Shimano Sora is a popular 9-speed groupset found on many budget-friendly road bikes.

Gear Range: 9-speed

Shifting: Mechanical

Brakes: Rim brakes, mechanical disc brakes

Next up is Shimano Sora, another great option for entry-level bikes. It’s a 9-speed system that offers either a standard double chainring or a wider-range triple chainring. Like Claris, Sora is also available with rim brakes only.

 

Shimano Tiagra 4700

 

Gear Range: 10-speed

Shifting: Mechanical

Brakes: Rim brakes, hydraulic disc brakes

Next is Shimano Tiagra, a 10-speed groupset that offers most of the performance of the Shimano 105 but saves costs in certain areas, such as using integrated rim brake pads instead of higher-quality replaceable cartridge brake pads.

Since 2019, Tiagra has introduced hydraulic disc brakes and calipers, with the shifting components similar to those of the 105. These calipers replaced the bulkier RS405 version. Of course, it still retains the option for rim brakes.

 

High-Performance Shimano Groupsets: 105 and Ultegra

Shimano 105 R7100

 

Gear Range: 12-speed

Shifting: Mechanical

Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes

Commonly available on many mid-range road bikes, Shimano 105 is the most reasonably priced performance-orientated group from this Japanese firm. The new 12-speed R7100 series substitutes for the former 11-speed R7000 series. Many riders believe this 12-speed variant to be the ideal mix of value, performance, and dependability.

Depending on the specification, this groupset is stated to weigh 2845 grams; it has dropped rim brake compatibility and couples a 50/34T or 52/36T crankset with an 11-34 or 11-36 cassette. Though it does not use the Hyperglide+ technology seen on Ultegra and Dura-Ace versions, the cassette makes use of Shimano's distinctive Hyperglide technology, which is claimed to improve shifting performance.

The retail price for this group, depending on the particular arrangement, is roughly £986.91 / $1192.91 / €1182.85.

 

Shimano 105 Di2

 

Gear Range: 12-speed
Shifting: Electronic
Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes

Launched in June 2022 the Shimano 105 Di2 R7150. Arriving at last, this much awaited electronic version of Shimano's third-tier groupings set it up as a direct rival to SRAM Rival eTap AXS. With the front and rear derailleurs run by a single battery and the shifters wirelessly linked to the control unit, it boasts the same 12-speed drivetrain and semi-wireless design as the 2021-updated Shimano Ultegra and Dura-Ace.

With the precise weight dependent on the specification, the Shimano 105 Di2 is reported to weigh over 2992 grammes. Its retail price is roughly £1730 / $1890 / €1869. The Shimano 105 Di2 is only available with hydraulic disc brakes unlike the revised Ultegra and Dura-Ace groupsets. Shimano debuted their first-ever 105 carbon fibre wheelset alongside the 105 Di2 R7150 release.

Shimano Ultegra R8100

 

Gear Range: 12-speed
Shifting: Electronic
Brakes: Rim brakes, hydraulic disc brakes

Shimano Ultegra falls just one step below the professional-grade Dura-Ace. Both sets had significant makeovers in 2021, switching to 12-speed drivetrains and firstly adding semi-wireless shifting for Shimano's disc brake lineup. Linked to a central battery, the shifters wirelessly interact with the back derailleur.

Shimano Ultegra R8100 will be discussed later; it almost exactly matches the top-tier Dura-Ace. It even features a power meter option, providing all the performance most riders require. Though at a much cheaper price point, the primary difference from Dura-Ace is a small weight gain.

For the Ultegra R8100, Shimano has deleted the mechanical shifting choice. Since the rim brake electronic version stays non-wireless, it only saw minimal changes. Therefore, the only variant at this level that incorporates all of Shimano's most recent technological developments is the Di2 disc brake model.

 

Professional-Level Shimano Groupset: Dura-Ace

 

Shimano Dura-Ace R9200
Gear Range: 12-speed
Shifting: Electronic
Brakes: Rim brakes, hydraulic disc brakes

Featured on many WorldTour race bikes, Shimano Dura-Ace is the height of Shimano's portfolio. It deftly blends upscale design with lightweight materials, including titanium, carbon fibre, and sophisticated alloys.

