Circuits that make headlines are usually expensive high-tech. Regardless of whether Shimano's electronic Di2 with free and autoshift functions or Sram's supposedly indestructible transmission: The cost of mountain bike gears is often in the four-figure range. Gears are wearing parts and are often the first victims when the rider flies off.
Pleasing: Shimano shows with the new Essa entry-level groupset that there is another way. Although the gear system only has eight gears, it has a solid gear range. The entire set only comes with a front chainring and will probably cost less than 120 euros. Barely half as much as the cassette alone of a top-of-the-range groupset such as Shimano's XT or Srams GX Transmission.
The Shimano Essa groupset at a glance:
- Eight gears
- Well-known Hyperglide cassette with 11 to 45 teeth
- 409 per cent transmission ratio range
- Narrow-wide profile and shadow technology
- New Essa rear derailleur and crank
- Price: 33.95 euros (crank), 47.95 euros (rear derailleur)
Away with Acera, Altus and Tourney: The Essa groupset is the new 8-speed
Shimano's entry-level line-up has been rather confusing so far. Acera, Altus or Tourney? Even we, as a specialised medium, could not answer the question of the purpose or value of the three 8-speed groupsets beyond doubt. The fact that Shimano is replacing all three groupsets with the Essa and thus significantly tidying up the portfolio is certainly the right approach. Also good to see: The Essa will remain compatible with all three predecessor groupsets. Converting individual components should therefore not be a problem.
Gear shift for mountain bikes, fitness, trekking and city bikes
Shimano sees the new Essa (short for "essence of active") as an entry-level groupset for all classes and wants to significantly upgrade the 8-speed drivetrain at the same time. This is because the Essa inherits technologies that we previously only knew from significantly more expensive groupsets. For example, the chainring uses a profile with narrow and wide teeth to prevent the chain from jumping off (narrow-width profile), and the rear derailleur protrudes as little as possible from the chain line. This is to prevent the rear derailleur from getting caught in obstacles and being damaged.
A bit of a shame for mountain bikers: Shimano has dispensed with the selectable friction damper, presumably for cost reasons. If you want this technology, you still have to choose at least the Deore 10-speed with Shadow+. Nevertheless, an optimised spring tension of the rear derailleur should minimise chain rattling downhill on the Essa.
In comparison: How the Shimano Essa performs against Deore and Co.
With an estimated price of 120 euros for the entire groupset, the new Essa is one of the most affordable drivetrains on the market. However, it is not a real groupset, as is the case with the more expensive models, as only the rear derailleur and crank bear the Essa logo. The chain, cassette and shifters remain untouched for the time being. The highlight of the Essa is the particularly low price.
Price comparison: Essa / Deore 10-speed / Deore 12-speed
- Rear derailleur: 47.95 euros / 49.95 euros / 68.95 euros
- Crank: 33.95 euros / 75.95 euros / 124.95 euros
- Cassette: 33.95 euros / 62.95 euros / 109.95 euros
- Set price: approx. 120 euros / 142.90 / 255.80 euros
However, the Deore 10-speed is only slightly more expensive as a complete set and offers more gears, as well as features such as the damped rear derailleur with Shadow+ technology. Our tip for particularly price-conscious bikers. If you still want good value for money, but want state-of-the-art functionality, go for the Deore 12-speed, the slightly cheaper 11-speed Deore, which is still available, or one of the extra durable Linkglide groupsets such as the Deore Linkglide. In terms of function, these can hardly be distinguished from the premium XT Linkglide or XT Hyperglide models in the blind test.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
