New 2014 Shimano Groupsets for Entry-Level Road and Mountain Bikes

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Whats New in the World of Shimano Components? One, Brand New Entry-Level Road Bike Groupset: the Claris. Two, An Improved Deore groupset for Mountain Bikes.

Check out the latest details from Shimano:

Claris is what they call their new eight-speed road group, and in no way does it subtract from that 'everything just works' Shimano Feel. 

The Claris is intended to replace the 2300 components, meaning it will have low gears since it is a beginner-oriented group. You can choose between a 50/34 compact and 50/39/30 triple chainset options, and select between the sprocket clusters of 11-28, 11-30, and 11-32.

Shimano says one main focus was to improve the cohesiveness of the groupset by designing the chain, chainrings, and front derailleur to work together. 

This makes the front shifting mechanism work much more smoothly, further extending Shimano's philosophy of integration to it's cheapest group. 

The rear derailleur is available in two versions in order to accomodate different sprocket sizes. 

Shimano's high-end dual-pivot brake system is emulated in the Claris groupset, but with a chunkier look to keep the costs down, as well as one piece moulded brake pads rather than separate ones. 

The Claris groupset has levers with built in shifters (for flat bar bikes) as well as individual levers and shifters. Since the Claris will be Shimano's cheapest groupset, yet will contain many of the great features of the higher end componentry, it can very easily be used to dress up your current bike. The lever units now use the same design as the rest of the Shimano groups, making it much simpler to shift gears from the drops. 

Moving to mountain bikes, Shimano has redesigned its Deore group, once again improving the technology to make it more like the more expensive XTR, Deore XT and SLX levels.

Above all else, the new group is fitted with a Shadow RD+ rear derailleur, and new gearing options for larger-wheeled mountain bikes. It's got an internal clutch and is widely considered to be the best way to control a flapping chain. 

The new Shimano Deore offers chainsets with smaller rings to compensate for the gear increase caused by the larger wheels of 27.5in and 29er bikes. The new chainset options are 40/30/22, 40/28, 38/26 and 38/24, plus the 42/32/24 that was the only previous Deore offering.

"More Options" is a good way to describe this group, as there will also be a version for flat bar bikes with larger triples, slightly smaller sprockets and a conventional rear derailleur. Shimano is also introducing a Deore version of its Ice technology brake rotor which sandwiches an aluminium sheet between steel braking surfaces for better heat dissipation.

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