Launched alongside Ultegra, the new Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 saw a major update in 2021, yielding comparable enhancements. With a 12-speed gearbox and a semi-wireless architecture, it now boasts shifting capabilities claimed to be faster than the previous model, the Dura-Ace R9170 Di2.

Ultegra and Dura-Ace's brake systems have the same architecture. Shimano claims that the redesigned shift levers are more comfortable and that the callipers provide 10% more clearance, therefore facilitating their use. Shimano has just given surface improvements to the rim brake version and removed the mechanical shifting choice for Dura-Ace R9200, the same as with the Ultegra R8100. This makes the only one with all the most recent innovations, the Di2 disc brake variant.

More costly but lighter than Ultegra, Dura-Ace also provides a wider 54-40T chainring choice to better meet professional rider speed needs. Apart from these variations, the two groups have functionally exactly the same characteristics.

 

SRAM Groupsets: Explanation of Different Levels

SRAM made its mark during the mountain bike boom of the late 1980s, building its reputation with grip shifters. In 2007, they launched the lightweight Red groupset for road bikes. Today, SRAM not only makes mountain bike groupsets but also produces a wide range of options for road and gravel bikes.

SRAM’s road groupsets are divided into four levels based on price: Apex, Rival, Force, and Red. All their road groupsets now come with hydraulic disc brake options. They also all feature 12-speed wireless electronic versions and include gravel-specific gearing. It’s worth noting that SRAM Apex only comes in a 1X setup. While it can be used on road bikes, SRAM markets it specifically as a gravel groupset.

Focusing on electronic shifting, SRAM hasn’t made significant updates to its mechanical groupsets in years.

 

SRAM Road Series Groupset Rankings

Apex 1: 11-speed

Apex: 12-speed

Apex AXS: 12-speed wireless electronic shifting

Rival: 11-speed

Rival eTap AXS: 12-speed wireless electronic shifting

Force: 11-speed

Force AXS: 12-speed wireless electronic shifting

Red: 11-speed

Red AXS: 12-speed wireless electronic shifting

High-performance SRAM groupsets: Apex 1, Apex, Apex AXS, Rival, Rival eTap AXS, Force, and Force AXS

 

SRAM Apex 1

 

Drivetrain: 11-speed, 1X system
Shifting: Mechanical
Braking: Rim brakes, hydraulic disc brakes

Complementing a 1X crankset with cassettes spanning 11-26, 11-28, 11-32, 11-36, or 11-42T, the SRAM Apex 1 is the entry-level option in the road bike inventory for the brand. Although SRAM's higher-tier cassettes have a minimum gear size of 10T, the Apex cassette has a minimum cog of 11T, thereby matching with conventional HG freehub bodies.

Designed to fit drop bars and flat bars, Apex 1 also provides flat bar shifting possibilities.

 

SRAM Apex

 

Driven at 12-speed
Turning: Mechanic
Braking using hydraulic disc brakes

SRAM changed the Apex groupset in 2023 to 12-speed, especially intended for gravel riding, touring, commuting, or a combination of these uses. It has drop bar and flat bar choices, same as the Apex 1 does. You have options for cassettes between the XPLR 11-44T and the more general Eagle 11-52T.

Starting with an 11T cog, the cassettes fit HG freehub bodies. SRAM says the groupset weighs 2872 grams and even features an alternative power meter variant.

 

SRAM Apex AXS

 

Drivetrain: 12-speed

Shifting: Electronic

Braking: Hydraulic disc brakes

In 2023, SRAM introduced its wireless technology to the Apex groupset, with this fourth-tier option priced at £1262 / $1195 / €1411.

Like the mechanical Apex version, you can choose between 11-44T or 11-52T cassettes. The shifters use the same AXS shifting logic as Rival, Force, and Red. They also share the same electronic components, motors, and calipers, so the performance is comparable to the higher-tier models, albeit with a slight weight penalty.

