Road Bike groupsets: comparison of Shimano and SRAM
The gears are the centrepiece of your road bike. It determines how efficiently you transfer your power to the pedals, how easily you can tackle climbs and how precisely you can shift gears. In this article, we compare the best road bike groupsets from Shimano and SRAM. Whether mechanical or electronic – here you can find out all about the differences, functions and which groupset suits you best.
Basics of road bike groupsets
A road bike groupset consists of several components that work together to ensure efficient and precise power transmission. The most important components are
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Rear derailleur | Change the chain between the sprockets of the cassette on the rear wheel. |
| Gear shifter | Operates the rear derailleur and front derailleur to change gears. |
| Front derailleur | Guides the chain between the front chainrings of the crankset. |
| Cassette | Consists of several sprockets that enable different gear ratios. |
| Crankset | Contains the chainrings and is directly connected to the pedals. |
| Chain | Transfers the power from the crank to the cassette. |
| Bottom bracket | Enables the crankset to turn smoothly. |
Here is a comprehensive overview of road bike groupsets, including Shimano and SRAM, as well as their components and how they work. You can also find out what advantages the individual systems offer.
Shimano road bike groupsets and rear derailleurs
Shimano offers a wide range of groupsets, from entry-level models to professional systems.
| Shift group/model | Number of gears | Type | Field of use | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claris | 8 gear ratios | Mechanical | Entry-level class | Robust, easy to operate, cost-effective. |
| Sora | 9 gear ratios | Mechanical | Leisure and fitness | Ideal for longer tours. Entry-level class, affordable, reliable, for leisure riders. |
| Tiagra | 10 gear ratios | Mechanical | Touring and training | More precise gear changes. Mid-range, robust, ideal for training and touring. |
| 105 | 11 or 12 gear ratios | Mechanical/Electronic | Middle class | Mechanical or Di2 (12-speed), versatile, precise, ideal for hobby riders. |
| Ultegra | 12 gear ratios | Mechanical/Electronic | Advanced and racing | Lightweight, precise, mechanical or Di2 available. |
| Dura-Ace | 12 gear ratios | Electronic | Professional road cyclist | Ultralight, precise, state-of-the-art technology with Di2. |
| GRX | 10 gear ratios | Mechanical | Gravel and all-road | Stable chain guide, compatible with 11-36 cassettes. |
Shimano special features
- Di2 technology: Electronic shifting with fast, precise operation.
- Compatibility: Many components are interchangeable within the series.
SRAM road bike groupsets and rear derailleurs
SRAM relies on wireless technology and advanced shifting mechanisms. The most important models are
| Shift group/model | Number of gears | Type | Field of use | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rival eTap AXS | 12 gear ratios | Electronic | Entry-level to mid-range | Wireless, wide gear range, ideal for ambitious riders. |
| Force eTap AXS | 12 gear ratios | Electronic | Intermediate to advanced | Wireless, lightweight, with carbon components, precise. |
| Red eTap AXS | 12 gear ratios | Electronic | Professional road cyclist | Ultra-light, wireless, maximum precision, ideal for racing. |
Particularities of the SRAM groupsets
- eTap technology:
- All SRAM groupsets are wireless and use the eTap system, which makes shifting precise and easy.
- X-Range technology:
- Provides wider gear ranges with finer gear steps. Particularly useful for mixed terrain.
- Hydraulic disc brakes:
- All models are equipped with hydraulic disc brakes for better stopping power and control.
Combination of derailleurs with other components
- Number of gears:
- The rear derailleur must be compatible with the cassette, chain and shift levers.
- Example: An 11-speed rear derailleur is only compatible with an 11-speed cassette and an 11-speed chain.
- Capacity of the rear derailleur:
- Depends on the sprocket size of the cassette (e.g. 11-28 vs. 11-34).
- A rear derailleur with a long cage (GS) is required to cover larger cassettes.
- Frame and derailleur hanger:
- Electronic rear derailleurs often require space for batteries or connections.
- Mechanical derailleurs require a correctly aligned derailleur hanger.
