The Acera is Shimano's entry-level groupset. Positioned below the Deore in terms of quality and technology by the marketing department, it is often fitted to inexpensive entry-level mountain bikes. For example, on hardtails in the 500-600 euro class. So it's no wonder that many die-hard mountain bikers have never really recognised it as an inferior groupset.
Hydraulic disc brakes and Shadow technology
Now Shimano is taking up the fight against this reputation. The Acera has been significantly revised for 2015 and also divided into a trekking and an MTB version. The most important information up front: The Acera groupset remains a nine-speed drivetrain. It also adopts many of the features of the more expensive groupsets for 2015. The trekking version retains the single-colour crank and is differentiated from the MTB version primarily by a gear ratio adapted to long distances.
The Shimano Acera now looks similar to the Deore groupset
The MTB version is much sportier than before. The crank with a gear ratio of 40-30-22 teeth should guarantee the necessary propulsion with its 27 gears, even for 29-inch bikes. A dynamically designed crank and revised gear lever with gear indicator ensure a higher-quality look. The new Acera rear derailleur also features Shadow technology, which uses a harder spring to minimise chain slap and was previously reserved for the higher-end Shimano groupsets. The front derailleur is narrower and shorter in 2015 in order to provide the necessary tyre clearance for wide tyres and 29-inch wheels. However, the most striking innovation is probably that the V-brakes of the old Acera groupsets have been replaced by hydraulic disc brakes for 2015. A clear statement.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
