Which shimano groupset is best

And like the XT Di2 groupo it has Synchro Shift and can be powered from the in-built battery on an electric mountain bike. XTR combines top-end design with lightweight materials, such as high-grade alloys, carbon fibre and titanium. The latest M group has four different drivetrain options to choose from. The latest M series sees many parts of the group condensed into one line.

However, there are still Cross-Country and Enduro categories for brakes as well as pedals. Cross-Country is all about weight savings, where features such as tool-free brake levers adjust and Ice-Tech brake cooling fins are removed in favour of saved grams.

Available only with a 1x crankset, Zee is designed for downhill and freeride. Saint is positioned as a top-level option for those who race downhill. Designed for 7-, 8- or 9-speed drivetrains, the shifters and derailleurs make heavy use of plastics with metal derailleur cages. These components are suitable for light recreational riding, but not trail use. These components are often found on budget bikes and X4 shifters are available in 7- and 8-speed versions and mechs span from 7-speed up to 9-speed.

Different versions of the rear mech are compatible with 7-, 8-, 9- and speed cassettes with a maximum cassette sprocket capacity of 36 teeth. This speed group is available with a 2x or 3x crankset but there is also a 9-speed version of the cranks still available. The X7 group has a few additional features that make it stand out from X5. The most important upgrade feature of this speed group is the addition of a clutch on the rear derailleur to improve chain retention. Nearly all the performance features were present at this level, with slightly cheaper construction methods and materials keeping prices down, but the weight was higher.

There was more use of aluminium versus plastic on the shifters and derailleurs, and the X9 crankset featured hollow crankarms to save weight. The speed cassette sits on a regular Shimano-style freehub, limiting its smallest sprocket to 11t, rather than 10t on GX Eagle and above. This, however, helps keep its cost lower.

Sharing many designs and internal features of the top-level 1x offerings, SRAM GX components are a popular choice on mid-priced bikes. In June , SRAM updated its GX Eagle groupset with a tooth cassette an increase of two teeth on the lowest, largest cassette sprocket , a redesigned derailleur — so that it can shift into the lowest gear — and updated the cranks, now with both a carbon and alloy version.

As you might guess, the pinned-together GX Eagle cassette is heavier than the heavily machined from one-piece hardened steel X01 and XX1 cassettes. While most often found in a 2x version, SRAM did offer a triple crankset for this group.

The X0 groupset now only lives on in part. A front and rear grip shift gear changer and trigger shifters, and front and rear hubs are the only remaining parts available to buy. SRAM X01 was perhaps the most sought-after groupset of X01, along with X1 and XX1, impressed our reviewers thanks to their unique speed setup where the cassette and rear derailleur were greatly different compared to speed setups at the time to offer a huge t range, without the option of a front derailleur.

The X01 Eagle group is frequently used on high-end trail and enduro bikes, featuring a full aluminium derailleur cage and its cranks have a foam core. In June , the X01 Eagle groupset got an updated wider-range cassette — now tooth — and a new derailleur so that it can shift into the biggest sprocket. With the increase in strength comes an increase in weight, however functionality across the AXS systems is identical.

It was the group that led the 1x revolution when it was introduced in Only the trigger shifter, grip shift shifter and rear derailleur along with an speed chainring, chain and cassette are still available to buy. Over the lower-specced X01 Eagle, the XX1 Eagle cassette and chain have gold titanium nitride coatings, which are claimed to increase durability. The XX1 Eagle derailleur uses a carbon outer plate on the derailleur cage, and the cranksets are slightly different as well; the XX1 Eagle crankset is hollow.

Along with the obvious advantages of not having to muck around with cables, AXS brings a clever new shifter design and a derailleur equipped with a second clutch, which allows it to move in the event of sudden impact, limiting damage. Electric assistance and its associated rapid shifts put greater stress on components.

To counter this, EX1 features an 8-speed cassette, with the big cog 7mm inwards of where it would be on an speed setup to reduce cross-chaining. X01 DH is a purpose-built groupset for downhill racing and is available as either a 7- or speed setup. Alex Evans is BikeRadar's mountain bike technical editor. He started racing downhill at the tender age of 11 before going on to compete across Europe.

Alex moved to Morzine in the French Alps at 19 to pursue a career as a bike bum and clocked up an enormous amount of riding. Riding those famous tracks day in, day out for eight years, he broke more bikes than he can remember. Alex then moved back to the UK and put his vast knowledge of mountain biking to good use by landing a job working for MBUK magazine as features editor.