 

SRAM Rival

 

Drivetrain: 11-speed
Shifting: Mechanical
Braking: Rim brakes, hydraulic disc brakes

SRAM Originally the entry point in SRAM's product range, Apex has lately been positioned as a gravel-specific groupset. This change makes Rival the road bike groupset's starting point. Rival is produced from smaller components than Apex.

Eleven-speed mechanical Rival supports both single and double chainring setups.

 

SRAM Rival AXS

 

Drivetrain: 12-speed
Shifting: Electronic
Braking: Hydraulic disc brakes

SRAM debuted the Rival eTap AXS in 2021. Using the same technology as SRAM's more premium models, this addition pushed SRAM's wireless electronic 12-speed groupsets to the third tier. Additionally available is a power meter option, which one can set via smartphone software.

 

SRAM Force

 

 

Drivetrain: 11-speed

Shifting: Mechanical

Braking: Rim brakes, hydraulic disc brakes

At this level, the SRAM Force groupset incorporates lightweight materials such as advanced alloys and carbon fiber to achieve a lighter mechanical shifting system.

Like Rival, it is an 11-speed groupset that supports a double chainring setup for a wider gear range or a single chainring configuration for simplicity.

 

SRAM Force AXS

 

Drivetrain: 12-speed
Shifting: Electronic
Braking: Hydraulic disc brakes

Launched by SRAM in March 2023, the second-generation Force AXS groupset is a 12-speed wireless technology meant to rival Shimano Ultegra Di2 directly. It has many of the characteristics of the forthcoming Force eTap AXS and presents several power meter choices. Along with more compact shifter hoods and a faster-responding front derailleur, the Force eTap AXS boasts a fresh aesthetic appearance.

Force employs a direct-mount crankset, including integrated crank arms and chainrings, the same as the Red groupset. It supports road as well as gravel use, and Force AXS fits XPLR gravel drivetrains.

 

Professional-Level SRAM Groupsets: Red and Red AXS

SRAM Red

 

Drivetrain: 11-speed
changing: Mechanical braking—rim brakes, hydraulic disc brakes

Originally unveiled as a direct rival to Shimano Dura-Ace and Campagnolo Super Record, SRAM Red is a professional-grade 11-speed groupset.

The SRAM Red groupset regularly makes use of lightweight materials, including titanium, sophisticated alloys, carbon fibre, and even ceramic bearings. With a reported weight of just 1747 grams, SRAM Red is undoubtedly the lightest of the top-tier series available on the market.

SRAM's emphasis has changed recently to centre their wireless eTap AXS groupsets. Consequently, even if the mechanical Red groupset still exists, it is somewhat antiquated and only found in second-hand stores.

 

SRAM Red AXS

 

Drivetrain: twelve-speed
Shifting: Electronic
Hydraulic disc brakes for braking.

Launched in 2015 as the wireless electronic equivalent of the 11-speed Red groupset, the SRAM Red eTap The 12-speed Red eTap AXS replaced the previous model in 2019; more improvements in 2024 will be made.

Claiming to be the lightest electronic disc brake set available, SRAM Red AXS sheds 154 grams as compared to its predecessor. The shifter ergonomics have changed most noticeably; improved forms and the inclusion of customisable function buttons for different applications. The revised form also contains major weight reduction efforts in the callipers and offers faster shifting for both the front and rear derailleurs.

Red is available in a power meter-equipped form; there is not yet a gravel-specific variant. One, though, is anticipated to launch soon.

 

Campagnolo Groupsets: Explanation of Different Levels

The Italian brand Campagnolo was founded in 1933, inspired by its founder Tullio Campagnolo’s struggle during a race to remove the rear wheel, which led to his invention of the quick-release skewer.

Campagnolo is arguably the most iconic bicycle brand, associated with many legends of cycling: Fausto Coppi, Gino Bartali, Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Miguel Indurain, and more.

As a result, Campagnolo often becomes the choice for die-hard enthusiasts, bike collectors, and those who believe Italian bikes must be paired with Italian groupsets.

