lennie_briscoe

Hi there hive mind,

Let's talk rear derailleurs. Specifically Shimano rear derailleurs. Even more specifically, Acera and Atlus rear derailleurs. I'm pretty sure this post has been made a million times before so apologies if I'm singing a very old song here, but that also means there's hopefully a lot of experience / opinion incoming.

I need to replace the Shimano Tourney derailleur that came stock on my bike and I've been nudged in the direction of the Acera and Atlus. Now I know they're both entry tier models, and they're pitched at the same level so my question is really, is there any difference?

I'm sure the bike is a factor so I'll tell you that it's for an Electra 7D Lux cruiser (seven speed as I'm sure you gleamed from the name). I'll be riding mostly urban /city streets so my main concerns are that it be smooth, quiet and durable. I don't know much about drive trains, groupsets etc but I'm aware different derailleurs can work better with different cassettes/bikes and what not so thought I'd see what people thought.

Thanks in advance to anyone willing to drop some knowledge on this.

Bob the Mech

Acera and Atlus rear derailleurs are a step up from Tourney in construction and longevity. They both perform the same mechanical function. If it's urban riding either they will do nicely. Like all components, keep them serviced and treat them well and they will last (the same can be said for the entire drive chain). For anything other than city cycling then I would look further up the range, Alivio or Deore (Tekking range) if cost is a consideration. I've used Acera and Atlus on 6 to 9 speed setups on commute bikes and the grandkids bikes. Out of personal preference I would use the Acera. Just because something costs more dosen't necessarily mean it will last longer. Neglect kills components...A well maintained gear system of perrty much any quality can run smooth and quiet

GeezyRider 

For the riding you are describing, either will do just fine.

VegasTriker

Simple chart showing Shimano MTB component heirarchy

lennie_briscoe

So you wouldn't think someone crazy for picking the Altus over the Acera because it's all black and they have an all black bike.....?

GeezyRider 

No, crazy would be selecting a component you know won't work but you install it anyway because it is the color you prefer.

lennie_briscoe

Went for the Acera.

subgrade

What's interesting, the 9sp Shadow design Altus (RD-M2000) costs more than the respective Acera (RD-M3000) on most sites. And from the looks of it, the new Alivio RD-M3100, besides small differences in the outer paralelogram plate design seems to be the exact same as Altus RD-M2000. Perhaps Shimano have decided there's no point to three different entry level product groups, and are looking to merge all three A-groups between Tourney and Deore into one?

cubewheels

Right on the money! I have a bottom end tourney and keep it clean and oiled regularly and runs like new all the time!

Esp after I heard that you can't take a tourney apart for servicing so I clean and lube it at the same time with the chain. That's once a week (because I ride in fairly dusty roads like dry gravel).