Tourney

I just picked up a Shimano ’08 catalog/tech document and am amazed at some of the stuff they’ve put out. Di2 on more than just Dura-Ace; many levels of Nexus and Nexave, and something called Capreo. I don’t think this is stuff that many people in the States are familiar with, it’s pretty cool gear. Di2 is regularly mentioned in regards to the new Dura-Ace electric shifting system, (something I think is a little overwrought and unnecessary—still I’d love a chance to work on it), but most of the references of Di2 (or Digital Integrated Intelligence) in this component catalog are describing a system that is aimed more towards the ultimate in comfort, accessibility for the disabled, and strict ease of use. We’re talking automatic shifting and digitally controlled suspension, all powered by a dynamo for “a completely environmentally-conscious system-ECOVISION”. Not something I’d necessarily want myself, but I am impressed nonetheless about the technical advancements of these systems; impressive complexity.

To name a few others: Capreo, designed for small bikes (i.e. foldables). The Alfine line is rad too—it’s an elegant system, internally geared without the ugliness of a twist shifter, (just my personal preference). DXR, Shimano’s BMX line that I wasn’t exactly aware of, “to meet the demands of today’s Olympic prospects.” Nice.

But what was most surprising I think was the few pages devoted to Tourney. A line that I thought really only comprised of big, fatty, obnoxious, rear derailleurs that were universally used replacements on crappy old bikes. Evidently there’s more to Tourney than I thought.

The catalog goes on to describe the copious components within and the attributes of the Tourney line. Including roller brakes, cool. And MEGARANGE! these are those awesomely huge freewheels found on a lot of hybrid and comfort bikes. It’s rather telling on what kind of bikes you really find these Tourney groups after reading Shimano’s list of riding style classifications. Tourney is at the bottom of the MTB section, within the heading of “MTB look-alike”. This sounds a lot like one of my favorite acronyms, BSO, or Bicycle Shaped Objects. Interesting.

There’s a lot of good information in that manual, plenty more I need to read up on. It’s good to read catalogs and tech manuals to keep up to date with what’s out there. Most of the links in this post direct you to Shimano’s techdocs website, also a good resource.

Here’s one thing I didn’t find this in that ’08 catalog, but it’s definitely a cool idea. Check out Yumeya too.

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