Campagnolo Road Groupset Rankings
Chorus: 12-speed
Record: 12-speed
Super Record: 12-speed
Super Record Wireless: 12-speed wireless electronic shifting

Best Value Campagnolo Groupset: Chorus

 

Campagnolo Chorus

 

Drivetrain: 12-speed
Shifting: Mechanical
Braking: Rim brakes, hydraulic disc brakes

Campagnolo discreetly withdrew its entry-level Centaur groupset in June 2023. Campagnolo's product line now begins with the 12-speed Campagnolo Chorus, which falls somewhat below the Record series.

Lightweight materials, including titanium, carbon fibre, and aluminium alloy, position Chorus between Shimano Ultegra and Dura-Ace or SRAM Force and SRAM Red.

Complementing an 11-34T cassette, the Chorus groupset presents a hydraulic disc brake alternative.

Record, Super Record, and Super Record Wireless Professional-Level Campagnolo Groupsets.

 

Campagnolo Record

 

Drivetrain: 12-speed
Shifting: Mechanical
Braking: Rim brakes, hydraulic disc brakes

Available in 12-speed and both rim brake and hydraulic disc brake forms, the premium mechanical groupset from the Italian manufacturer is the Campagnolo Record.

 

Campagnolo Super Record

 

Driving gear: 12-speed
Modulating: Mechanical braking—rim brakes, hydraulic disc brakes

Campagnolo also provides the higher-tier Super Record, which is quite comparable to the Record groupset but makes use of more sophisticated materials to lower weight and improve certain components.

 

Campagnolo Super Record Wireless

 

Drivetrain: 12-speed
Shifting: Electronic
Braking: Hydraulic disc brakes

The Super Record Wireless from Campagnolo replaces the earlier wired EPS electronic groupset. The 12-speed drivetrain introduces a new shifting logic by featuring a cassette with a minimum 10T cog and moves away from the brand's iconic thumb shifters.

As might be expected for Campagnolo, these top-tier groupings are usually seen exclusively on the most costly, professional-grade road bikes.

 

Road Bike Drivetrain Systems

Now that we’ve covered the different groupset levels from various brands, let’s dive into the key differences between brands and highlight the high-end features to watch for.

 

Road Bike Cranksets/Chainrings

 

Single, Double, and Triple Chainrings
One of the most obvious parts in a groupset is a crankset, sometimes called a chainring set. They comprise the spindle connecting the crank arms, chainrings, and crank arms themselves. Double chainrings (most common on road bikes, known as 2X), single chainrings (popular for mountain, cyclocross, and gravel bikes, referred to as 1X), and triple chainrings (an older standard, rarely seen on modern bikes) depending on the number of chainrings can be used to classify cranksets.

Double Chainring Cranksets
Professional riders usually go with standard two chainrings. Usually, these comprise a 53T big chainring and a 39T small chainring or a 52/36T "semi-compact" arrangement. Both setups are preferred for both competitive and amateur racers since they give ample gears for climbing and effective cruise speeds.

Usually 50/34T, compact chainrings are popular among recreational riders or those covering long distances because of their lower gearing ratios.

On twin cranksets, including 48/32T, 48/31T, or 46/30T, sub-compact chains offer even fewer gearing choices. Offering lower speeds and tighter gear ratios for steep climbs and loaded travel, these configurations are perfect for dirt riders and bikepackers.

Many were shocked when SRAM unveiled its 12-speed drivetrain with a 10-T lowest cog, as it let one utilise smaller chainrings to attain equal gear ratios. For instance, the SRAM Force eTap AXS groups now provide a 43/30T low gearing option, preserving functionality but lightening weight.

 

Triple Chainring Cranksets
Older designs sometimes seen on vintage road bikes and touring cycles are triple chainring cranksets. The third chainring adds weight even though they offer a broad and tightly spaced gear range. Usually these cranksets consist of a 50T big chainring, a 39T middle chainring, and a 30T tiny chainring. Long-distance cyclists who appreciate the small chainring's low gearing and great torque for heavy-loaded trips really love them.

