{"id":51816,"date":"2023-07-18T16:01:04","date_gmt":"2023-07-18T14:01:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=739170"},"modified":"2023-07-18T16:35:51","modified_gmt":"2023-07-18T14:35:51","slug":"microshift-takes-aim-at-shimano-and-sram-with-affordable-sword-gravel-bike-groupset","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/microshift-takes-aim-at-shimano-and-sram-with-affordable-sword-gravel-bike-groupset\/","title":{"rendered":"Microshift takes aim at Shimano and SRAM with affordable Sword gravel bike groupset\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

New 10-speed groupset features a clutch rear derailleur and is offered in both 1x and 2x options <\/p>

By Oscar Huckle\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 18 July 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

Microshift Sword is an affordable 10-speed mechanical gravel bike groupset available in 1x and 2x options that could soon be found on many budget gravel bikes.<\/p>\n

The brand says it developed Sword as an affordable, completely cable-actuated gravel bike groupset because it believes no other brand currently offers this solution.<\/p>\n

Microshift says the system pairs modern ergonomics with a wider cassette<\/a> range and a fully mechanical design that\u2019s easy to service and adjust.<\/p>\n

Sword will be offered in two variants \u2013 a 1x 10 option, which the brand recommends for \u201cadventure, bikepacking<\/a> and rowdy days\u201d and a 2x 10 flavour for \u201cfast gravel, group rides and long days\u201d.<\/p>\n

Speaking to BikeRadar, Microshift\u2019s brand manager Gus Jeffers says he expects to see the groupset specced widely on sub-$1,200 complete bikes.<\/p>\n

Unlike complete groupsets from Shimano or SRAM, Sword doesn\u2019t include a specific chain<\/a> and bottom bracket<\/a>, nor does it include brake calipers or disc brake rotors<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Sword is designed around the use of mechanical disc brakes and although the brand says it understands there is consumer demand, Microshift isn\u2019t offering a hydraulic lever at launch.<\/p>\n

The groupset is available now and we\u2019ve included American pricing for the individual components below. UK, European and Australian pricing are all to be confirmed.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a look at each component in turn.<\/p>\n

Microshift Sword shifters<\/h2>\n
\""Microshift\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Shifting logic is unchanged from previous Microshift designs.<\/span><\/figcaption> Microshift<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The shifters represent a radical change from the brand\u2019s Advent X <\/a>drop-bar versions.<\/p>\n

These shifters look similar to a Shimano GRX-815 Di2<\/a> lever, albeit less angular.<\/p>\n

With the exception of Microshift\u2019s Centos 11-speed road bike groupset<\/a>, Sword represents the first time the gear cable hasn\u2019t been routed externally out of the side of the shifter.<\/p>\n

\""Microshift\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
There\u2019s some texturing to the hoods.<\/span><\/figcaption> Microshift<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

There\u2019s texturing on the hoods for enhanced grip and the lever body has a gradually rounded outer edge that\u2019s claimed to reduce pressure points. It\u2019s also been designed specifically to pair well with flared gravel bike handlebars<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The shifters feature reach adjustment, which adjusts the shift and brake levers independently.<\/p>\n

The shifters share the same cable pull as Advent X, which means they are inter-compatible.<\/p>\n

Previous Microshift groupsets \u2013 such as XLE, XCD and Centos \u2013 use the same cable pull ratio as Shimano. However, both Advent X and Sword\u2019s cable pull differs from Shimano\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\""Microshift\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The lever incorporates reach adjustment.<\/span><\/figcaption> Microshift<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The shifters are compatible with road-pull brakes (the amount of cable shifter pull differs to suit different types of brakes) and feature a high-pivot for extra braking leverage.<\/p>\n

This means the shifter pulls slightly more cable than a standard lever, resulting in increased braking power. The road pull levers also mean the groupset could be paired with standard road calipers or cantilever brakes.<\/p>\n

Microshift recommends using compression-less housing and a two-piston brake caliper.<\/p>\n

No hydraulic disc brake<\/a> option is available at launch.<\/p>\n

\""Microshift\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The shifters are angled slightly to suit flared bars.<\/span><\/figcaption> Microshift<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The shifters can be purchased as a pair or separately and there\u2019s even a specific option that\u2019s compatible with a dropper post<\/a>, forgoing the need to run a separate remote.<\/p>\n