{"id":51861,"date":"2023-07-25T19:00:29","date_gmt":"2023-07-25T17:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=740276"},"modified":"2023-07-25T19:35:45","modified_gmt":"2023-07-25T17:35:45","slug":"how-microshifts-sword-groupset-could-shake-up-the-budget-gravel-bike-market","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/how-microshifts-sword-groupset-could-shake-up-the-budget-gravel-bike-market\/","title":{"rendered":"How Microshift\u2019s Sword groupset could shake up the budget gravel bike market\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are the Big Three under threat from budget-priced competitors? <\/p>

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

2023-07-25 17:00:29<\/p>

\n\n

Microshift has launched its new Sword 10-speed gravel drivetrain, developed, according to the Taiwanese brand, because no other component manufacturer offers an up-to-date, affordable cable-actuated system.<\/p>\n

The gravel-focused setup is available in both single- and double-chainring variants, but doesn\u2019t include a chain, bottom bracket, brake calipers or disc brake rotors \u2013 if you\u2019re buying a full groupset, you\u2019ll need to bear the additional cost of these components in mind.<\/p>\n

When launched last week<\/a>, Microshift brand manager Gus Juffer said he expects to see the groupset specced widely on sub-$1,200 complete bikes (that\u2019s around \u00a3930 or \u20ac1,070).<\/p>\n

With prices sky-rocketing in recent years, and mid-to-high-end groupsets focusing on electronics, could a budget mechanical groupset be the shot in the arm the drivetrain market needs? That Microshift has targeted its latest effort at the booming gravel sector is telling, too.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a closer look at what the launch of Microshift Sword means and how it could, in theory, shake up the budget and mid-range bike markets.<\/p>\n

How did we get to this point?<\/h2>\n
\""Ridley\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
You don\u2019t get as much bang for your buck anymore.<\/span><\/figcaption> Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

It will come as no surprise that bike prices have risen considerably<\/a> since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, despite some brands, distributors and retailers carrying large quantities of excess \u2013 and now discounted<\/a> \u2013 stock.<\/p>\n

In turn, groupset options from Shimano and SRAM have also become more expensive, not always plentiful in stock, or both.<\/p>\n

As a result, it has become harder for bike manufacturers to spec value-focused Shimano and SRAM groupsets on some bikes, while still hitting a certain price point. Sub-\u00a31,000 bikes are increasingly being specced with alternative groupsets (or, at least, alternatives to individual groupset components).<\/p>\n

For example, the Vitus Substance 2 gravel bike retails for \u00a3750 and comes equipped with Microshift R8 8-speed components.<\/p>\n

\""Specialized\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
I never thought I\u2019d see the day when you\u2019d have to shell out \u00a31,100 for an entry-level Allez.<\/span><\/figcaption> Robyn Furtado \/ BikeRadar<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

In terms of the relationship between bike prices and component choice, let\u2019s take the new Specialized Allez<\/a> (a road bike, admittedly) as an example. Once an entry-level bike staple, the cheapest model equipped with Shimano Claris now retails for \u00a31,100. Fewer than 10 years ago, the equivalent model, with rim brakes, rather than the latest disc-brake upgrade, cost \u00a3600.<\/p>\n

Claris is the entry point into Shimano\u2019s road groupset<\/a> line-up \u2013 and it remains an affordable option, despite its presence here on an \u00a31,100 bike \u2013 but, as an eight-speed drivetrain, it\u2019s looking a little long in the tooth for enthusiast riders.<\/p>\n

\""Trek\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Shimano\u2019s Claris isn\u2019t gravel-specific.<\/span><\/figcaption> Dave Caudery \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

On the gravel side of things, Shimano\u2019s GRX RX-400 groupset is its entry-point to the range. This is a 10-speed groupset with an \u00a3850 RRP, and therefore represents a significantly higher starting point than Claris for prospective gravel riders.<\/p>\n

As for SRAM, despite the brand hinting at an all-electronic future after the consecutive launches of Red, Force and Rival AXS, it recently introduced its Apex 12-speed groupset<\/a> with a 12-speed mechanical option (as well as an electronic variant).<\/p>\n

\""SRAM\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
SRAM\u2019s Apex Eagle is its new entry-level mechanical gravel groupset, but it\u2019s pricier than Sword.<\/span><\/figcaption> SRAM<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

