Saturday, March 14, 2015

Shimano FD-R443 front derailleur : a quick look


Shimano DR-R443 front derailleur for triple front rings
For road bikes with a flatbar
This one is compatible with 7-8 speeds. I think the newer version also fits 9 speed.
For double front rings you would choose the FD-R440

This is the front derailleur on my commuter bike. It seems to be specifically for road bikes with a flatbar. I guess intended to be used for a road-bike chainset with mountain bike shifters. Maybe the indexing is specifically set.

Good quality. I have seen some shops list it as a Tiagra component, but my research does not confirm this. Looks more like a component from no group.

Weight : mine is 105g

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Shimano bike websites

Official Shimano Bike Websites
Shimano USA
Shimano EU (english)
In my opinion comparing Shimano bike components is unnecessarily difficult including on the official Shimano sites. It's a pity for the general cyclist. Here are the official USA and EU (english) sites anyhow.

Friday, February 13, 2015

Shimano groupset list

My knowledge of subject : 3/10

I have compiled this list for my own use to try and make sense of the Shimano groupsets. The lists are from wikipedia (abbreviated). My understanding is that the groupset tend to mean the 'mechanical' parts of the bike. This would usually be the drivetrain and shifters and brake levers. (?)

Shimano Road groupsets (2013)Shimano MTB groupsets (2011)
For 2013, Shimano road bicycle groupsets include:
  • Dura-Ace 
  • Ultegra [6800] (11 speed)
  • Ultegra [6700] (10 speed)
  • 105 [5800] (11 speed)
  • 105 [5700] (10 speed)
  • Tiagra [4600] (10 speed)
  • Sora [3500] (9 speed)
  • Claris [2400] (8 speed)
  • XTR (10)
  • Saint (9)
  • Deore XT (9/10)
  • SLX (9/10)
  • Zee (10)
  • Hone (9)
  • Deore LX (8/9)
  • Deore (9/10)
  • Alivio (8/9)
  • Acera (8)
  • Altus (8)
  • Tourney (8)

Link to wikipedia page
RCUK article : buyer's guide to road bike groupsets