If you are thinking of upgrading your current drivetrain or its parts, the range of choice out there can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming – should you replace like-with-like? Would it be worth upgrading to a higher spec part? What’s the difference between part (a) and part (b)? Many groupsets are designed and built to reach a certain price point or level and this is why it’s important to do your research to ensure if you are looking for a new bike or to upgrade you pick the right one for you.

The drivetrain (derailleurs, chain, cassette, chainset, bottom bracket), combined shift and brake levers, and the actual brakes are all typically provided by a single groupset. Dura-Ace Di2: Flagship electronic groupsetĪ road bike groupset generally refers to any part that operates the bikes gears and brakes.

Ultegra Di2:Professional level performance groupset with electronic shifting.

Ultegra:Professional mechanical groupset.

105 Di2: Shimano’s mid-range electronic groupset.

Tiagra: Affordable decent quality 10-speed groupset.

Sora: Budget-conscious 9-speed groupset.

Shimano’s top-end groupset is Dura-Ace Di2. In the outline below, entry level groupsets are at the top, beginning with Tourney. To help you try and understand the hierarchy of Shimano road components available, we have the ultimate overview of the entire Shimano road lineup…Īt a glance: Shimano Road Bike Groupset RankingsĪ groupset hierarchy details the component sets at different levels of quality and price, from entry level to pro-standard. Check out our ultimate Shimano Road Bike Groupset guide below:Ĭonstantly updating their range of road bike groupsets, the newest features often debut on their top-end groupset, Dura-Ace before filtering down through the range. Not only are they some of the most reliable components available, but they’re amongst the most competitively priced whilst ensuring a high standard of engineering. If you click on this then we may receive a small amount of money from the retailer if you purchase the item, this doesn’t affect the amount you pay.Shimano is one of the biggest road bike component manufacturers in the world, offering a vast array of groupsets to suit every type of cyclist. Links in the ‘buy now’ column will take you to retailer’s sites. What is it?Įlectronic, disc, 12 speed, single chainringĮlectronic, rim, 12 speed, single chainring

If you click on this then we may receive a small amount of money from the retailer if you purchase the item, this doesn’t affect the amount you pay.

Shimano gearing hierarchy