Shimano launch their brand-new DEORE 12s drivetrain – More range for everyone!
“Twelve for everyone” is Shimano’s new motto. For their new affordable groupset, Shimano rely on the same technology of their high-end groupsets. Alongside the new drivetrain, the Japanese components colossus also introduced a new brake. Read on to find all the info.
Two years ago, Shimano introduced the current high-end XTR groupset, which included their first 1×12 drivetrain. Last year, the XT and SLX groups followed, with a 1×12 drivetrain and brand new brake levers and calipers. Now, even the more price-conscious riders among us will be able to enjoy the latest technologies of Shimano’s top-end groupsets and brakes at a smaller price.
The Shimano DEORE 1×12 drivetrain
For the new DEORE generation, Shimano have overhauled every part of the drivetrain, optimising it for 1×12 setups. That’s why both 170 mm and 175 mm DEORE cranksets are only available with a single front chainring, optionally with 30 or 32 teeth and with DYNAMIC CHAIN ENGAGEMENT+ technology to prevent the chain from falling off the chainring.
Unfortunately, if you’re now thinking of using the new DEORE cassette on your standard freewheel, we’ve got some bad news: you can’t. Because like all other Shimano 12 s drivetrains, the new 10-51 DEORE stainless steel cassette requires a special MICRO SPLINE freehub. In return, the new Deore features Shimano’s HYPERGLIDE + technology, which, like with the high-end groupsets, ensures a very smooth shifting performance even under load.
To support this much gear range, Shimano also had to revise the rear derailleur, which is very similar to the SLX model and shares the same SHADOW RD + clutch that keeps the chain under tension. Like the SLX model, the DEORE shifter is technically simpler compared to the XTR and XT models and thus offers less functions. For example, the DEORE shifter renounces the MULTI-RELEASE system, which allows you two shift down two gears at the time.
Shimano DEORE brakes
In good old Shimano fashion, the new groupset also includes a brake, with a choice of either two or four piston callipers. The brake lever also relies on a second bar brace, which is designed to improve stiffness and provide a more direct braking feel. However, the four-piston calliper of the trail and enduro version didn’t get all of the latest updates and still relies on the older calliper.
Price, weight and availability
Some of the components of the DEORE group are already available. According to Shimano, the complete groupset will be available in stores from June. While we have not yet been able to provide all the info about weight, based on previous experiences we can predict that the new DEORE will be slightly heavier than the current SLX groupset. As far as price goes, the new DEORE is a very attractive option. The cassette retails at around € 85, the rear derailleur at around € 60, the cranks just under € 100 and the four-piston brake will cost just over € 100. At € 35, the shifter is only about € 10 cheaper than its XT counterpart, which means you should upgrade this straight away. Head over to our SLX and XT groupset test to find out why the upgrade makes sense.
More info at bike.shimano.com