useful on steep climbs.
SHIMANO was the first to release rear derailleurs equipped with a vibration damper for the foot (Shadow+ technology). The essence of the technology is the use of a one-way friction clutch. When the lever is moved to the “ON” position, the clutch does not allow the switch foot to easily rotate towards the connecting rods. The chain stopped jumping like crazy when riding over rocks, which reduced the likelihood of it falling off the front sprocket and the bikes began to rattle less.

Also worth mentioning is the promotion of the “electronic” transmission - Di2. Top lines from SHIMANO XT and XTR, which replaced cables with wires.
What else will the giant company please us with in the future, who knows? But we will closely monitor the company’s new products, but for now let’s figure out who will be in our review today.
Current range of rear derailleurs:

Tourney TZ/TX



Our parade opens with Shimano Tourney. This is the simplest line, which nevertheless has the proper quality and will be many times better than any other no-name. The line includes both the simple Tourney TZ and the pleasing Tourney TX. The manufacturer recommends using these derailleurs for recreational and road bikes.
+ Price;
+ Easy to get;
- Weight;
– No Shadow+;
– Regular design;
– Conventional bearings.

Max cassette chainring: 34T;

Number of stars in the cassette: 6, 7 or 8 (depending on the model);
Weight: 356 g (depending on model).

Altus M2000 /Acera M3000



Following is Altus/Acera, this group opens the entry level for mountain bikes. There is still no Shadow+ technology here, but there is already a Shadow design on the top models. This is not only an aesthetic component, but more of a practical issue, because switches with Shadow design “stick out” less from the edges of the frame, which increases their durability. Consequently, the likelihood of ruining the switch by catching on something while riding becomes much less. The Acera line is made from corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel.

Price;
+ Shadow design;

- Weight;
– No Shadow+;
– Conventional bearings.

Minimum cassette sprocket: 11T;

Weight: 303 in the top version.

Alivio M4000



Now Alivio, in its essence, is the same Altus, but a little lighter. The main difference between the rulers is the connecting rods. On Altus they go under a regular carriage with a “square”, on Alivio they are connecting rods with a built-in axle under a carriage with remote cups and Octalink technology.
+ Price;
+ Shadow design;
+ Can be attached directly to the frame if provided by the frame manufacturer;
+ Weight;
– No Shadow+;
– Conventional bearings.
Max cassette chainring: 36T;
Minimum cassette sprocket: 11T;
Number of stars in the cassette: 9;
Weight: 254 g in the top version.

Deore M6000



Deore uses many developments from the company's 11-speed line. In particular, this is the first series in which a switch with Shadow+ technology is already available, and the parallelogram is built using the technology of older models.
+ Shadow design;
+ Can be attached directly to the frame if provided by the frame manufacturer;
+Shadow+;
- Weight;
– Conventional bearings;
± Price.
Max cassette chainring: 42T;
Minimum cassette sprocket: 11T;

Weight: 308 g in the simplest and 330 g in the top version.

SLX M7000



The SLX is the opener of the 11-speed transmission lineup. It has all the features from the XT and XTR lines, but in a more budget-friendly version. The line is suitable for cross-country, trail and enduro.
+ Shadow design;
+Shadow+;
+ Can be attached directly to the frame if provided by the frame manufacturer;
- Weight;
– Conventional bearings;
± Price.
Maximum cassette chainring: 42T if you have 2 chainrings in the front or 46T if you have one;
Minimum cassette sprocket: 11T;

Weight: 323 g.

Zee M640



Zee is a budget group in the line for gravity, downhill and freeride disciplines. In terms of pricing, it is similar to the SLX, but is only available in a 10-speed version.
+ Shadow design;
+Shadow+;
+ Can be attached directly to the frame if provided by the frame manufacturer;
+ Price;
+ Weight;
– Conventional bearings.

Minimum cassette sprocket: 11T;
Number of stars in the cassette: 10;
Weight: 270g.

