Mainstream Road Bike Shift Kit Levels Explained
When it comes to road bike components, the shift kit plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth and efficient gear changes. There are several mainstream shift kit levels available in the market, each offering unique features and benefits. Let's explore the differences between SENSah, Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo groupsets.
The mainstream bicycle transmission brands with a high market share are Japan's Shimano, the United States' Sram, and Italy's Campagnolo.
Shuntai SENSAH is another local brand in Guangdong that started developing transmission kits very early. It was founded in 2014. Like several other domestic bicycle transmission manufacturers, most of Shuntai's design team members come from well-known bicycle parts manufacturers, and its own factory is located in Shunde, Foshan.
SENSAH Groupset
SENSAH is a relatively new player in the road bike component market, but it has quickly gained popularity among cyclists. Known for its precise shifting and affordable price point, SENSah groupsets offer excellent value for money. With a focus on innovation and performance, SENSah is a great choice for both beginner and experienced riders.
EMPIRE Series :
SENSAH’s current top-of-the-line product is the 12-speed EMPIRE series, which even offers a carbon fiber shifter version that’s lighter than the aluminum version.
Shimano Groupset
Shimano is a household name in the cycling world, known for its high-quality components and reliable performance. Shimano groupsets are available in a wide range of options to suit different riding styles and preferences. Whether you're a casual rider or a competitive racer, Shimano has a groupset that will meet your needs.
Shimano road groupset ranking:
Claris R2000: 8-speed
Sora R3000: 9-speed
Tiagra 4700: 10-speed
105 R7100: 12-speed
105 Di2 R7150: 12-speed electronic only
Ultegra Di2 R8100: 12-speed electronic only
Dura-Ace Di2 R9200: 12-speed electronic only
Entry-level Shimano kits: Claris, Sora and Tiagra
Shimano Claris R2000:
Transmission Ratio: 8-speed
Transmission: Mechanical
Brake: Rim brake
Shimano Sora R3000:
Transmission: Mechanical
Brake: Rim Brake, Mechanical Disc Brake
Shimano Tiagra 4700:
Transmission Ratio: 10-speed
Transmission: Mechanical
Brakes: Rim brakes, hydraulic disc brakes
High Performance Shimano Kits: 105 and Ultegra:
Shimano 105 R7100:
Transmission Ratio: 12-speed
Transmission: Mechanical
Brake: Hydraulic Disc Brake
Shimano 105 Di2:
Transmission Ratio: 12-speed
Transmission: Electronic
Brakes: hydraulic disc
Shimano Ultegra R8100
Transmission Ratio: 12-speed
Transmission: Electronic
Brakes: Rim brakes, hydraulic disc brakes
Professional Shimano Kit: Dura-Ace
Shimano Dura-Ace R9200
Ratio: 12-speed
Shift: Electronic
Brakes: Rim brakes, hydraulic disc brakes
SRAM Groupset
SRAM is another popular choice among cyclists, offering innovative technology and lightweight components. SRAM groupsets are known for their quick and precise shifting, making them a favorite among professional riders. With a focus on performance and durability, SRAM groupsets are designed to withstand the rigors of intense cycling.
SRAM Road Series Kit Rankings：
Apex 1: 11 speed
Apex: 12 speed
Apex AXS: 12-speed radio transmission
Rival: 11 speed
Rival eTap AXS: 12-speed wireless variant
Force: 11 speed
Force AXS: 12-speed radio variant
Red: 11-speed
Red AXS: 12-speed radio transmission
High Performance SRAM Kits: Apex1, Apex, Apex AXS, Rival, Rival eTap AXS, Force and Force AXS
SRAM Apex 1：
Transmission ratio: 11-speed only, 1X transmission system
Speed change: Mechanical
Brake type: Rim brake, hydraulic disc brake
SRAM Apex：
Transmission Ratio: 12-speed
Transmission: Mechanical
Brake: Hydraulic Disc Brake
SRAM Apex AXS：
Transmission Ratio: 12-speed
Transmission: Electronic
Brakes: hydraulic disc
SRAM Rival：
Transmission ratio: 11 speeds
Speed change: mechanical
Brake type: rim brake, hydraulic disc brake
SRAM Rival AXS：
Transmission Ratio: 12-speed
Transmission: Electronic
Brakes: hydraulic disc
SRAM Force：
Transmission Ratio: 11 speeds
Transmission: Mechanical
Brakes: Rim brakes, hydraulic disc brakes
SRAM Force AXS：
Transmission Ratio: 12-speed
Transmission: Electronic
Brakes: hydraulic disc
Professional Grade SRAM Kits: Red and Red AXS
SRAM Red：
Transmission Ratio: 11 speeds
Transmission: Mechanical
Brakes: Rim brakes, hydraulic disc brakes
SRAM Red AXS：
Transmission Ratio: 12-speed
Transmission: Electronic
Brakes: hydraulic disc
Campagnolo Groupset
Campagnolo is a legendary name in the cycling industry, known for its high-end components and Italian craftsmanship. Campagnolo groupsets are synonymous with quality and precision, making them a top choice for discerning cyclists. With a rich history of innovation and performance, Campagnolo groupsets are a symbol of excellence in the cycling world.
Campagnolo Road Series Kit Rankings：
Chorus: 12 speed
Record: 12 speeds
Super Record: 12 speed
Super Record Wireless: 12-speed radio transmission
Cost-effective Campagnolo kits: Chorus
Campagnolo Chorus：
Transmission Ratio: 12-speed
Transmission: Mechanical
Brakes: Rim brakes, hydraulic disc brakes
Professional Campagnolo Kits: Record, Super Record and Super Record Wireless
Campagnolo Record：
Transmission Ratio: 12-speed
Transmission: Mechanical
Brakes: Rim brakes, hydraulic disc brakes
Campagnolo Super Record：
Transmission Ratio: 12-speed
Transmission: Mechanical
Brakes: Rim brakes, hydraulic disc brakes
Campagnolo Super Record Wireless：
Transmission Ratio: 12-speed
Transmission: Electronic
Brakes: hydraulic disc
Whether you choose SENSah, Shimano, SRAM, or Campagnolo, each groupset offers unique features and benefits to enhance your riding experience. Consider your riding style, budget, and preferences to choose the shift kit level that best suits your needs. Happy cycling!