Shimano Altus vs Deore Bike Groupsets: Which One Is Best for Your Cycle?

Can't decide between Shimano Altus and Shimano Deore? We compared them for you.
By
John Watson
John Watson
Writer
John is an experienced cycling enthusiast and a great asset when it comes to writing skills. He's a Bachelor of Arts and a talented journalist. John is in charge of our blog read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Jessica Kingston
Jessica Kingston
Expert Consultant
Jessica is our expert consultant on all things connected to biking - gear, technique, you name it. Being a pro cyclist in the past, she knows exactly how things work in and read more
Last updated: August 27, 2023
Shimano Altus
vs
Shimano Deore
Can't decide between Shimano Altus and Shimano Deore? We compared them for you.
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Your bike’s groupset is essential since it determines how well it performs. At some point, the groupset may wear out and stop functioning properly. To continue enjoying your cycling experience, consider buying a set.

Several brands offer quality groupsets, but Shimano is the most popular. This brand offers quality goods that can serve you long without needing replacement. Moreover, it has several groupset options, allowing you to choose one that suits your needs.

When buying from Shimano, you’re likely to encounter the Shimano Altus vs Deore debate. In this article, we’ll highlight the Shimano Altus and Shimano Deore main features and compare them to help you make an informed choice.

Quick Overview Table

Here is a quick overview table showing the main features of the Shimano Altus and Shimano Deore.

Shimano Altus Shimano Deore
Cranks Triple Single and Double
Shifter SL-M2000-R RAPIDFIRE SL-M6000 RAPIDFIRE PLUS
Cassette HG201-9 M5100-11
Chain 6-7-8 speed chain 10-12 speed chain
Bike Type Mountain Mountain
Warranty One Year One Year
VIEW ON EBAY VIEW ON EBAY

Shimano Altus Overview

Shimano Altus is a groupset found in most recreational mountain bikes. Bike owners like it since it’s cheaper than other Shimano groupset models and is compatible with 9-speed cassettes. Its braking capability is also exceptional.

Most of the Shimano Altus components are made from plastic. Items made from this material are not the best since they won’t last long and can’t handle rough terrain. However, that is expected, given its price. Its gear shift power is quite slow compared to other Shimano models. Additionally, it doesn’t perform well under heavy loads.

Most Altus groupsets come with 3×7, 3×8, and 3×9 drivetrains. In addition to mechanical and hydraulic disc brakes, the package also contains RapidFire trigger shifters.

Pros Cons
  • Quite affordable;
  • Exceptional braking capability;
  • You can use it with other groupsets.
  • Most of its components are made from plastic.

Shimano Deore Overview

Shimano Deore has been one of the most popular choices for cyclists for quite sometime now. The best thing about this model is its wide range of gear options, enhancing your outdoor  biking Trusted Source BENEFITS OF BIKING Cycling is one of the healthiest and low-impact forms of exercise – meaning it causes less strain and injuries than most other work outs. So it’s a hobby you can continue to enjoy throughout you long life. www.umt.edu experience.

Its chain is also something worth talking about. It’s strong and stable, allowing you to climb steep hills and fly down without experiencing problems.

Most importantly, the Shimano Deore groupset installation process is relatively easy. Even a beginner can install it without experiencing problems. Nevertheless, you still need to be careful to improve your biking experience and avoid accidents.

Deore is quite strong, dependable, and well-built. Its components share most of their mechanical and design elements with those from more expensive brands like SLX and XT groups. You can find it on mountain bikes that go for $1000 and above.

There are various Deore groupset series, including M4100, M5100, and M6100, each with 10, 11, and 12 speeds, respectively.

Pros Cons
  • Several gear options;
  • Improved chain stability;
  • Easy to install;
  • Durable;
  • Accurate shifting;
  • Powerful brakes;
  • Quite reliable;
  • Smooth finish.
  • It doesn’t have a lever throw adjustment;
  • The cassette installation process can be tiresome.

Which One Is Better?

Both the Shimano Altus and Deore groupsets are perfect choices. They have powerful braking capabilities, allowing you to ride your bike safely. However, what you settle on majorly depends on your needs.

If you’re looking for an affordable option, buy the Shimano Altus model. However, you can only use it for recreational purposes since most of its components are made from plastic and cannot handle rough terrain.

Go for Deore if you’re after durability. The components of this groupset model feature strong material enabling them to serve you for a long time without needing replacement, saving you money in the long run. Additionally, they can allow you to cycle on rough terrain.

Dual control levers (mechanical)

Both Shimano Altus and Shimano Deore have dual control levers. Typically, a dual control lever system consists of shifting and braking functions for easy bike operation.

Shimano dual control levers come with detachable thumb levers. You can leave them connected and shift with them or take them off using the main levers.

Dual pivot brakes

Most modern road bikes come equipped with twin-pivot caliper rim brakes. They combine a “center-pull” brake with a “side pull.” One of the caliper arms pivots away from the wheel’s center, while the other pivots over the center of the wheel.

Shimano Altus and Deore groupsets feature dual-pivot brakes for high-response braking.