Saint M820



Saint is the top line for downhill and freeride. Same features as Zee, but with better materials and weight. Plus on board there is a ceramic sliding bushing in the lower star.
+ Shadow design;
+Shadow+;
+ Can be attached directly to the frame if provided by the frame manufacturer;
+ Weight;

- Price.
Maximum cassette chainring: 36T in freeride version or 28T in downhill version;
Minimum cassette sprocket: 11T;
Number of stars in the cassette: 10;
Weight: 272g.

Deore XT M8000



Deore XT or simply XT is a pre-top line in front of the professional XTR line. A little more weight for less price.
+ Shadow design;
+ Shadow+ 2nd generation;
+ Can be attached directly to the frame if provided by the frame manufacturer;
+ Industrial bearing and ceramic sliding bushing;
- Weight;
± Price.

Minimum cassette sprocket: 11T;
Number of stars in the cassette: 11;
Weight: 280g.

XTR M9000



XTR is the pinnacle of evolution of SHIMANO mountain biking components. Only best materials for minimum weight - aluminum, carbon, titanium. Although even this line in SHIMANO was divided into two branches, Race and Trail.
Race – minimum weight for maximum racing performance. The Trail branch is available for more everyday use due to its slightly heavier weight and less premium materials.
+ Shadow design;
+ Shadow+ 2nd generation;
+ Can be attached directly to the frame if provided by the frame manufacturer;
+ Industrial bearing and ceramic sliding bushing;
+ Weight;
– Price.
Max cassette chainring: 42T if you have 2 or 3 chainrings in the front or 46T if you have one;
Minimum cassette sprocket: 11T;
Number of stars in the cassette: 11;
Weight: 222g.

Deore XT and XTR Di2
Shimano also offers the XT and XTR lines in Di2 electronic versions.


These switches have moved away from traditional cables and are driven by motors powered by a battery. The battery, in turn, can be hidden in the seatpost or fork stem.
The advantages of such a system are that switching becomes more accurate, and the frequency of maintenance is minimal due to the absence of cables and shirts that become filled with dirt. Shifts occur from one controller, which controls the front and rear derailleurs simultaneously.
You have to pay for such pleasure with a little more weight and BIG price. Eight hundred dollars for a shifter, shifter, display and battery is no joke.
We hope you have learned a lot of new and interesting things, and we will continue to delight you with such articles.

A brief history of using a cheap bicycle (MTR brand).

The idea of ​​purchasing a bicycle has been around for a long time, both for the purpose of getting in shape and for more comfortable and faster movement from point A to point B :)

And then all the star cards coincided (competitions are coming soon, a salary and an offer to buy a new bike for almost nothing) so I made up my mind.

There was little time to think about whether to take it or not, after talking with specialists and getting advice, I went to have a look.

The bike turned out to be really almost new and in good working order, after making a couple of circles around the yard, I gave the money to the seller and took the bike.

Let me make a reservation right away: I initially took it with the expectation of spending a couple of years to “learn” and get into at least some form. As the results showed, the bike served its service life almost properly, but nothing more...

But let's go back 4 years. Having picked up a bicycle, then for me the words Shimano and others were almost nothing, or rather, the maximum was hearing them. And about the fact that the equipment is also divided into classes....

I started riding in the city at first and then the first problems appeared: the brakes didn’t slow down well, the gears didn’t shift well. Gradually I learned to regulate everything, since I had to do this almost every trip. However, soon it became almost habitual and I even stopped paying attention - I pulled up what needed to be done, checked it, sat down and drove off :)

The fork, so as not to forget about it, turned out to be an ordinary spring one. no adjustments, but! In general, I was satisfied with it, although I would like a little more... By the way, initially it didn’t work very well, it stuck - after pouring a little oil into it, it began to work perfectly!

Serious problems began about a season later, with the brakes.

An attempt to find new pads was unsuccessful, as well as to determine what brand of brakes were on the bike. Brake pads are a different story altogether. It seemed to me that they were made of graphite; when disassembling the rear brake, it was no longer possible to assemble it. It’s good that there was a front brake, which I rarely use, so I had to move the caliper to the rear.

