The Japanese brand Shimano is quite popular among lovers of active pastime, including cycling and fishing. After all, the products of this manufacturer are considered by professionals in the first place. However, many people think that Shimano is an elite class. This conclusion is fundamentally wrong, since the Japanese company produces products for every price niche, starting from the budget class, ending with luxury devices. This article focuses on Shimano products: classification and expert advice.
Breaking stereotypes
Choosing a fishing reel, many buyers prioritize its size, choosing a device for a specific type of fishing. Logically, this approach is correct, but you need to be on the lookout if Shimano coils are in stock. The fact is that many manufacturers of similar devices are trying to adapt to serious brands and present on the market coils that have the same markings as Shimano, but with different characteristics.
For example, the buyer needs a small reel for an ultra-light fishing rod, and, focusing on the size, he gets a 1000 model, and in fact its size is 1.5-2 times larger, of course, and the characteristics of the device are completely different. The introduction of a certain standard could solve the problem of choice, but manufacturers of cheap devices will not take such a step, as they may lose several price niches in the market.
Coil Classification
Shimano coils have their own classification, according to which it is recommended to make a choice to a potential buyer. There are three main price groups:
- SR-system, which belongs to the elite class and is very expensive;
- S-system occupies a niche in the middle price category;
- P3 series belongs to the economy class.
Each of these groups has its own classification, which depends on the technical characteristics of the devices: inertial coils, inertialess ones, with the location of the clutches, and so on. In addition, there is a classification for the color of the body. For example, a red color indicates that the coil is a novelty in the market. Do not forget about the size and gear ratios.
Active rest and tourism
Things are much simpler with accessories for bicycles under the Shimano brand. The classification is almost the same for all components of a two-wheeled vehicle. The differences are only between the classes of the bikes themselves. An international standard has already been introduced here, which is followed by all global manufacturers - only 4 groups, and under them their own marking.
- Mountain biking is the most popular group, and there are a lot of components for it.
- Touring bike. The classification is conservative, as is the range of spare parts.
- City tourist. The Russian market for this group is still young, but there is potential for further development.
- Road bike. An elite group for which components are manufactured with higher requirements.
Dream race
Not every Russian can afford the luxury of buying the most technologically advanced city bike with the top Shimano components, the price of which can reach the cost of a domestic compact car. Therefore, the manufacturer acted wisely by creating three categories of components for different price categories. But, judging by the reviews of experts, the strength, durability and weight of spare parts from different niches do not differ much from each other, so the presence of three modifications is recommended to be considered as a marketing move that affects the customer’s subconscious mind. Alfine, Nexus, Carpeo are very well-known markings among bike owners who prefer high-tech devices with planetary bushings, electric motors, dynamo drives and similar devices for easy movement around the city.
Big zoo
It is very difficult among accessories for lovers of off-road driving. Too much assortment introduced to the world by Shimano. The classification for mountain bikes is as follows:
- Shimano XTR. Light weight, maximum durability. Produced for professionals, but often acquired by amateurs who just want to show off to others.
- Deore Saint. Very durable components, without which it is very difficult for the cyclist to win professional races.
- Deore XT. It is considered the best choice on the basis of price and quality. They have excellent wear resistance and components are quite suitable for extreme driving conditions.
- SLX Sufficiently heavy parts that are extremely durable. They are not afraid of falls and blows on the mountain slopes.
- Deore and Alivio. They are considered the initial level for professionals, however, they lose to the XT class by the criterion of "price-quality".
- Acera and Altus. These components are called stock components, as they are installed on all cheap entry-level bikes.
- Toutney Accessories for children's bicycles of the lowest quality.
Tourists order
Apparently, the low demand for touring bikes did not allow Shimano marketers to experiment with an assortment of components. In the media, professionals are inclined to think that, ideally, the classification for all bicycles should look exactly like this:
- Deore XT. The highest class of components.
- Deore LX. The golden mean with reasonable price and decent quality.
- Deore. The most affordable accessories for the price in terms of wear resistance. This tourist bike niche has its own Shimano switch classification - depending on the year of manufacture, under rim and disc brakes.
Serious approach
Not every store will be able to find accessories with the names that are present in the classification for road bikes. After all, this group belongs to the elite, which is reflected in the price of spare parts. A typical Shimano road bike hub can be several times more expensive than a top-of-the-line mountain vehicle.
- Dura-Ace. Very lightweight components, along with high strength and MTBF.
- Ultegra. The balance between weight and stiffness.
- 105. Components for fitness with an interesting design.
- Tiagra. Amateur level.
- Sora. Used in training centers, where low price is a priority.
Finally
As can be seen from the review, Shimano's classification of equipment is very complex, and it is not always amenable to explanation. A huge assortment of components, which in the end simply differs in price and appearance, can lead into a stupor not only a beginner, but also a professional. Therefore, before buying expensive items, it is imperative to study the reviews of specialists who are versed in this matter, and only then decide which class to give your preference to.