microSHIFT is a budget-friendly drivetrain alternative to Shimano, priced 30–50% cheaper than the equivalent Shimano groupsets (Tiagra, Sora, Claris). Shifting performance is close on flat and rolling terrain but lags Shimano on prolonged climbing and aggressive shifting under load. For commuters, beginner road riders, and gravel cyclists building a budget bike, microSHIFT is genuinely competitive. … Read more
SRAM mountain bike groupset components are consistently ranked among the best of the best ever since they shrugged off tradition and redesigned drivetrains.
To help you get to grips with the SRAM MTB groupset hierarchy, we’ll be walking you through each one.
In this article, we’re going to be telling you what you need to know about SRAM NX vs GX so you know exactly what you’re getting when investing in these excellent groupsets.
When it comes to gearing on a mountain bike, knowing your stuff goes a long way. You can really take the fun out of a good bike ride by having to jump off the bike and walk up a hill.
What could be even more frustrating is having your friends fly past you on the way down while your gears are spinning out.
Shimano 105 (R7100) and Ultegra (R8100) are the mid and premium tiers of Shimano’s road groupset range. Both are 12-speed, both come in mechanical or wired-electronic Di2, and both use hydraulic disc brakes. The differences: Ultegra is ~250 g lighter, has slightly faster shifts, and costs about 60% more. For 99% of riders, 105 delivers … Read more
Campagnolo is renowned for its high-quality bike components. Their flagship groupset – the Campagnolo Super Record EPS – is no different. Campagnolo is the oldest and (arguably) most prestigious bike component manufacturer, famed for its beautiful Italian aesthetics and outstanding engineering. However, they come at a hefty price tag. Campagnolo Super Record EPS is the … Read more
Shimano’s MTB groupset hierarchy (top to bottom): XTR (top, 12-speed wireless or wired electronic, $1,800+), XT (premium, 12-speed mechanical and Di2, $700–1,000), SLX (mid, 12-speed mechanical, $400), Deore (entry-performance, 11/12-speed mechanical, $250), Cues (new entry, $150), and Tourney (budget, 7/8-speed, $80). XT and SLX are the sweet spot for most trail riders — 95% of … Read more
Accompanying the explosion of gravel bikes in the past few years, the component manufacturing giants have all released specific gravel bike groupsets. Over the past decade, gravel bikes have become exceedingly popular. It fits a need for a versatile bike that performs well on the road and off-road. Initially, they used road bike groupsets, but … Read more
An integral part of your machine, the bicycle groupset refers to all of the components that allow you to propel yourself forwards and bring yourself to a stop. Whether you’re new to cycling or a two-wheel fanatic, it may not be obvious exactly how your bike works. The parts that comprise the drivetrain and the … Read more