Shimano has updated its Alivio, Acera and Altus entry-level mountain bike components with features it claims are essential for real off-road riding.
- A quick guide to the mountain bike drivetrain
- Box One drivetrain first look
- How to convert your bike to a 1x drivetrain
Cranksets
Shimano is calling its latest 3x9 drivetrains 'Mega9 Lite'. Don't worry, 3x9 drivetrains aren't a new thing. In fact, they came out in the 1999 model year and were the norm in the early 2000s before 2-ring and eventually, single-ring drivetrains took over.
How to replace a crankset - video
The Acera crankset is offered with two 3-ring options, 44-32-22t and 40-30-22t. Altus cranks come in either 2x or 3x chainring set ups, with 36-22t and 44-32-22t and 40-30-22t, respectively.
Shimano is also touting the new anodized black finishes, but what's more impressive is that the chainrings are now removable for swapping out worn or damaged rings.
Hubs
For compatibility with modern Boost frames and forks, Shimano has widened its entry-level hubs. The MT-400 hubs are available in 110mm front and 148mm rear, while the MT-200 hubs come in 110mm front and 141mm (non-Boost) quick-release skewer rear options.
Front derailleur
Yep, you read correctly, brand new front derailleurs are still a thing. Updates for the Alivio front derailleur include going to Shimano's side -wing cable positioning.
Instead of the front derailleur cable pulling from the top or bottom, side swing sees the cable enter horizontally, which Shimano claims allows for more efficient routing, smoother front shifting and increased rear tire clearance.
Brake levers
Trickle-down technology is claimed for the Alivio disc brake lever. Like Shimano's higher-end Deore, SLX, XT and XTR levers, the new Alivio MT-400 lever blade is designed to work with two fingers.
The new lower-end MT-200 brake lever is a three finger brake according to Shimano.
How to improve brake modulation
For dialing in a custom reach, Shimano states a 25mm adjustment range for the lever reach. With a minimum reach of 75mm, Shimano claims the new Alivio levers are ideal for riders with small hands.
Pricing and availability
Here's the pricing Shimano has released. The Alivio hubs are $42.99 (rear) and $26.99 (front). Complete Alivio disc brakes come in at $60.99. The Alivio front derailleur is $28.99. And the FC-MT210-2 crankset retails at $39.99.
Pricing for complete groups and for the UK and Australia has yet to be released. Shimano predicts early June 2018 for the availability of the new price-conscious components.