Around the same time, the front derailleur (almost) failed. Attempts to set it up were unsuccessful and, throwing the chain onto a large sprocket, I tried to forget about it.

In the second season, he managed to “kill” the rear ratchet as well - periodically the stars jammed. I decided to just change it, fortunately I found the one I needed in the store.

I also replaced the rear axle, since the old one had significant wear on the bearings.

By the end of the third season, the pedal assembly had become loose, and one day I discovered (luckily I was still at home) that the nut had come loose from the carriage.

At the end of the season, after disassembling, I found worn out and crumbling bearings there.

I also tried to disassemble the pedals - it turned out that they are not dismountable and apparently are designed for a period no longer than the bike itself :)

The bearings on the wheels were completely worn out, especially the rear ones. Shifting gears (reverse) began to get worse. There weren't enough brakes, apparently due to wear on the pads.

But we also need to say something good about the bike.

Rama - I consider myself very lucky. For this class of bike, the frame is simply excellent. Weight is minimal, within the range of most frames of expensive models made of aluminum alloys.

In 3 years it hasn’t burst or deformed anywhere, despite the considerable weight of the rider :)

To sum it up:

1) after three years of operation, it was necessary to replace almost all attachments.

2) operating conditions, except for a few times, were very gentle - mostly asphalt or hard dirt roads. The rider's weight is only over a hundred...

3) Shimano tourney, and especially SIS, as recommended, should only be used for walking around the city or suburbs, with relatively flat surfaces. Difficult to adjust, settings get lost after almost every trip.

4) what I’m bringing it all to - almost all bicycles sold in the price range up to 20,000 rubles (at the beginning of 2015) have essentially the same filling. Perhaps they differ only in the model of the fork, the shape of the saddle and the handlebars with the frame. Almost everything else Shimano level Tourney, with rare exceptions, which you should try to find when choosing a budget bike :)

There may not be a difference between models for 10 and 20 thousand rubles, do not choose based only on price!

For those who want to buy something better, remember the initial groups, at least from Shimano (from the “worst” to the middle class) - Tourney SIS , tourney, Altus , Acera , Alivio , Deore .

Higher, if you are not an athlete, do not take it special meaning. And if you know the names of the other groups and what they mean, you don’t need this article.

When choosing, first of all pay attention to the weight of the bike. A normal bike will not weigh more than 13-14kg. Especially if the frame is made from aluminum.

It is better to take a fork with the ability to lock and adjust. However, if you are planning just cycling, there is nothing wrong with a simple, spring one.

Two-suspension... do you need it? You won’t buy good quality for 10-20-30 rubles, you will only suffer. It’s better to take a hardtail (rigid at the rear, springy fork at the front). I understand that dual suspension is “cool”, but nothing more :)

Determine rear derailleur class it can be very simple - all models of the last couple of years have 8 speeds - definitely Altus or higher, you can take it. 9-10 speeds - for sure Alivio or Deore (however, the chance of meeting them on a budget bike is zero).

Well, that’s probably all, I think for those who buy such a bike for serious purposes, it will be clear what to expect from it.

Such as:

• Transmission - connecting rods, cassette, front and rear derailleurs, chains, shifters;
• Wheels - rims, hubs, spokes, tires;
• Suspension - suspension forks, rear shock absorbers;
• Brake systems, etc.

There are many companies producing various bicycle components, but the largest in terms of production volume and distribution in the world are: the American company SRAM and the Japanese Shimano.

All equipment is qualified according to levels that determine the quality and price of the component. For normal driving around the city and rough terrain, entry-level and mid-level equipment is quite suitable; there is no need to immediately chase professional, expensive components; they should be bought only when you are sure that you need it.

The Japanese company Shimano is probably the most popular manufacturer of bicycle equipment. It produces a huge variety of different components from bearings to switches, as well as at any level from amateur to professional.

