Shimano Tourney TZ is a series of bike components that includes shifters, derailleurs, cassettes, freewheels, bottom brackets, and hubs. It is designed for entry-level bikes that are used for casual riding or commuting. But is Shimano Tourney TZ good enough for your needs? Let’s find out.
What is Shimano Tourney TZ?
Shimano Tourney TZ is the lowest tier of Shimano’s mountain bike groupsets. It is also compatible with some hybrid and road bikes that have 6 or 7-speed drivetrains.
Shimano Tourney TZ components use these model numbers/ranges, primarily identifying the shifters and derailleurs: Tourney as A070, Tourney TX as TX800, and Tourney TZ as TZ500. There are also TY300, TY500, and TY700.
Shimano Tourney TZ components are made of steel and plastic, which makes them cheap but also heavy and prone to wear and tear.
They are not very durable or reliable, especially in harsh conditions or rough terrain. They also lack some features that higher-end Shimano components have, such as Hyperglide, Shadow, Rapidfire Plus, and Dual Control.
Related: Is Shimano Tourney TX Good?
What are the pros and cons of Shimano Tourney TZ?
Shimano Tourney TZ has some advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before buying or using it. Here are some of them:
Pros
Affordable
Shimano Tourney TZ components are very inexpensive compared to other Shimano groupsets or other brands. You can find them on many budget bikes or buy them separately for a low price.
Easy to Install and Adjust
Shimano Tourney TZ components are simple and straightforward to install and adjust. You don’t need special tools or skills to set them up or maintain them.
Wide Range of Gears
Shimano Tourney TZ offers a wide range of gears for different riding situations. The 7-speed freewheel features a Megarange 14-28T or 14-34T range, which gives you a low gear for climbing steep hills or a high gear for cruising on flat roads.
Related: Is Shimano Tiagra Good?
Cons
Heavy
Shimano Tourney TZ components are made of heavy materials that add weight to your bike. This can affect your speed, acceleration, handling, and comfort.
Low Quality
Shimano Tourney TZ components are not very well-made or durable. They can break, bend, rust, or wear out easily. They also have poor shifting performance and accuracy, especially under load or in muddy conditions.
Outdated
Shimano Tourney TZ components are based on old technology and design that have been surpassed by newer and better Shimano groupsets or other brands. They lack some features that improve the efficiency, safety, and convenience of your riding experience.
Conclusion
Shimano Tourney TZ is a basic and cheap series of bike components that can work for casual riders who don’t need high performance or quality from their bikes. However, if you want to upgrade your bike or ride more seriously, you should look for other options that offer more value and satisfaction.