Shimano has launched a new 8-speed groupset dubbed ESSA, offering urban cyclists and mountain bikers alike a 1x drivetrain that’s ‘“versatile, robust, and designed to support an active cycling lifestyle” and won’t break the bank.
The ESSA (“the essence of active”) will be available with either a 32 or 40-tooth single chainring, which will be paired to a wide ratio 11-45-tooth cassette, resulting in a claimed 400% greater range of gearing that’s compatible with Shimano’s current Acera, Altus and Tourney TX systems
The ESSA-branded products only include the RD-U2000 rear derailleur and crankset, which incorporates Shimano’s Shadow technology, meaning “the derailleur does not hit the chainstay in rough riding conditions”.
Additionally, there are two chainring options available, 32T and 40T, with the 32T featuring Dynamic Chain Engagement+, which is a special gear teeth profile that Shimano designed for use in single-chainring configurations for XC, enduro and trail riding.
Also, ESSA is also compatible with Shimano’s current 8-speed Hyperglide cassettes (11-13-15-18-22-27-35-45)
The Essa groupset can be had for a paltry $151.90.
In addition to the ESSA, the Japanese component giant is also releasing ergonomically updated controls for its CUES groupset.
The short-reach shifter and brake lever are aimed at smaller riders to give them better control and make it easier to shift. The S-Reach range will join the existing shifter and brake lever for the 9/10/11-speed CUES groupsets giving riders of all sizes a better fit at the bars.
Elsewhere, Shimano has simplified all non-series hubs across its 11/10/9/8-speed line-up. The TC600 and TC/QC500 series hubs rely on labyrinth and contact seal bearings designed for high-torque riding and aggressive trail riding.
The QC400 series will feature contact seal bearings only, while the QC300 series retains the traditional cup and cone bearings. The FH600 and FH500 freehubs with MICROSPLINE are compatible with Shimano LINKGLIDE 11-speed hubs and can be easily upgraded from LINKGLIDE to HYPERGLIDE+ 12-speed.
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