He's one of BikeRadar's lead testers, knows how to push bikes and products to the limit, and wants to search out the equipment that represents the best value for money. Home Advice Buying Guides Mountain bike groupsets: everything you need to know. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission, but this never influences our opinion. Shimano offers its XT group in versions with one, two and three chainrings.

The ramped teeth help to keep the chain on the single ring without the need for a chain device or chain guide. Different frames use different bottom bracket systems, including threaded left and press-fit right. Common to each is the narrow gap between their two chainrings. Now standardised to a maximum 13t differential, this leaves the eTap AXS groupset stunningly smooth when shifting at the front. Also improving shifting, Sram claims new motors and chips have marginally quickened the gear change speed, an occasional complaint against previous iterations of the groupset.

With no wires, set up and installation is easy. Remote shift buttons for sprinting or time-trial bars are also a doddle to add. Currently only available to work with hydraulic disc brakes, as far as we know, there are no plans for this to change. But in pushing past this limit Sram has supplied something groundbreaking. New options available include wider gear ratios at both ends of the drivetrain plus a wider DUB axle standard paired to a new Wide front derailleur to increase rear tyre clearance for gravel bikes using a 2x setup.

The second and quite significant benefit of the new Wide components is improved rear tyre clearance. This will be good news to anyone wishing to use a double chainring setup on a gravel bike, as normally the placement of the front derailleur restricts the use of very wide tyres. To go with the new front of drivetrain options, Sram has also added a Force level t cassette speed to the range.

Like the changes up front, the new gear ratios require a new rear derailleur. This means the latest Force eTap AXS Wide rear derailleur is designed to pair specifically with the new lower ratios t cassette size. Otherwise, it remains mostly unchanged. Again aside from a more high-end, glossy aesthetic, it retains the same eTap battery, Orbit clutch system and oversized jockey wheels.

Leaving the system with a significantly extended gear offering, this is now notably larger than its competitors. Should you want it, Sram also now offers a redesigned the paddle that you can use with a remote dropper post lever. Read our first look report here. An electronic jewel to adorn premium road bikes. According to Campagnolo, Super Record sits above all other groupsets. Using carbon fibre extensively across each component, from the cranks to the derailleurs, allows Campagnolo to get the weight of a complete group down to around 2,g for the conventional calliper version brake, and about 2,g for the disc-equipped alternative.

Despite expanding the range of its cassette up to 32t, the general impression is still very much of a race-focussed groupset.

From the way the shifting works better from the drops than the hoods, down to prioritising smaller and smoother shifts between sprockets than expanding the overall range, the whole assemblage is made for going fast as efficiently as possible. Even the modulation of the disc brakes seems designed to put users at ease.

Generally very slinky and dseigned with Italian flair, Campagnolo tends to find its way onto a particular style of bike. Launching into the highly competitive groupset market takes some considerable effort, but launching into the upper echelons with not only your first groupset but making it an electronic one, is a very bold move indeed. It was a natural step for the Italian manufacturer, which has already been producing components ranging from chainsets to brakes for many years.

Wireless Electronic WE could be viewed as a very inclusive name and that certainly seems to be the goal given the huge range of options FSA is proposing. They even offer two brake lever lengths to make sure every rider is catered for. As well as reducing development costs, the obvious advantage is that K-Force WE is able to communicate with most existing bike computers as well as peripherals such as power meters. A major part of the system is the smartphone app that allows you to customise all settings, as well as monitor battery life and diagnose any problems — a PC based version is also available.

K-Force WE uses an internal battery in the seatpost similar to Di2 , which is then wired into the front and rear mechs. FSA claim that the battery will last ,km on one charge.

Only the shifters are fully wireless and use a CR battery, similar to eTap. Now on the market for a little over two years, FSA has dropped the price of its K-Force groupset significantly. However, having been introduced way back in , these shifts are now restricted to a comparatively narrow selection of 11 sprockets.

Shimano has always done the basics very well, meaning its mechanical and hydraulic braking is probably the best on the market. After almost five years on the market, where does this all leave the series Dura-Ace? With greater gearing ranges and more adaptability, this can make the current Dura-Ace groupset seem like a bit of a throwback. Falling precipitously in price, wait a few months for the new version if you want the latest features or absolutely must have speed.

The eternal story with Shimano is that each groupset in its hierarchy is very similar to both its posher and poorer relations. This means the difference between Ultegra and Dura-Ace is fairly minimal. Other key mechanisms carry over entirely from above.

