Shimano Altus and Acera Both are the most popular groupsets from the Shimano brand.
Both offer a wide range of components and features, but there are some main differences between the two that should be considered when choosing the right groupset for your bike.
They are both entry-level components that offer great value for money. Here we discuss both groupset differences and features, which will help you determine your needs.
What Is Shimano Altus Groupset?
The Shimano Altus groupset is a lightweight, durable, great entry-level mountain bike groupset that provides great value for money. Groupsets are collections of various components that work together to provide bicycle shifting, braking, and other functions.
It is a 9-speed drivetrain perfect for recreational mountain bikers or those just starting out. The Altus groupset includes a crankset, derailleurs, shifters, cassette, and chain. Altus components are designed to be compatible with other Shimano parts, allowing for easy integration and replacement within the Shimano ecosystem.
The Altus groupset includes a crankset, derailleurs, shifters, cassette, and chain. Altus components are designed to be compatible with other Shimano parts, allowing for easy integration and replacement within the Shimano ecosystem.
What Is Shimano Acera Groupset?
Shimano Acera Groupset is a great choice for cyclists looking for reliable performance on a budget. It has a 9-speed drivetrain with components that provide smooth shifting and reliable performance. The groupset includes shifters, derailleurs, cranksets, bottom brackets, chains, cassettes, and brakes. And also it has an excellent braking system.
Overall, Shimano Acera Groupset is an excellent choice for cyclists looking for reliable performance on a budget. It provides smooth, precise shifting, strong, durable components, and powerful braking performance.
Shimano Altus And Acera – Key Differences
The main difference between the two groupsets is the construction material; the Altus groupset is made from aluminum, while the Acera groupset is made from steel. And there are also many differences between these groupset. Let’s discuss:
Crank Set
Shimano Altus: The crankset is made from aluminum and is available in double and triple versions.
The double crankset is compatible with a 9-speed drivetrain and features a 42/32/22T chainring combination. The triple crankset is compatible with a 7-speed drivetrain and features a 44/32/22T chainring combination.
Shimano Acera: This groupset is a mid-range mountain bike group perfect for intermediate riders. It comprises a crankset, shifters, derailleurs, brakes, and other components.
The crankset is made from aluminum and is available in double and triple versions. The double crankset is compatible with a 9-speed drivetrain and features a 42/32/24T chainring combination. The triple crankset is compatible with a 7-speed drivetrain and features a 44/32/22T chainring combination.
Front Derailleur
Shimano Altus: Its front derailleur is a 3×8-speed model with a wide link design for improved shifting performance. It has an adjustable cable tension for precise shifting and a top-swing design for increased tire clearance. It is compatible with Shimano 8-speed shifters and is available in top and bottom-pull configurations.
Shimano Acera: Its front derailleur is a 3×9-speed model with a wide link design for improved shifting performance. It has an adjustable cable tension for precise shifting and a top-swing design for increased tire clearance. It is compatible with Shimano 9-speed shifters and is available in top and bottom-pull configurations.
Rear Derailleur
Shimano Altus: The Shimano Altus rear derailleur is designed for entry-level mountain and hybrid bikes.
Its long-cage design allows it to accommodate a wide range of gear ratios. It is steel and features a spring-type tension adjuster to help fine-tune shifting performance. It is compatible with Shimano’s 8-speed cassettes and chainrings.
Shimano Acera: The Shimano Acera rear derailleur is designed for mid-level mountain and hybrid bikes. Its medium-cage design allows it to accommodate a wide range of gear ratios.
It is made from aluminum and features a spring-type tension adjuster to help fine-tune shifting performance. It is compatible with Shimano’s 9-speed cassettes and chainrings.
Cassette
Shimano Altus: This groupset offers a range of cassettes compatible with its drivetrain components. The cassette refers to the cluster of individual gears at the rear wheel of a bicycle, which is connected to the freehub body of the rear wheel.
The Shimano Altus Groupset comes with a 7-speed cassette that has a range of 14-34 teeth. This range is perfect for flat terrain and climbing hills. The cassette is constructed from steel and is designed to be lightweight and durable.
Shimano Acera: This is a part of this groupset and is designed to work with the other components within the Acera lineup. Acera cassettes use the standard Shimano spline pattern, ensuring compatibility with other drivetrain components, such as rear derailleurs and shifters.
The Shimano Acera Groupset comes with an 8-speed cassette that has a range of 11-32 teeth. This range is great for both flat terrain and climbing hills. The cassette is constructed from steel and is designed to be lightweight and durable.
Chain
Shimano Altus: This groupset typically utilizes a 6, 7, 8, or 9-speed chain, depending on the specific model and drivetrain setup. The speed specification of the chain refers to its compatibility with the corresponding number of cogs on the cassette and chainrings on the crankset.