 

Single Chainring Cranksets
There is only one chainring on single chainring cranksets; hence a front derailleur is unnecessary. Usually accompanied with wide-range cassettes, 1X cranksets are used to offset the absence of a second chainring. Mountain cyclists and gravel riders also love single chainrings since they frequently employ a narrow-wide tooth design to support the chain and stop it from falling.

 

Road Bike Shifters

 

In general, modern road bike shifters are integrated into the brake levers, forming what is commonly referred to as the shift-brake lever.

Each brand has its own approach. The shifting mechanisms of mechanical Shimano, Campagnolo, and SRAM differ slightly, while electronic shifting relies on paddles built into the brake levers. These paddles control small servo motors in the front and rear derailleurs to execute gear changes. Compared to mechanical drivetrains, electronic systems offer consistently precise shifting and require less maintenance.

 

Road Bike Brakes

 

Brakes are no exception; bike parts have evolved with time to become more sophisticated. Road bikes used to depend just on cable-actuated rim brake callipers; today, we have choices including direct-mount rim brakes, hydraulic rim brakes (very unusual), cable-actuated disc brakes, and hydraulic disc brakes.

Although hydraulic disc brakes are usually regarded as the best and most flexible choice, the kind of brakes suitable for you will rely on several different criteria. Knowing the workings of every kind will enable you to decide which is finest.

 

 

All three groupset brands mentioned above offer hydraulic disc brake calipers and cable-actuated rim brake calipers, with hydraulic disc brakes dominating the newer models.

 

Road Bike Derailleurs

 

A derailleur is a mechanism that moves the chain from one gear to the next. The front derailleur handles the chain on the chainrings, while the rear derailleur manages the chain on the cassette. Both are controlled by the shifters/shift-brake levers.

 

Road Bike Cassette

 

A cassette is a group of gears fixed on the back wheel. The "speed" of the groupset is found in the gear count on the cassette. A 10-gear cassette, for instance, corresponds to a 10-speed groupset; an 11-gear cassette corresponds to an 11-speed group; and so on. But as you also have to consider the number of chainrings on the crankset, "speed" just describes the number of gears on the cassette, not the total number of accessible gears.

More gears not only offer a greater range but also close the gear gaps. Smaller gaps mean more seamless transitions while changing, which helps you to keep a constant pedalling rhythm—something very prized by competitive cyclists.

One of the most common layouts for road bikes with a double chainring system is an 11-28T cassette. To fit diverse riding conditions, Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo all have several cassette choices.

With some bikes sporting 11-32T or even 11-34T cassettes, wider-range cassettes have grown ever more popular. With its eTap AXS Force and Rival series—a 12-speed cassette with a 10-36T range—SRAM has advanced this.

 

Road Bike Chain

 

The kind of chain your bike requires depends on the groupset brand and overall gear count. Generally speaking, groupsets including "more" gears call for thinner chains.

Usually smoother, more durable, and with better anti-corrosion coatings than less expensive chains, higher-end ones are Certain upscale chains also use drilled pins and plates to lighten weight.

Remember that chains are frequent replacement items with wear and tear. Tools abound to assist you in deciding when to replace your chain. Ignoring this can cause your chainrings' and cassette's accelerated wear. Still, frequent chain cleaning and proper chain lubrication greatly increase the lifetime of the chain.

 

Road Bike Bottom Bracket

 

A bottom bracket's basic component is the bearing, which lets the crankset be firmly fixed to the frame and turn without wobbles.

Though they exist in many forms and sizes, bottom brackets usually fall into two types for road bikes: threaded and press-fit. Press-fit bottom brackets are forced straight into the bottom bracket shell using static pressure; threaded bottom bracket screws are held firmly in place by threads in the frame.

Press-fit bottom brackets are, all things considered, less compatible and convenient for maintenance than threaded ones. Press-fit designs, however, are favoured by many bike makers who believe they provide benefits in weight, rigidity, and manufacturing simplicity. Fortunately, this trend is beginning to turn; the newest generation of frames typically has threaded bottom brackets.

