2011 Shimano Tiagra and Acera – First look

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1298908897269-1p1khjmmoe3sq-a0ba633.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1298908897269-1p1khjmmoe3sq-a0ba633.jpg?quality=45&resize=320%2C416 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1298908897269-1p1khjmmoe3sq-a0ba633.jpg?quality=45&resize=462%2C600 3x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 375px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1298908897269-1p1khjmmoe3sq-a0ba633.jpg?quality=90&resize=190%2C247, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1298908897269-1p1khjmmoe3sq-a0ba633.jpg?quality=45&resize=380%2C494 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1298908897269-1p1khjmmoe3sq-a0ba633.jpg?quality=45&resize=462%2C600 3x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 425px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1298908897269-1p1khjmmoe3sq-a0ba633.jpg?quality=90&resize=215%2C279, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1298908897269-1p1khjmmoe3sq-a0ba633.jpg?quality=45&resize=430%2C559 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1298908897269-1p1khjmmoe3sq-a0ba633.jpg?quality=45&resize=462%2C600 3x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 992px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1298908897269-1p1khjmmoe3sq-a0ba633.jpg?quality=90&resize=136%2C176, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1298908897269-1p1khjmmoe3sq-a0ba633.jpg?quality=45&resize=272%2C353 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1298908897269-1p1khjmmoe3sq-a0ba633.jpg?quality=45&resize=408%2C530 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1298908897269-1p1khjmmoe3sq-a0ba633.jpg?quality=45&resize=462%2C600 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(min-width: 993px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1298908897269-1p1khjmmoe3sq-a0ba633.jpg?quality=90&resize=155%2C201, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1298908897269-1p1khjmmoe3sq-a0ba633.jpg?quality=45&resize=310%2C403 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1298908897269-1p1khjmmoe3sq-a0ba633.jpg?quality=45&resize=462%2C600 3x" type="image/jpeg"> <img class="wp-image-224802 size-portrait_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-gallery-grid-src-image" src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1298908897269-1p1khjmmoe3sq-a0ba633.jpg?quality=90&resize=461%2C600" width="556" height="723" data-crop-width="" data-crop-height="" alt="Shimano were displaying this bike kitted out with their new entry-level Tiagra road groupset at their 2011 New Product Presentation in Birmingham, England" title="1298908897269-1p1khjmmoe3sq-a0ba633" style="width: auto; height: 100%;"> Shimano were displaying this bike kitted out with their new entry-level Tiagra road groupset at their 2011 New Product Presentation in Birmingham, England Richard Tyler/BikeRadar

Shimano’s entry-level road and mountain bike groupsets have been given a significant facelift as improvements to their higher-end offerings trickle down to the Tiagra and Acera groups for 2011/2012.

Smoother shifting and more gears are the major changes promised for Shimano’s “gateway” groupsets. Both groups will be given an additional sprocket on the rear; Tiagra will join its 10-speed siblings, while the new Acera will set a minimum nine-speed standard across the Shimano mountain bike range.

Tiagra gets tricked out for 2012

Shimano’s tweaks to Tiagra appear to be part of a push to firmly establish that group among its peers. A plethora of options will be on offer for users, with Tiagra-branded double, compact and triple cranksets set to cater for racing, sportive and touring riders respectively.

Shimano tiagra flat-bar shifter: Shimano Tourers and commuters will also have the option of Tiagra flat-bar shifters (a new non-series R780S shifter is also due for release for 105 and Ultegra flat-bar users). But those making use of STI shifters haven’t been neglected.

Shimano have improved the ergonomics of the levers, which will now feature fully-adjustable reach settings to cater for smaller hands. A new pull ratio also makes the new brakes compatible with higher-level groups for the first time in several years.

Significantly, however, external cable routing remains a feature of the junior group. The extra gear on the rear will be accompanied by a new 10-speed chain, although Shimano recommend that triple users stick with the current nine-speed chain.

Shimano tiagra: Richard Tyler/BikeRadar Acera gets more gears

Improvements to Shimano’s entry-level off-road groupset are based largely on features available on its higher end siblings. Its triple crankset will feature replaceable chainrings and a new lower-profile rear derailleur. Though still beefier than the Shadow option offered on higher-end groups, this will help to reduce the risk of rock strikes – and resulting cost – for novice riders.

The increased gear range has necessitated a new shifting unit, which features a clearer gear indicator that will offer better readability regardless of lever angle. The greater range of gears should also result in a smoother shift. The brake levers remain integrated with the shifters, with wheel-end work still carried out by V-brake callipers.

This hardtail is decked out with shimano’s new 2011/12 acera mountain bike groupset: Richard Tyler/BikeRadar Acera is likely to remain the preserve of entry-level complete bikes, where it will provide a cheaper entry point for nine-speed shifting, rather than being sold aftermarket. It’s available in black or silver.

Non-series components

Several entry-level, non-series components have had a busy year of development and production. Despite the push to get even beginner riders onto nine-speed setups, Shimano’s aftermarket seven- and eight-speed cassettes have gone on a diet. The company have trimmed around 20g off the weight of the sprocket sets, while also increasing the range of available gear ratios.

Shimano’s non-series cassettes have gone on a drastic diet: Richard Tyler/BikeRadar