You've got yourself a snazzy mountain bike. Now what? If you want to optimize its performance, equip it with gear from the right groupset. The Shimano Altus and Acera are among the top contenders for investment-worthy groupsets. Before we get down to the Shimano Altus vs. Acera debate, let's go over the basics.
A groupset consists of bike gears such as its fork, wheels, cassette, front and rear derailleurs, cranks, chains, and chainsets, among others. Each part has a critical role to play in deciding the bike's overall performance. Some Shimano groupsets are more expensive than others like the tiagra or 105 we compared in this article, but that does not necessarily mean that they are more efficient.
We will give you a breakdown of the pros and cons of the Shimano Altus and Acera groupsets. But before we get into that, here's a brief look at the brand: Shimano is a Japanese manufacturer that specializes in providing riders with premium-quality cycle parts. The company has different groupset gears for different types of bikes. The Shimano Altus and the Shimano Acera are for mountain bikes.
Shimano Altus Vs Acera Comparison
Before we go into the main points where they differ, here's a quick overview of the Altus and Acera Groupsets:
Overview of the Shimano Altus Groupset
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You're likely to find Shimano Altus gear on entry-level mountain bikes or even on hybrid bikes. It is also not uncommon for a bike to combine components from multiple groupsets. In fact, bikes with Shimano Altus components often pair with Acera or Alivio components for optimum performance.
The Shimano Altus borrows technology from the Alivio groupset. Plus, the Altus line is light and operates more smoothly than the Acera line. The differences between the Shimano Acera and Altus are sometimes so minimal that they are occasionally missable. But an experienced rider is likely to notice the differences.
Pros
Cons
Overview of the Shimano Acera Groupset
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The Acera falls mid-level in the Shimano hierarchy of groupsets. Its derailleurs and brakes are lightweight to facilitate a smooth performance for trail rides. Price-wise, the Acera falls under the affordable range and is popularly found on hybrid bikes and entry-level MTBs.
The Acera may not be the best performing of Shimano's groupsets, but it is versatile and user friendly. There have been improvements made to the Acera over the years. Each year, it is reintroduced as being more efficient than before.
Pros
Cons
Shifters
The Shimano Altus' shifter isn't as friendly as the Acera. It only works with ALFINE S7000-8 hubs. The shifter in the Altus comes with a two-way release feature and an optical display for the gear.
The Acera shifter is suitable for a lot more bikes than the Altus as its pod design makes all the difference. The strategic build truly makes this groupset's shifter welcoming of any type of brakes. Moreover, The Acera shifter is also popular among riders because of its low friction. Adding to its list of pros is its clamp band, which is easy to access and set up.
Brakes
Brakes in the Acera groupset showcase an incredible performance, but the Altus groupset steals the show in this category. The Altus brakes are flexible and perform superbly in most use cases. As such, we've never had to worry while using them as they've always provided immediate braking when needed.
The Acera has both disc and hydraulic brake systems for mountain bikes. These brakes are made of durable materials and provide just the right amount of force needed to brake. They may not be as powerful as the Altus' brakes, but Acera brakes boast a good stopping power too.
Cranksets
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The Acera's crankset is all about durability and sturdiness. The upgraded versions of Acera cranksets are lightweight, sturdy, and durable. One huge advantage of its cranksets is that you can combine them with shifters and chains of any type. The Acera M361 groupset utilizes three cranksets to ensure a fuss-free and quiet shifting. This, of course, with the cranksets' hyperdrive system.
The Altus' crankset focuses on ensuring that your bike is comfortable to ride. It comes in three numbered sizes and is compatible with chainrings of two different sizes. The black crankset makes it easy to replace your bike's chainring. The Altus crankset is perfect for efficient speed shifting.
Rear Derailleurs
The rear derailleurs in the Altus groupset are compatible with bikes with a 7 and 8 speed. These derailleurs are of premium quality and can be easily replaced. They boast a wider linkage to help with precise shifting and durability. The Altus rear derailleurs also come with a B tension spring, which aids with the wheel's easy installation.
In the Shimano Acera groupset, the derailleurs are available in 3x9, 3x7, and 3x8 speed combinations. They are lightweight and are focused on not weighing your bike down. Acera's version of rear derailleurs incorporates the famous Shimano Shadow design. This design facilitates a ride that is aggressively enjoyable and with little interruptions.
Front Derailleurs
Both Altus' and Acera's front derailleurs are designed for drivetrains that are of 3x9 speed. The Altus' version comes in top and downswing versions and is HYPERDRIVE compatible. The Acera version of this 3x9 speed front derailleur features the Hyperglide technology. It showcases an increased 29er tire clearance. This front derailleur also features adjustment bolts that are made of stainless steel. These bolts protect the derailleur from corrosion.
Price
The Altus is priced comparatively cheaper than the Acera. However, don't lose heart if you prefer Acera because it may be more expensive than the Altus, but it is still affordable when compared to other groupsets.
Shifting Levers
This Altus shifting lever has wider compatibility and boasts a slim lever body. OPTISLICK technology ensures a smooth-shifting performance. This shifting lever also has a cockpit experience that is best described as streamlined. Here, the gear display shows the position of the gear in one convenient glance.