However, with a full Apex mechanical groupset coming in at \u00a31,035\/$971 (recommended retail price; \u2018real-world\u2019 groupset prices tend to be cheaper), SRAM expects this to be specced on bikes at around the $2,000 mark (approximately \u00a31,500).<\/p>\n

It\u2019s the latest tech, but not small change for a bike with a fourth-tier groupset. Apex is also the most affordable road\/gravel groupset that SRAM offers.<\/p>\n

\""Campagnolo\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The ditching of Centaur means Campagnolo is only found on high-end offerings now.<\/span><\/figcaption> Russell Burton \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

What about Campagnolo? Well, the Italian brand has all but abandoned the lower end of the market as it quietly discontinued Centaur<\/a> \u2013 its Shimano 105 R7000<\/a> equivalent \u2013 when it launched the new halo Super Record Wireless<\/a> groupset.<\/p>\n

This means that out of the Big Three, only Shimano makes a truly affordable option in the form of its 8-speed Claris groupset, although a question mark remains over its future.<\/p>\n

Enter Shimano Cues\u2026<\/h2>\n
\""Shimano's\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Shimano\u2019s made it no secret Cues will be coming to the road.<\/span><\/figcaption> Shimano <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Back in February, Shimano announced its Cues ecosystem<\/a>, with new 9-,10 and 11-speed drivetrain<\/a> components that replace all of Shimano\u2019s lower-tier mountain bike families \u2013 Altus, Acera and Alivio.<\/p>\n

On launch, Shimano made it no secret that it looks set to relaunch its equivalent-tier road bike groupsets much in the same way, covering Claris, Sora and Tiagra.<\/p>\n

Will this give Shimano\u2019s line-up a cross-compatible shake-up that provides affordability and parts availability in equal measure?<\/p>\n

Although it remains to be seen if Shimano will be able to maintain a competitive price point, as things stand, it\u2019s all beginning to tip in Microshift\u2019s favour. This is notable for what was previously an underdog brand.<\/p>\n

Budget gravel tech<\/h2>\n
\""Microshift\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Sword shifters are designed to pair well with flared handlebars and feature texturing on the hoods for increased grip.<\/span><\/figcaption> Microshift<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

To recap on Microshift Sword\u2019s tech, it\u2019s 10-speed, with 1x and 2x variants. It has maximum cassette sprocket sizes of 48t and 38t respectively, and has a rear derailleur with a clutch, to aid chain retention.<\/p>\n

Where it may falter, against some of the competition, is in Microshift\u2019s preference for cable-actuated disc brakes, rather than hydraulic disc brakes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

1x drivetrains<\/a> continue to grow in popularity for gravel riding<\/a>, due to the potential for improved chain retention with a narrow-wide chainring and a clutch rear derailleur, alongside gravel-specific gearing and simpler shifting.<\/p>\n

That Sword hits all of these features, but with a keen eye on price, demonstrates an adept understanding of what it is consumers want.<\/p>\n

It\u2019ll likely be a popular option for road or all-road riders, as well as commuters, happy with the gearing spread offered by the gravel-targeted components.<\/p>\n

So where does Microshift Sword fit in?<\/h2>\n
\n
\""Microshift\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
You even get a clutched rear derailleur on Sword.<\/span><\/figcaption> Microshift<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

On paper, Sword gives aspiring or budget-conscious gravel riders \u2013 and bike brand product managers keeping a close eye on the numbers \u2013 a more competitive starting point for the money, compared to Shimano GRX-RX400 and SRAM Apex.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s telling that Microshift has aimed its latest groupset on the gravel market. The segment is booming and Microshift, as the challenger brand, wants a slice of the action. Microshift is presenting Sword as a budget-focused option ready to fill the gap.<\/p>\n

In fact, speaking to BikeRadar, Juffer confirmed the brand is specifically taking on Shimano with the release of Sword because he believes \u201cgravel is an area where Shimano is not releasing mid-tier products\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you want to produce a gravel bike for less than $2,000, you have to use Tiagra or Sora,\u201d says Juffer.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese groups are traditional compact doubles, don\u2019t have low enough gears for wider bike tyres, don\u2019t have a clutch [on the rear derailleur] and the hoods aren\u2019t designed for flared handlebars. They\u2019re great road groups but don\u2019t really fit a gravel platform that well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\""Shimano\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Microshift has openly said it is trying to exploit a hole in the market.<\/span><\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