This includes the structure of both calliper and disc brakes, meaning both maintenance and performance are pretty much indistinguishable. Sure, although you get carbon brake lever blades, some bits are alloy when they could be carbon, or steel when they could be alloy, but the result is only an extra g when totalled up. Far more noticeable will be the saving in cost.

In short, you get all the best Shimano has to offer, which includes easy and reliable shifting, probably the best ergonomics going, and a readily available spares directory. The brakes in particular, with their finned pads and rotors, along with the skinny levers, are splendid. For one thing, you only get 11 sprockets on the back. Campagnolo offers speed groupsets on its Super Record and Record configurations - in mechanical and more recentlyEPS format.

Campag created the speed option by shrinking the sprockets and the space between them - requiring a thinner chain but meaning that speed models will fit the same driver as the speed version, so swapping isn't hard. The derailleur is now longer at The derailleur can be mounted via a hanger or direct to the frame, and sits closer the cassette than before, engaging more teeth at once, increasing longevity.

The thinner chain also means the cage has been slimmed down, creating more space between it and the spokes of the wheel. The crankset uses the same four arm spider, though some areas have been reinforced to provide extra strength. The front derailleur now hasan unlinked upper semi-rod that makes for less free stroke on the upshift, with a movement of the lever now having an immediate effect on the derailleur. It allows for more precise positioning, too, giving greater amounts of trim and a thinner cage that should cater better in moments of cross-chaining.

Other changes across the system are subtle, such as a slight increase in lever size and bringing the brake lever pivot inline with the handlebar, while the levers angle slightly outwards and have a deeper curve, making it easy to brake on the drops. Campagnolo H11 Disc brake groupsets. The lower endPotenza groupset comes with an 'H10' disc brake groupset, which features aluminium shifters instead of carbon.

To create the system, Campag teamed up with German brake and suspension manufacturer Magura - who helped develop the cylinder and oil system. The 22mm diameter pistons are made from phenolic resin, which the brand claims offers superior heat insulation and a magnetic spring has replaced a metal approach which is said to add to reaction time and consistency. There are size specific calipers - you can run mm at the front and rear and mm or mm at the rear.

They're designed to fit any flat mount frameset and there's no need for spacers. Campagnolo EPS. The system powers itself via a rechargeable battery which sits in the frame and the update included development of the Power Unit and Interface Unit, making them slimmer and increasing compatibility with more frames - including aero bikes. The shifting pattern stays the same, but the front derailleur adjusts itself slightly if you're chain crossing, to help facilitate a smoother change.

In September , Campagnolo added Eka r - a speed gravel specific groupset, available in mechanical only, disc brake configurations. Given Campagnolo is often known for being a high ticket choice, the prices surprised us at being closer than expected to the likes of SRAM and Shimano's offerings. It's light too, with weights varying starting at 2,g in the lightest configuration with a cassette.

As well as going speed, Campagnolo adjusted the thumb paddles on Ekar, making them easier to reach when riding off-road. A clutch rear mech helps to keep the chain quiet, and narrow-wide tooth design also aims to prevent chain drops.

The speed system comes with new chainsets, front and rear derailleurs, rim and disc brakes as well as shifters - but it's compatible with existing wheels and frames.

There are two cassette options - and - the reasoning being that racers don't need to stick to smaller gear ratios in order to minimise gaps between cogs with the speed system.

Being top of the performance ladder, Super Record is loaded with carbon and titanium, allowing for a low overall weight. The crankset, for example, is carbon, with alloy chainrings and a titanium axle, the derailleurs are predominantly carbon with ceramic bearings used and the body of the shifter is constructed from composite. Alongside the impressive performance of the H11 brakes, we've always found Campagnolo's direct mount rim brakes - available down to Chorus level - quick to react and effective.

The performance differences between Super Record and Record aren't huge - there's a little bit less carbon, which reflects in a slight weight increase - for example, the crankset weighs g as opposed to g at Super Record standard. Record is now available in a 12 speed configuration, too.

The rear derailleur uses rubber pulleys as opposed to the ceramic bearings at Super Record level. The crankset has been beefed up to g compared to g for Chorus , and there's similar increases across the group. Potenza is 'middle ground' for Campagnolo, but it's actually comparable to Shimano Ultegra, so it's certainly not entry level by any stretch of the imagination. One notable difference is a longer inside lever, when compared with that found on the top end systems - this answers complaints that the thumb tab was hard to reach when in the drops.

The closest comparison to Veloce is Shimano - it comes in black or silver, though the latter is more expensive. The entry-level option from Campagnolo, Veloce is also available in silver or black, and it's still a speed system with a lack of carbon use within the construction.