It is designed to be durable and reliable, with a rust-resistant coating to protect it from the elements. The chain is also designed to be compatible with all Shimano Altus components.
Shimano Acera: This groupset typically uses a 6, 7, 8, or 9-speed chain, depending on the specific model and drivetrain setup. Its chains are engineered to provide reliable shifting performance, durability, and smooth operation.
They incorporate Shimano’s HyperGlide technology, which ensures precise and efficient shifting between gears. It is designed to be lightweight and durable, with a smooth shifting performance. The chain is also designed to be compatible with all Shimano Acera components.
Brakes
Shimano Altus: It comes with a brake system comprising a pair of mechanical disc brakes. The brakes feature a two-finger aluminum lever and a resin pad for smooth braking performance. The brakes are also compatible with Shimano’s Ice-Tech pads for improved heat dissipation and better stopping power.
Shimano Acera: It comes with a brake system comprising a pair of hydraulic disc brakes. The brakes feature a two-finger aluminum lever and a ceramic pad for improved braking performance. The brakes are also compatible with Shimano’s Ice-Tech pads for improved heat dissipation and better stopping power.
Shifters
Shimano Altus: Shifters are the component of the Shimano Altus groupset responsible for controlling the shifting of gears on a bicycle. The Altus groupset typically offers two types of shifters: trigger shifters and Rapidfire shifters.
- Trigger Shifters: Altus trigger shifters are designed with thumb and index finger levers. The thumb lever shifts to larger gears, while the index finger lever shifts to smaller gears. The rider can activate the desired lever to move the chain up or down the cassette.
- Rapidfire Shifters: Altus Rapidfire shifters feature a different design, with two separate levers that the thumb and index finger can operate. The rider can use the thumb lever to shift to larger gears and the index finger lever to shift to smaller gears. Rapidfire shifters offer a more distinct and precise shifting action.
Shimano Acera: This is part of the Shimano Acera groupset, an entry-level component group designed for reliable and smooth shifting performance. The shifters are responsible for controlling the movement of the chain between gears, allowing the rider to adapt to different terrains and adjust their pedaling effort.
The Shimano Acera groupset typically offers two types of shifters: trigger shifters and Rapidfire shifters.
- Trigger Shifters: Acera trigger shifters feature thumb and index finger levers. The thumb lever is used to shift to larger gears, while the index finger lever is used to shift to smaller gears. The rider can move the chain up or down the cassette by activating the appropriate lever to select the desired gear.
- Rapidfire Shifters: Acera Rapidfire shifters are designed with separate thumb and index finger levers. The thumb lever shifts to larger gears, while the index finger lever shifts to smaller gears. Rapidfire shifters provide quick and precise shifting by using a push-and-release mechanism for each shift.
Shimano Altus Vs Shimano Acera Groupset – Similarities
There are some similarities between the Shimano Altus and the Shimano Acera Groupset. Both are part of Shimano’s entry-level mountain bike drivetrain components and feature a 3×8-speed drivetrain.
Both groupsets also feature Shimano’s Rapidfire Plus shifters, which offer smooth, precise shifts. In addition, both groupsets feature Shimano’s Hyperglide sprockets, which provide smooth shifting between gears.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do The Components Of The Groupsets Compare In Terms Of Weight And Durability?
Weight: The Shimano Altus groupset is generally lighter than the Acera groupset. The Altus components are made of aluminum alloy and are designed to be lightweight and durable. The Acera components are steel and heavier than the Altus components.
Durability: The Shimano Altus groupset is more durable than the Acera groupset. The Altus components are made of aluminum alloy and are designed to be lightweight and durable. The Acera components are steel and less durable than the Altus components.
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using Either The Shimano Altus Or Acera Groupset?
Advantages: Shimano Altus
- Lightweight and durable components
- Low cost compared to higher-end groupsets
- Easy to maintain and repair
- Smooth-shifting performance
- Wide range of gearing options
Disadvantages:
- Not as reliable as higher-end groupsets
- Not as precise shifting as higher-end groupsets
- Limited range of components
Advantages: Shimano Acera
- More reliable than Altus
- More precise shifting than Altus
- More components available
- Lower cost than higher-end groupsets
Disadvantages:
- Not as lightweight as higher-end groupsets
- Not as durable as higher-end groupsets
- Limited range of gearing options
Final Words
The Shimano Altus and Acera Groupsets are reliable and affordable options for upgrading their bikes.
The Altus groupset is more basic but lighter and more affordable, making it a great choice for those on a budget. The Acera groupset is more advanced and offers more features for those looking for a more customizable ride.
Both groupsets offer great performance and reliability at a reasonable price, making them great options for cyclists of all levels.
