Shimano has totally revamped their base-level Alivio groupset for 2011, adding a cog and taking advantage of trickle-down technology from upper tier gruppos.
While Alivio isn’t likely to be something you’d buy as a standalone product replacement, it is likely to be on more bikes on the showroom floor as the new parts become available in June 2010. With raw materials and bike prices in general going up, Alivio’s new functionality will allow product managers the ability to spec bikes with 9-speeds and better performance while keeping their MSRP’s in check. So, what should you expect to see on your friend’s new entry level bike?
- New, low-profile rear derailleur similar to Shadow units tucks mech out of harm’s way.
- Wider link design to improve rigidity, durability.
- Square taper or Octalink options on Hyperdrive cranksets.
- 44T or 48T big ring, with or without a chainguard.
- New shifters use two-way triggers (shift with finger or thumb), just like the high end.
- New cable routing keeps shifter and brake cables in line for a tidy appearance.
- Two colors: Black or Silver.
The new Alivio package will not offer brakes, but there will be a lever/shifter combo available. Instead, Shimano is introducing a new BR-M445 hydraulic brake at the low end of the pricing spectrum. It uses opposing dual piston pad pushers (like most brakes) and will come in black, silver and white. It’ll be available with two different lever options, with the higher end BL-M505 coming in matching colors.
Photo from BikeRadar, more over there.