 

What Do More Expensive Road Bike Groupsets Offer?

Does spending more money actually improve your performance? Maybe a little, but as you move up the groupset hierarchy, the performance gains diminish—what we call "diminishing returns"—while the price increases significantly.

For example, second-tier groupsets (Shimano Ultegra, Campagnolo Chorus, SRAM Force) offer almost the same functionality as professional-grade groupsets but at a much lower price. The main differences are slightly heavier weight and less flashy aesthetics or finishes. Bike components follow the "unbreakable triangle" rule: performance, lightweight, affordability—you can only pick two. A lighter bike will always accelerate and climb better than a heavier one, but if you don't want to compromise on performance, you'll need to compromise on your budget.

 

 

Why Are They More Expensive?

Weight reduction is often the main driver of higher costs. For all road bike groupsets, the more you spend, the lighter they become. However, in the high-end range, diminishing returns become very noticeable. This is due to the need for advanced manufacturing techniques and more expensive materials. To achieve lightweight and peak performance, brands use high-end materials like carbon fiber, titanium, lightweight aluminum alloys, and ceramic bearings, coupled with precision engineering. These materials and methods allow for lighter, stronger, and top-performing components.

 

Durability

 

 

When you spend more on a groupset, you're likely hoping it will last longer, and in general, that's true—the more you pay, the better the durability. But interestingly, second-tier products often offer the best balance of durability, while the very top-tier ones sometimes aren’t as tough as you’d expect.

Higher-end products are made with more precise craftsmanship and better materials, which can definitely extend their lifespan. This is especially noticeable with derailleurs and drivetrains. Cheaper components wear out faster, develop gaps, and lose shape over time. But the pricier ones, made with better materials, still perform like new even after a lot of use. However, for wear-and-tear parts like the cassette and chainrings, cheaper products might be heavier but are often more durable. They’re made of steel, which is tougher. More expensive versions may use lighter but less durable materials, like aluminum or titanium.

Performance

 

 

Beyond weight savings, more expensive groupsets usually bring performance improvements as well. Higher-end parts offer smoother, more precise shifting, and in some cases, even faster shifts. This is often achieved through ergonomic design in the shifters and brake levers. When you're riding for hours, even a tiny bit of discomfort can become really noticeable. That’s why electronic shifting (like Shimano's Di2) became so popular—just a light push of a button, and you're shifted.

Another performance boost is crankset stiffness. Stiffer cranks transfer power more efficiently, and thanks to clever designs, the added stiffness doesn't necessarily mean more weight. Expensive brakes are usually better, offering more stopping power with less effort, though this difference is more obvious with rim brakes. When it comes to hydraulic disc brakes, low-end and high-end versions don’t differ much in braking performance.

Extra Features

More expensive groupsets are usually the first to get new features. For example, Shimano introduced Di2 electronic shifting at the Dura-Ace level, then gradually expanded it to Ultegra. It’s not just big tech upgrades; even small details get improved. For instance, Dura-Ace was the first to use internal screws to adjust brake lever distance instead of spacers, and now that tech has trickled down to the Claris level.

 

Compatibility Issues

 

It's important to note that not all groupsets are compatible with each other, and sometimes even different levels of products from the same brand may not be compatible. Manufacturers tend to gradually update their products over time, so parts of an 11-speed groupset may not all be from the same production year or design.

Even for rim brakes, there can be differences in the cable pull ratio between brands. For example, Shimano and Campagnolo's current cranks use a standard size, so if you only want to change the chainring size, you don't need to replace the entire crankset — you can use chainrings from other brands.

Generally, components within the same brand are designed to work together. For instance, Shimano 11-speed rear derailleurs and cassettes of different levels are compatible, and the same applies to Campagnolo's 11-speed derailleurs and cassettes.

If you have compatibility questions, it's recommended to consult a local retailer before purchasing, or check the manufacturer's technical documents. Shimano, for example, maintains very detailed compatibility charts for reference, helping you figure out which parts are compatible with each other.