Electronic vs. mechanical road bike groupsets
The choice between mechanical and electronic road bike groupsets depends on your budget, riding style and personal preferences.
| Feature | Mechanic | Electronic |
|---|---|---|
| Switching precision | Good, depending on maintenance. | Very high, independent of conditions. |
| Handling | Requires a little more power. | Easy, often at the touch of a button. |
| Maintenance | Simple repair, regularly required. | Rarer, but more complex. |
| Weight | Low, no battery required. | Minimally heavier due to rechargeable batteries. |
| Costs | Significantly cheaper. | More expensive, especially to purchase. |
Why electronic road bike groupsets?
Electronic circuits are precise, quiet and modern. They offer the following advantages:
- Precision: Gear changes are lightning-fast and error-free, regardless of the conditions.
- Comfort: Operation is particularly smooth and ideal for long journeys.
- Reliability: Electronic shifting groupsets are less susceptible to dirt or weather.
- Innovation: Wireless systems such as the SRAM eTap ensure a clean look and easy handling.
How do I set up road bike groupsets correctly?
A precisely adjusted shifting group ensures better performance and less wear.
Adjusting the Shimano shifting group
- Rear derailleur: Adjust the H and L screws to limit the swivelling range. Check the tension for smooth shifting.
- Front derailleur: Adjust the distance to the largest chainring and check the limit screws.
- Specialised workshop: For complex problems or electronic Di2 gears, it is advisable to visit a specialist workshop.
Adjusting the SRAM shifting group
- Rear derailleur: For mechanical models, proceed in a similar way to Shimano. Electronic eTap derailleurs are calibrated digitally.
- Front derailleur: Also adjust the H and L screws on existing models.
- Specialised workshop: A specialist workshop is the best choice for electronic eTap drivetrains or serious problems.
Which road bike groupsets are the best?
The best groupset depends on your budget and area of use:
- Beginners: Shimano Sora or Claris – robust, affordable and reliable.
- Ambitious riders: Shimano 105 or SRAM Rival eTap AXS – versatile and modern.
- Professionals: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 or SRAM Red eTap AXS – maximum precision and lightness.
Number of gears for road bike groupsets
The number of gears is determined by the combination of the chainrings on the front crankset and the sprockets on the rear cassette.
| Example gears | Front (crankset) | Rear (cassette) | Total |
|---|
| 24 gears | 3 speed crank | 8 compartment cassette | 3 × 8 = 24 Gears |
| 20 gears | 2 speed crank | 10 compartment cassette | 2 × 10 = 20 Gears |
| 18 gears | 3 speed crank | 6 compartment cassette | 3 × 6 = 18 Gears |
| 2×12 gears | 2 speed crank | 12 compartment cassette | 2 × 12 = 24 Gears |
| 1×12 gears | 1 speed crank | 12 compartment cassette | 1 × 12 = 12 Gears |
More gears (e.g. 24):
- More choice with a 3-speed crank and an 8-speed cassette, ideal for beginners or for riders who need a wide gear ratio.
- Perfect for touring riders or riders in mountainous regions, as both light and fast gears are available.
- Disadvantage: More complex to use as many ratios can overlap and require more frequent shifting.
Medium gears (e.g. 20):
- A 2x crank combined with a 10-speed cassette offers a good balance between simplicity and versatility.
- Suitable for touring and leisure riders who are looking for a sufficiently wide gear ratio for flat and hilly terrain.
- Advantage: Less overlap than with 3-speed systems, making shifting more intuitive.
Modern gears (e.g. 2×12):
- Two chainrings on the crankset and a 12-speed cassette at the rear offer a very fine gradation and a wide gear ratio.
- Ideal for road cyclists and professionals who require precise shifting and efficient power transmission.
- Advantage: Modern derailleur groupsets are lighter and more precise, but still versatile.
Fewer gears (e.g. 1×12):
- A 1x crank combined with a 12-speed cassette reduces weight and complexity.
- Popular with gravel and all-road riders as no front derailleur is required.
- Advantage: Easy to use and low maintenance, ideal for uneven terrain or gravel roads.