The shifters on a road bike are used change gear. The brake lever can be pushedinwards sideways to change up into an easier gear.

To change down, there is a second lever behind the first that can be separately pushed inwards. To apply the brake, both levers are pulled backwards, towards the rider. With Campag you shift down using a shifter behind the brake lever, and change up using a thumb shifter on the inside of the hoods. On mechanical SRAM groupsets, you shift up by pushing the lever in one notch, and change down by continuing to push it in slightly further. However with SRAM Red eTap, the American company's electronic groupset, you shift up at the back by pressing the right shifter, down at the back by pushing the left shifter, and push both simultaneously to shift the front derailleur.

The most common brakes found on road bikes are cable-operated calipers that engage with the wheel rim. Recent advances have seen the introduction of hydraulic calipers, although these are notwidely used, and an increasing number of road bikes are being equipped with disc brakes.

Disc brakes are now UCI-legal meaning they can't be ridden in UCI road races - yet surrounded by much controversy after riders have claimed cuts and lacerations have been caused by the rotors. For those riding outside of the peloton, but they can offer much improved braking power and modulation. In addition, because the wheel rim does not have to be reinforced to feature a braking surface, the rim can be lighter.

Direct-mount calipers are also being seen in increasing numbers and offer superior performance to single mount calipers, but they are only compatible with specific frames. Chainsets housing the front gears can be split into two main categories — doubles and triples.

A double has two chainrings while a triple has you guessed it three. A bigger front gear is harder to push but can achievehigher speeds. The smaller tooth chainring makes this kind of chainset ideal for riding in hilly terrain. Triple chainsets are being used less frequently these days, but they are often found on touring bikes as they offer the greatest range of gears, which is useful when riding a bike laden down with heavy kit. The chainset also features the cranks, which attach to the pedals.

The length of the crank arms can vary, typically ranging from mm to mm. The length of the cranks that come fitted to a complete bike is usually related toitssize — for example, a 56cm frame will often have Longer cranks offer a bigger mechanical advantage and larger effective gear, but can be harder to turn. Shorter cranks are sometimes favoured in criteriums, as they offer more ground clearance to let you pedal around corners.

The cassette refers to the collection of sprockets on the rear wheel. These are available in wide range of different ratios.

An speed cassette will have 11 sprockets on the cassette, which can be arranged in a close ratio such as t, which will be good for time trialling and racing on flatter terrain, as the close gears allow for fine adjustment and very smooth shifting, or a wider ratio like t, which gives you more gears to choose from when riding in hilly terrain.

You can change your cassette and it is common forcyclists to own a few different ratios. However it is important to rememberthat the size of the biggest ring on a cassette is limited by the length of the cage on the rear derailleur, so check with your local bike shop before you splash out on that tooth granny gear!

The type of chain is dependant on the range of gears, i. An 8-speed chain is considerably wider than an speed chain. More expensive chains feature alloy coatings that are more resistant to wear, and are often lighter. Chains, like cassettes, wear over time, so will need to be replaced periodically.

The derailleurs also calledmechs are responsible for guiding the chain from one sprocket to the next. Front derailleurs are either band on, or braze on, so make sure you select the correct option if purchasing separately from your frame.

Band on refers to a circular clamp to attach to the frame. This is not always possible, as bike frames are not always round. To counter this,brazeon derailleurs are riveted or bolted to the frame.

The more expensive rear derailleurs feature ceramic bearings in the jockey wheels. Which you choose to go for depends really upon what you're priorities are and the sort of riding you do. For out and out performance, electronic groupsets are the natural choice, as shown by the fact that all but a handful of riders in the professional peloton now choose to use it thanks to the slightly sharper shifting and the ability to shift through multiple gears at once. And don't be put off by the fact that the batteries have to be recharged once in a blue moon or the idea that it might be susceptible to the elements in fact we'd argue that gear cables are much more vulnerable to wet and muddy roads and electronic wires.

Of course there are still many benefits to mechanical groupsets. The shifting on most mechanical groupsets is still very good, and if something goes seriously wrong then it's much easier to be fixed than electronic. Groupsets vary in price a great deal, but what changes as the price goes up?

The first thing to consider is weight. A lighter bike will accelerate faster and climb quickerthan a heavy one, but components also need to be strong and stiff. As the price of components increases the weight decreases. In order to maintain strength, durability and stiffness of the lighter components, more expensive materials are required. For example, an entry level groupset will likely have a steel chain, with a top end groupset featuring a titanium chain.

Manufacturing tolerances are much morehigheron a top end groupset, which means that with anincreased price, you get improved shifting between gears.