Like the road and commuter wheels and hubs announced today, Shimano’s upcoming mountain bike products lead in with entry and mid level products that take full advantage of their tech. We often see comments about how expensive the top tier products in the industry are getting, but then you look at the new Alivio group and you realize that what used to be Deore or LX level years ago, can now be had on an entry level 9 speed bike.
It may not include a clutch rear derailleur or offer competition to XX1, but the new Alivio M4000 group should allow for some quality builds at easily attainable prices. It’s based on a Mega 9 shifting platform which is anchored by the new Shadow M4000 rear derailleur…
Alivio equipped bikes will have the option for an integrated brake/shift lever, or an Alivio stand alone shifter to run other brakes.
The group includes a new low profile front derailleur which is said to improve tire clearance…
…which will be used on the new compact triple offering improved gearing for 29ers and 27.5″ bikes. For Alivio, that Hollowtech II model on the left is looking pretty good. Expect to see the new Alivio popping up around June or July.
Yes, it’s hard to get excited about Tourney, but as a popular repair group for shops, improvement is always welcomed.
Tourney TX800 is an 8 speed group with a one piece brake/shift lever and subtle improvements made to the rear derailleur.
The most interesting part of the Tourney group is the mechanical disc brake that also includes Tourney level Centerlock rotors. All of the new Tourney group should be hitting warehouses around July.