First of all, the equipment is divided into four types, depending on:

1. mountain bike
2. Touring bike
3. Urban tourist/Comfort
4. Road bike

Shimano equipment level classification

Shimano Mountain Bike Equipment

• Shimano Tourney - this type of equipment is created for entry-level bicycles, suitable for city riding on asphalt, not suitable for intensive riding on rough terrain. One of the first types of Shimano equipment, they usually have 18-21 speeds.
• Shimano Altus - also an initial type of equipment. Bicycles with this equipment can be ridden around the city and off-road. Has 21-24 speed.
• Shimano Acera - this type of equipment is positioned as entry-level and mid-level. Suitable for driving around the city and some off-road, but off-road you can feel more confident. Typically bikes with this type of equipment have 24-27 speeds.
• Shimano Alivio - this is mid-level equipment, of fairly good quality and sufficient low price. Some components in terms of characteristics are almost a copy of Deore equipment, but are cheaper than it. Bicycles with such equipment are suitable for city and off-road riding and usually have 24-27 speeds.
• Shimano Deore - equipment of a good average level. This equipment is suitable for cyclists who ride a lot, but are not involved in cycling professionally. Unlike equipment of a higher level, it weighs more. Suitable for city and off-road riding. Typically bikes with this type have 24-27 speeds.
• SLX - high level equipment type. Designed for driving on rough and mountainous terrain, where the main thing is not speed, but quality. The main criteria for this equipment are: quality of work, acceptable weight and reliability. Bikes with this type have 27 speeds.
• Shimano Deore XT - professional-level equipment, and accordingly it has a high price. This type of equipment is light in weight and size, and was developed using modern technologies Shimano. Bicycles equipped with this equipment have 27 speeds and can be used in a variety of competitions, such as cross-country or mountain trail marathons.
• Shimano Saint - is also a professional type of equipment. Designed for extreme loads: Down Hill, freeride. Components at this level are more expensive, but also more durable and reliable.
• Shimano XTR - the highest and most expensive level of equipment installed on mountain bikes. Created for professional athletes to help achieve maximum results. These components have minimal weight and maximum performance.

Shimano equipment for touring bikes

• Shimano Deore - is analogous to equipment for mountain bikes, but differs in purpose. For example, there are series for rim brakes.
• Shimano Deore LX - equipment of this type is distinguished by good weight and pleasant design. This level is the hallmark of the tourist line and has the necessary reliability.
• Shimano Deore XT - is also an analogue of mountain bike equipment. Again, the difference is in purpose, for example the use of contact pedals and rim brakes.

Shimano equipment for city and hybrid bikes

Modern hybrid bikes can be equipped with Shimano mountain equipment.

• Shimano Nexave - developed specifically for tourism, belongs to the average level. Very durable, reliable and easy to use equipment.
  
• Shimano Capreo - equipment designed for folding, compact bicycles. It has an average level and provides a comfortable ride.
• Shimano Nexus - equipment for a comfortable ride. Planetary hubs with internal brakes, connecting rods, shifters and other equipment designed to make cycling easier.
• Shimano Alfine - a more advanced level of “comfort” equipment for urban riding. Planetary hubs with internal gear shifting, bicycle motors, hydraulic disc brakes, chain tensioners.

Shimano Road Bike Equipment

• Shimano Sora - entry-level equipment, installed on road bikes for beginner athletes or bicycles for recreational riding.
• Shimano Tiagra - Middle class highway equipment. Its level can be compared with Deore mining equipment. It is quite possible to compete in amateur competitions.
  
• Shimano 105 - a high-quality road equipment group with a very affordable price. It is distinguished by its technological effectiveness, reliability and pleasant design.
• Shimano Ultegra - professional level of equipment. According to the manufacturer " The best balance between rigidity and light weight".
• Shimano Dura-Ace - The highest level of equipment, providing the perfect combination of rigidity, lightness and efficiency. Fits top bikes. The most high-tech equipment for road cycling.