Shimano 2006

Shimano's Press Release for 2006 product:

New Shimano Deore: High performance components for serious cycling fun

The completely redesigned Deore is definitely more than a medium range component group with identical technological features as XTR and Deore XT. The new Deore could be considered as the most allround bicycle components ever. The perfect parts for sporty mountain bike riders, but also the best price/performance choice for trekking and touring bikes.

Deore incorporates now more high tech than ever: Dual Control Levers in combination with Low-Normal rear derailleurs for super smooth and intuitive shifting characteristics. Hydraulic disc brakes for superb stopping power and improved hubs and cranks for extra rigidity and durability. All components will be available in a silver and a black color version for optimal bike tuning. The design concept of this group could be described as “Smart and Sharp”.

Deore will have two types of Dual Control Levers. One for hydraulic disc brakes and the other for V-Brakes and mechanical disc brakes. The front and rear derailleurs both incorporate a wide link design for extra rigidity that allows faster and even more precise shifting. Front derailleurs are available in a Top Swing as well as a Down Swing version and they will be compatible with 44 and 48 teeth front chainrings. The rear derailleur has an increased capacity of 45T. Also maximum choice in front chainwheels: black or silver, with or without chaincase compatibility, 48-36-26 or 44-32-22 teeth, 170 or 175mm. All Deore cranksets have been developed with the OCTALINK spline system and HOLLOWTECH crank arms.

The hydraulic disc brakes have two opposed pistons and 160, 180 and 203mm rotor sizes will be available. The disc brakes are very quick and easy to assemble thanks to shim-less caliper fixation. Both resin and metal brake pads will be available. Resin pads for perfect controllability in dry weather conditions and metal pads for powerful and durable braking characteristics in wet and muddy circumstances. The V-Brakes have been developed with longer brake arms of 107mm for more mud guard clearance. The hubs have cup and cone bearings and an internal grease sleeve system that increases service life. Deore hubs will be available in black and in silver, with and without Center Lock rotor mount system and in 32 and 36 spoke holes versions.

Deore Rapidfire Plus shifters, a redesigned Top-Normal rear derailleur and separate brake levers for hydraulic disc brakes and V-Brakes will also be available to offer maximum choice for our customers.

New Deore: High technology, a wide range of available specifications for mountain, trekking and touring bikes, a reasonable price and a modern design. What else would you need?

Availability in the market : September 2005


New Shimano 105: The beginning of great sportsmanship

The new Shimano 105 is all about increasing pleasure for all those sporty riders enjoying road racing and touring. This component group combines the technological benefits of the hard core racing groups Dura-Ace and Ultegra with a price/performance ratio that will be hard to beat. The components have been designed based on the concepts of “Smooth, Round and Natural”. Most remarkable are the look of the chainrings and brakes: smooth shapes with a powerful expression.

Shimano 105 has a 10-speed rear drivetrain, yet the complete group is lighter than the previous 9-speed version! One of the reasons is the HOLLOWTECH II crankset with integrated bottom bracket that combines weight saving with an increased rigidity for optimal power transfer. There is a Double and a Triple version but just one model of Dual Control Lever that is compatible with both front drivetrain options. Double front chainwheel combinations are 52-39 and 50-39. Triple combination will be 50-39-30. The cassette sprockets are all made of steel with an alloy sprocket carrier. Three combinations are available: 11-23, 12-25 and 12-27.

The Dual Control Levers feature the same ergonomical improvements as in Dura-Ace and Ultegra. The redesign allows a more comfortable position when riding with the hands on the rubber hoods. The arced shift travel makes sure that shifting is fast, smooth and ergonomic.

The Shimano 105 brakes also offer an improvement in function besides the design change. They feature an adjustable toe-in brake shoe and the brake cable mounting bolt is bigger than previous version for easier assembly and adjustment. The brake shoes are 100% more durable and they are 6.0mm thick (compared to 5.0mm in previous version). The hubs have been developed with an internal grease sleeve system and improved external seals and O-rings for improved rotation and sealing which increases service life tremendously.

New Shimano 105 offers the ultimate combination of function, design, weight and price for the sporty road racer who wants to improve his performance and have fun at the same time.