What level is Shimano M370?
3 Answers
Shimano M370 is an entry-level product. Development: Shimano Group was founded in 1921, with its headquarters located in Osaka, Japan. After more than 80 years of development, its subsidiaries have spread across 17 countries worldwide, becoming a multinational corporation specializing in the manufacturing and sales of bicycle components, fishing gear, snowboards, and golf equipment. Reason: The reason Shimano enjoys such a broad base of enthusiasts and reputation worldwide is primarily due to its functional system design philosophy guiding bicycle component production. Shimano broke away from the traditional static design approach centered on individual components, boldly adopting a dynamic design method that targets functional parts and focuses on the comprehensive performance of the bicycle system. This established its unique functional system design philosophy and created numerous revolutionary products.
I recently installed a Shimano M370 groupset on my mountain bike. This model belongs to Shimano's mid-to-low-end Acera series, one tier above the entry-level Altus but below the popular Alivio. When riding on forest trails, its rear derailleur shifts quite smoothly, and it doesn't drop chains frequently when climbing, though tackling steep slopes feels noticeably less effortless compared to the Deore series. The brakes are entry-level hydraulic discs, performing stably in dry conditions but with slightly weaker grip in the rain. The shift levers have a stiff feel, which can tire your fingers during prolonged use, but they make up for it with long-lasting durability. If you mainly ride urban roads or do light off-roading, this set offers great value for money. I've used it for six months without any issues, and the maintenance costs are low, making it particularly suitable for beginners on a budget.
Over the years of repairing bikes, I've handled many groupsets, and the M370 stands out as Shimano's practical workhorse. Positioned at the Acera level, its materials and craftsmanship are noticeably superior to the Tourney commonly found on department store bikes, yet simpler than professional-grade groupsets. For instance, its cassette offers only 8 speeds, limiting responsiveness in complex terrain, but it's perfectly adequate for daily commuting. The rear derailleur employs the traditional Shadow design—not as quiet as newer models but remarkably easy to adjust; even beginners can fine-tune it with just a few twists. What impresses me most is its chainring: the aluminum construction resists deformation and withstands corrosion even in muddy, rainy conditions. Overall, this system is ideal for casual riders who seek reliable performance without breaking the bank.