As such, Microshift believes, Juffer says, \u201cthere is room for a cable-actuated gravel group to slot under GRX\u201d and the brand wants to \u201cput as much quality and innovation into it as possible\u201d.<\/p>\n

Although Juffer didn\u2019t comment on SRAM\u2019s offerings, it\u2019d be fair to say SRAM has looked to exploit the rising popularity of gravel, in part, with the repositioning of Apex as a 1x-only gravel groupset.<\/p>\n

However, as I\u2019ve already covered, it\u2019s now effectively a mid-range groupset, despite its entry-level positioning in the SRAM line-up.<\/p>\n

Elsewhere, we\u2019re expecting to see a 12-speed update to Shimano GRX<\/a>, but there\u2019s no news on whether Shimano will continue to offer cheaper 10- or 11-speed options for GRX. Campagnolo Ekar<\/a>, while offering 13 speeds, is undoubtedly a premium affair.<\/p>\n

History repeats itself<\/h2>\n
\""Shimano\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
While we rate Shimano\u2019s Deore M6100 groupset, it\u2019s hardly affordable.<\/span><\/figcaption> Ian Linton \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Microshift looks well-placed to grab a slice of the gravel market then \u2013 and we\u2019ve already witnessed a similar tale on entry-level mountain bikes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Shimano and SRAM continue to dominate but supply issues have now resulted in Microshift finding a place with Advent X: a 10-speed MTB groupset described as \u201ca top-performing drivetrain at a bargain price\u201d by BikeRadar\u2019s senior technical editor, Alex Evans, in our review<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Again, Microshift has exploited a gap in the market. Shimano doesn\u2019t offer a clutch-equipped 1x MTB groupset<\/a> until its mid-range Deore M6100 groupset. Though a good option that we\u2019ve scored highly in our review<\/a>, it still sits several tiers above the more agricultural Altus, Acera and Alivio options that will now be superseded by Cues.<\/p>\n

\""TRP\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
TRP is also looking to make a dent in the mountain bike groupset market.<\/span><\/figcaption> Alex Law<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

SRAM is more competitive here with its SX and NX Eagle<\/a> 12-speed 1x drivetrains. These groups are commonly found on mountain bikes for less than \u00a31,000<\/a>, however parts for them haven\u2019t always been plentiful in supply and Microshift Advent X undercuts them still.<\/p>\n

There are bikes made by Cannondale, Kona and Jamis that see the Advent X groupset specced for just below the \u00a3700 mark and even Specialized specs the 9-speed version of the groupset on its Sirrus X 3.0 hybrid bike.<\/p>\n

At the other end of the MTB groupset<\/a> market, we\u2019ve now also got TRP\u2019s EVO12<\/a>, as a 12-speed drivetrain for riders who want premium mechanical shifting. With the electronification of high-end groupsets, TRP, like Microshift, is looking to fill a gap as some riders are demanding.<\/p>\n

Which brands will be speccing Microshift Sword on their bikes?<\/h2>\n
\""Microshift\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
We expect Microshift Sword to make a stab at the market.<\/span><\/figcaption> Microshift<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

With Microshift only just lifting the lid on Sword, it\u2019s early days in terms of the groupset\u2019s adoption. However, we contacted some big-name brands to see if they will be speccing Microshift Sword on any of their bikes.<\/p>\n

While Giant, Trek and Merida confirmed they won\u2019t be, Canyon said Sword \u201cisn\u2019t something we have any plans of including just yet, but that\u2019s not to say it won\u2019t ever happen\u201d.<\/p>\n

Decathlon, on the other hand, has confirmed it will be speccing Sword on its bikes from 2024. Decathlon produces some of the best budget gravel bikes<\/a>, and has a history of using Microshift components, so it\u2019s little surprise to see the European mega-retailer place an early order on Sword.<\/p>\n

While it remains to be seen if Sword will be widely specced across entry-level gravel bikes, we\u2019d expect others to follow suit. Microshift seems to be carving a niche for itself and offering real competition at the entry-level market.<\/p>\n

And that can only be a good thing for riders.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n

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