Acera's version of shifting lever offers responsive shifting for 9-speed mountain bikes. It is equipped with the Rapidfire Plus lever, which guarantees quick shifts. You'll find this feature highly beneficial when attempting a single stroke to downshift three gears.
Bottom Brackets
Altus' bottom brackets such as the NEXUS have a refined appearance and are designed to rotate smoothly. They also have a square spindle and are compatible with 33T and 38T chainrings.
The DEORE from Acera proves to be a worthy contender with its superior rotation and sealing to deliver a high efficiency for riding.
What are the differences between the Shimano Altus & Acera Groupsets?
The Altus groupset shows up the Acera when it comes to variety. For instance, the former has cassette sprockets and disc brake rotors, which the Acera does not carry at the moment.
The Shimano Altus groupset has two cassette sprockets that are suitable for 9-speed mountain bikes. The gear steps between these cassettes' primary sprockets are placed closely together. This close placement ensures a smooth and comfortable pedaling for riders. It also offers disc brake rotors that deliver consistently powerful stopping power regardless of the conditions in which you are riding.
Other than those two components, the Acera goes neck to neck with the Altus in terms of quality and performance. Its shifting levers, front derailleurs, rear derailleurs, and cranksets are sturdy and efficient.
The Final Verdict
Both groupsets are popular among bikers in their own ways. Both are on the affordable, entry-level groupset in the Shimano hierarchy of groupsets. The distinctions between the two groups show up in aspects such as their design. The Acera is hailed as being able to handle the rigors of aggressive riding with minimal maintenance. If you're planning to take your bike out for adventures on a regular basis, you are likely to benefit from the Acera groupset.
Both Altus' and Acera's rear mechs incorporate the Shadow RD spring. However, the mech in the Shimano Acera has a hollow axle and is, therefore, lighter than Altus's mech. Both groupsets also offer the same crankset setups. Even when it comes to shifters, both Altus and Acera are on par with the Rapid fire Plus technology binding them. The shifter for both groupsets may not be the same, but they are identical.
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The Shimano Altus offers a few more components than the Shimano Acera. But when it comes to quality, pricing, and value for money, both groupsets offer stiff competition to each other. It's safe to say that it all boils down to personal preference at the end of the day. Dedicate your mountain bike to one groupset or mix and match components from different groupsets (if it allows it), to get the most out of your bike.
FAQ
Is the Shimano Altus groupset suitable for budget bikes?
Yes, the Shimano Altus groupset is typically found on entry-level mountain bikes and hybrids, which are often considered budget bikes.
Are Shimano Altus components compatible with Acera shifters and brake levers?
Yes, Shimano Altus components can be combined with Acera shifters and brake levers for optimum performance on a mountain bike.
How does the Shimano Altus groupset improve the performance of a mountain bike?
The Altus components are known for being lightweight and smooth-operating, which can improve the overall performance of a mountain bike by reducing weight and providing a more efficient ride.
Can the Shimano Altus groupset be upgraded to include more advanced components?
Yes, the Shimano Altus groupset can be combined with components from other groupsets, such as the Alivio or Deore, to add more advanced features and improve performance.
What are the key differences between the Shimano Altus and Acera groupsets in terms of shifting and braking?
The Shimano Altus has more gears and better brakes than the Acera, but the Acera's shifter is more user-friendly and compatible with a wider range of bikes.
Is the Shimano Altus groupset a good choice for beginner mountain bikers?
Yes, the Shimano Altus is an entry-level groupset that is well-suited for beginner mountain bikers. Its components are lightweight and smooth-operating, making it an ideal choice for those new to the sport.
How does the Shimano Altus compare to the Acera for mountain bike riders?
The Shimano Altus is a lightweight and smooth-operating groupset, while the Acera is a versatile and affordable option that is popular on entry-level mountain bikes. The Altus has more gears and better brakes, but the Acera's shifter is more user-friendly.
What are the key components of a Shimano Altus groupset?
The key components of a Shimano Altus groupset include the grip shifter, front and rear derailleurs, cassette, cranks, and chain. These parts work together to provide a smooth and efficient ride for mountain bike riders.
How does the low friction design of the Acera's shifter benefit mountain bike riders?
The low friction design of the Acera's shifter allows for smoother transitions between gears, which can make for a more comfortable and enjoyable ride for mountain bike riders. This can be especially helpful on longer rides or on challenging terrain.
Why are the brakes in the Shimano Altus groupset considered an important part of the bike?
The brakes in the Shimano Altus groupset are considered important because they provide reliable and efficient stopping power for the bike. This can be crucial for riders who need to stop suddenly or navigate tricky descents on their mountain bike.
Can Acera shifters be used with other Shimano components, such as brake levers?
Yes, Acera shifters are compatible with other Shimano components, including brake levers. This allows for a personalized setup that can be tailored to the individual rider's needs and preferences.
How do Acera components compare in terms of performance and durability to other Shimano groupsets?
Acera components are known for their efficient performance and affordability. While they may not be as high-performing as Shimano's more expensive groupsets, they are durable and reliable, making them a good choice for entry-level and budget-conscious riders.
Last Updated on October 14, 2023 by Daniel White