Home > Bike Types > Mountain Bike

Shimano revamps entry-level MTB line, adds 12-speed replacement wheels, 4-piston brakes

11 Comments
Support us! Bikerumor may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More

Shimano announced a host of new mountain bike goodies, including updated entry-level components, new replacement-level 12-speed wheels and hubs, a value 4-piston hydraulic braking system, and a new hydraulic Alfine braking system for urban riders. The technology trickle-down continues – in a big way.

All images courtesy Shimano.

Shimano Acera, Altus, and Tourney value MTB components

While we don’t cover a lot of the entry-level market, Shimano has been busy trickling down some great technology to lower price points. They did a major overhaul just last year, and now they’re at it again with more refinements.

The latest Altus and Shimano-branded Rapidfire Plus shifters are now available for 2/3×9 and 2/3×7/8 speed, respectively. Both of the new shifters are said to have light shifting action and streamlined optical gear display under the bar. In addition, a new entry EZ Fire Plus shifter is available with 2×7 gearing and even hydraulic disc brakes.

There are also two new top-swing front derailleurs for Altus and Acera level, engineered for large tire clearance. They’re also said to deliver more consistent shifting thanks to a speacial Hyperdrive design with one spec for 48.8mm and 51.8mm chainlines. Acera also gets the Hyperglide FD-T300-2-TS3 front derailleur with 16t capacity, while Tourney gets a new 2×8/7-speed front derailleur, dubbed FD-TY710-2-TS3.

 

In the crankset department, there are two new entry-priced Hyperdrive double chainring cranks with 36-22t ring sizes. For fitness and urban riders, there are two new price point cranks with 46-30t chainrings.

Shimano value 12-speed MTB replacement wheels and hubs

Options for price-point Microspline-compatible wheels have been very slim since the introduction of 12-speed XTR, but that changes now. Available in 27.5″ and 29″ sizes, the new wheels feature Boost spacing and compatibility with 10t small cogs.

WH-MT500-CL
• 24H J-bend spokes
• O.L.D.: 148 mm
• MSRP $174.99

WH-MT620-TL
• 24H J-bend spokes
• O.L.D.: 110/15mm; 12x148mm
• 30mm inner rim width
• MSRP $245.99

In addition, there are 12-speed FH-MT510 Microspline hubs with 12mm E-thru Boost axles, in 32 & 36 spoke count options. Or, if your bike has quick release skewers, FH-MT500 hubs can be had in 32 & 36 spoke counts.

4-piston value MTB + Alfine hydraulic disc brakes

If you need to stop quickly on a budget, Shimany just expanded its 4-piston hydraulic design to entry level, with the new BR-MT420. With a claimed 20% increase in braking power and 150% better pad wear resistance compared to the older BR-MT400, it’s a big step up in performance. It’s intended to be paired with the new BL-MT400-3A hydraulic lever with 3-finger specific design.

Urban riders can enjoy the new Alfine BL-S7000 and BR-S7000 hydraulic brakes with a 3-finger design and reduced price point – in silver or black.

Most of the new component introductions will realistically only be sold as replacement parts or as OEM bike spec, but we’re glad to see legitimate technology travel far down the price range. To learn more, check out Shimano at the link below.

Bike.Shimano.com

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

11 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Lyford
4 years ago

A Shimano 46-30 crankset? Is it 9-speed only?

Maybe there’s hope for an 11-speed 46-30. A subcompact 105 or Tiagra-level crankset would be a huge win.

Bob
Bob
4 years ago
Reply to  Lyford

Pretty sure that crank sets are not speed specific. even though they label them as such. it makes no difference if you use a “9 speed” chain ring with an 11 speed group set.

Shafty
Shafty
4 years ago
Reply to  Bob

The experts have spoken….apparently. I just….you’re trolling us…right? Maybe this crap works for you, but it’s a huge compromise in function and performance. Mixing brands a little, I can see, but not several generations removed.

Please everyone, ignore ^Bob^, he’s drunk. His advice is poor for a number of reasons. You will be disappointed if you follow it.

Trybo Bike Tech
Trybo Bike Tech
4 years ago
Reply to  Shafty

He is right tho. You can run 11 speed chains ( which are interchangeable with 10 speed, FYI ) on otherwise 9 speed drivetrain and you can do vice versa.

test
4 years ago

Hello, and Shimano is preparing 12s for XT and SLX.
comment image

This information was posted a few days ago on the Shimano website but was soon removed.

VeloFreak
VeloFreak
4 years ago

Come on shimano, xt 12 speed, bring it on.

offrhodes
offrhodes
4 years ago

I am hoping for microspline XT hubs with 135QR spacing so I can keep my SIR 9 rolling for years to come.

Jungle-Juice
Jungle-Juice
4 years ago
Reply to  offrhodes

No need to wait for Shimano, Any 135QR hub for DT Swiss, as long as it uses their ratchet system, will give you what you want. A XT rear hub is cheaper though ;).

King County
King County
4 years ago

Cool stuff. They acknowledge that an 8 speed shifter can work for 7sp. Cuts out an sku.Theoretically, an 8 speed shifter should have always worked with 7, but I never tried it. It would be cool if the applications were stamped on the front derailleurs so you can hold it and know what chainline/teeth it is optimized for. Maybe it will be on there.

tohok
tohok
4 years ago

46-30 sounds like gravel bike to me..

John
John
4 years ago
Reply to  tohok

We can only hope!

Subscribe Now

Sign up to receive BikeRumor content direct to your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Sign up to receive BikeRumor content direct to your inbox.