Disc brakes

Disc brakes Trusted Source Disc brakes on road bikes | Cycling UK Arent disc brakes wonderful and isnt it time to consign rim brakes to the parts bin of obsolescent cycling technology? This seems to be the prevailing view both within the industry, as Eurobike (right) recently illustrated, and amongst those cyclists who express their opinions on the subject online. There is, however, a countervailing argument worth making, if only to remind www.cyclinguk.org work by pressing two pairs of pads up against a disc or rotor using the calipers to generate friction and slow your bike or prevent it from moving. Shimano Altus and Deore groupset models have hydraulic disc brakes that aid in controlling your bike’s movement.

Chainset

Shimano Altus vs Deore Bike Groupsets: Which One Is Best for Your Cycle?

A chainset is responsible for joining the chain to the cassette at the back of your bicycle. Different groupsets have different chainsets. The Shimano Altus model features a triple chainset. On the other hand, Deore features both single and double-chain sets depending on the series. For instance, M6100 has a single chainset, while the M4100 has a double chainset.

Front Derailleur

Shimano Altus vs Deore Bike Groupsets: Which One Is Best for Your Cycle?

A front derailleur is a device that moves your chain from one chainring to the next. It normally moves from side to side when you press your front shift lever, carrying the chain along. Shimano Altus front derailleur can be compatible with 7,8 and 9 speeds. Nevertheless, most Shimano Altus groupset models feature a 3×9-speed front derailleur.

Shimano Deore works with 10,11and 12 speeds. For better tire clearance, choose a groupset with a 3×11 speed. According to most reviews, the Shimano Deore M5100 groupset is a perfect choice.

Rear Derailleur

Shimano Altus vs Deore Bike Groupsets: Which One Is Best for Your Cycle?

A rear derailleur is a device that adjusts the chain at the back sprockets. There are several rear derailleur models, but all have the same fundamental functionality and design.

Some Shimano Altus models have rear derailleurs, which work perfectly with a speed of nine, but some are compatible with seven and eight speeds. The different Shimano Deore models can be compatible with speeds of 10 to 12.

Cassette

A cassette is a collection of gears or sprockets on the back wheel. It comes with different numbers of teeth to set the various gear ratios of difficulty. Generally, the number of gears ranges from 6 to 12.

Different cassettes have different speeds and sizes. The type you choose depends on the bike’s price and intended riding style. The Shimano Altus cassette’s speed ranges from seven to nine, while that of the Shimano Deore ranges from 10 to 12.

Chain

Shimano Altus vs Deore Bike Groupsets: Which One Is Best for Your Cycle?

A bicycle chain transmits the force from the pedals to the drive wheel, allowing the bicycle to move.

Bike groupset models have chains with different features. Shimano Altus has HG40 chains compatible with 6,7, and 8-speed configurations. Additionally, it has an average of 116 links. A bike chain with an 8-speed configuration allows your bike to move quite fast. If you want to enjoy better speeds, go for the Shimano Altus M310 3×8 Speed.

Conversely, Shimano Deore groupsets have HG-X chains compatible with speeds of 10 to 12. The chain also has 126 links with a connector.

Bottom bracket

The bottom bracket is another useful component in a bike groupset. It connects your bike’s crankset to the  frame Trusted Source A New Material for Bike Frames The heart of a high-performance bicycle is the frame. There are several materials options in today’s bicycle frame market including aluminum, carbon fiber, titanium and the age-old classic, Reynolds 531 steel tube frame. insights.globalspec.com , allowing it to rotate on its own.

Bottom brackets come in a wide array of configurations depending on the model. Shimano groupsets have Hollowtech II bottom bracket designs.

Weight

Generally, the Shimano Altus is lighter compared to Shimano Deore since most Shimano Altus components are made from plastic.

Pricing

Price determines the groupset you’ll buy. If you compare the Shimano Altus and Deore prices, you’ll realize that Shimano Altus groupsets are quite cheap. Therefore, the Shimano Altus will suit your needs if you’re on a tight budget. You can also check out our Shimano Alivio vs. Altus comparison for a more accurate presentation of Shimano groupsets.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best groupset for your bicycle can be overwhelming due to the wide range of options available. However, if you carefully go through our Shimano Altus vs Deore article, you’ll be able to make an informed choice, depending on your biking needs and budget.

References

1.
BENEFITS OF BIKING
Cycling is one of the healthiest and low-impact forms of exercise – meaning it causes less strain and injuries than most other work outs. So it’s a hobby you can continue to enjoy throughout you long life.
2.
Disc brakes on road bikes | Cycling UK
Arent disc brakes wonderful and isnt it time to consign rim brakes to the parts bin of obsolescent cycling technology? This seems to be the prevailing view both within the industry, as Eurobike (right) recently illustrated, and amongst those cyclists who express their opinions on the subject online. There is, however, a countervailing argument worth making, if only to remind
3.
A New Material for Bike Frames
The heart of a high-performance bicycle is the frame. There are several materials options in today’s bicycle frame market including aluminum, carbon fiber, titanium and the age-old classic, Reynolds 531 steel tube frame.
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