Road bike groupset recommendations
| Field of use | Rear derailleur |
|---|---|
| Beginners/recreational riders | Shimano Claris or Shimano Sora |
| Ambitious riders | Shimano 105 or Tiagra |
| Gravel/ Allroad | Shimano GRX (stable on gravel). |
| Advanced riders | Shimano Ultegra Di2 or SRAM Force AXS. |
| Professional/ racing | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 or SRAM Red AXS. |
Road bike groupsets in comparison: Shimano and SRAM
Shimano Sora: Solid groupset for beginners
The Shimano Sora is one of the most popular road bike groupsets for beginners. With 9 gears and mechanical operation, it offers enough flexibility for flat terrain and easy climbs. The shifting quality is solid, even if it is not as precise as that of higher-class groupsets. Sora is characterised by its robustness and attractive price-performance ratio, but requires a little more maintenance. This groupset is ideal for leisure and everyday cyclists.
Shimano Tiagra: For touring riders and fitness enthusiasts
The Shimano Tiagra is the entry into the sportier road bike groupsets. With its 10-speed drivetrain, it enables more precise gear steps than the Sora. It is perfect for touring cyclists who are looking for a reliable system with higher performance without having to dig too deep into their pockets. Ergonomically designed shift levers and the option of hydraulic disc brakes make the Tiagra an excellent choice for long tours and mixed terrain.
Shimano 105: The bestseller among road bike groupsets
The Shimano 105 is one of the most popular road bike groupsets in the mid-range segment. It offers both mechanical (R7000) and electronic (Di2 R7100) variants. The 11- or 12-speed drivetrain ensures precise gear changes, even under load. The modern design combines lightness with durability. This groupset is ideal for ambitious riders looking for a powerful and affordable solution.
Shimano Ultegra: Precision for advanced riders
The Shimano Ultegra is aimed at advanced riders and racing cyclists. This road bike groupset is available both mechanically (R8000) and electronically (Di2 R8150). With its 12-speed drivetrain, outstanding shifting speed and powerful hydraulic disc brakes, it offers an excellent balance between weight, precision and price. Many of the high-end features of the Dura-Ace series are available here at a more favourable price.
Shimano Dura-Ace: high-end technology for professionals
The Shimano Dura-Ace is the top class among road bike groupsets. With its 12-speed drivetrain and exclusively electronic Di2 technology, it offers maximum precision and speed. Ultra-light materials such as carbon make it the choice of many professional racers. The Synchro-Shift system ensures automatic coordination between the front and rear gears, which maximises efficiency.
SRAM Rival eTap AXS: The entry into wireless shifting
As a mid-range model, the SRAM Rival eTap AXS offers wireless technology, making it one of the most innovative road bike groupsets in this segment. The 12-speed drivetrain with X-Range technology enables finer gear steps and a wider gear range. It is an affordable choice for ambitious riders who want to experience the comfort and precision of wireless shifting.
SRAM Force eTap AXS: Perfection for advanced riders
The SRAM Force eTap AXS is a lightweight and precise road bike groupset that will delight advanced riders and gravel enthusiasts. With its wireless 12-speed drivetrain and high-quality carbon components, it offers maximum reliability and control. The X-Range technology ensures smaller gear steps with a larger gear range – ideal for races and demanding tours.
SRAM Red eTap AXS: The top class from SRAM
The SRAM Red eTap AXS is the flagship among road bike groupsets. It offers wireless 12-speed shifting technology that impresses with its precision, innovation and lightness. Thanks to ultra-light carbon components, it is the perfect choice for professionals who value maximum performance. The hydraulic disc brakes deliver exceptional braking power and control, while the X-Range technology enables finely tuned gear steps.
Which road bike groupset is right for you?
Whether mechanical or electronic, Shimano or SRAM – choosing the right road bike groupset is crucial for your performance and riding enjoyment. Road bikes are equipped with a variety of groupsets that are tailored to different requirements. From the solid Shimano Sora to the high-end SRAM Red eTap AXS, modern road bikes offer the right solution for every riding style and every budget. With the right groupset, you’ll be perfectly equipped for any challenge!
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