Shimano Gearing Hierarchy
Product Line
SLX M7100 is a very important group in the Shimano hierarchy. This is the first group to share the same number of speeds as XT and XTR in a more budget-friendly package. Generally speaking, SLX offers the same features and functions as the upper-end groups at a higher weight and marginally lower shift quality. Shimano reckon that most people buying a Tiagra-equipped bike probably won’t be racing it and won’t need the really high gears. The 52/36t, 50/34t and 50/39/30t triple chainset options still provide plenty of range, and 52/36t is just fine for most racers. Shimano brings 12-speed shifting to the Deore range with the M6100 series, making big range gear ratios available at a lower price point. Deore 12 spd is a 1x only groupset but you can also get new the new revision in 2x11 and 2x10spd, they are named Deore 11spd and Deore 10spd respectively.
The current SRAM mountain bike group sets run from entry-level X.5 products, up through X.7, X.9, X0, X01, to the XX and XX1 pro line. The road bike group sets, in ascending order are: Apex, Rival, Force and Red.
The Shimano mountain bike line runs from the entry-level SIS products, to Tourney, Altus, Acera, Alivio, Deore, SLX, Deore XT, Zee, Saint, and finally XTR pro-level components. The road bike hierarchy goes from Shimano 2300, to Sora, Tiagra, Shimano 105, Ultegra, and up to Dura-Ace.
Key Component Differences
The consensus among enthusiasts is that the Shimano and SRAM products that cost a similar price work equally well, and it really comes down to a an individual’s preference for the ergonomics and functionality of either system. There are, however, a couple noticeable points of differentiation:
- The shifting actuation ratio (between the shifter and the indexer) is different: Shimano shifts at 2:1, while SRAM shifts at a 1:1 ratio. The 1:1 ratio means the cable moves further for each shift, possibly making the setup less sensitive to mud or other influences.
- Shifters: High-end SRAM shifters use double-tap shifting, which uses one lever for shifting both up and down. Shimano utilizes the traditional two-lever system, which some riders prefer.
This video compares Shimano's trigger shifters to SRAM's trigger shifters and twist gripshift style shifters.
Innovations
Grip shifting (or twist shifting) was SRAM’s breakthrough product in the industry that allowed the startup to begin competing with giants like Shimano. Although early versions tended to malfunction in muddy conditions, the biking world embraced the availability of a new product, and SRAM was wildly successful within a couple years.
SRAM has since become Shimano’s major competitor in biking components, but it was the grip shifter that launched the company. In 1984, Shimano introduced the first index shifting system with discrete stops between gears, which replaced the gear-hunting of continuous shifting. Nearly all modern bikes are now made with index shifting. In 1990, Shimano offered the first clipless pedal system with recessed cleats in the soles of the shoes, which allowed the shoes to be used for walking. 2009 saw Shimano release the first commercially available electronic shifting system, which shifts more quickly than cable-based systems and can self-calibrate.
Warranty and Customer Service
Shimano offers a two-year warranty for material quality and workmanship on most products, and a three-year warranty on the Dura-Ace and XTR component lines. Warranty claims can be made directly to Shimano, or through a dealer. Eset smart security 5 silent install with crack in built handles. Warranty claim turnaround time averages 3-5 days. Shimano can be contacted directly via telephone for customer service inquiries, but does not accept emails. As Shimano is a large corporation, their customer service is often efficient, if somewhat impersonal.
SRAM offers a two-year materials and workmanship warranty on all products. SRAM differs from Shimano in that they do not deal directly with end-use customers. All SRAM warranty and customer service issues must be handled through a bike shop. This arrangement frustrates customers who do not have access to a good local bike shop, but most people prefer to go through their local shop. This means that individual shops really determine the level of customer service available - e.g. whether loaner bikes are offered while yours is in the shop, and other service depends on the policy of the specific store.
About SRAM and Shimano
SRAM is a dedicated bicycle component company. The company focuses solely on bike components and has not deviated in its line of production. Call of duty hitmarker. Through a series of acquisitions over the years, SRAM is a major competitor to Shimano’s market dominance, and aims to be a one-stop-shop for bicycle frame manufacturers and brand owners looking for a source of bike components. The company offers a range of products, from entry-level to pro-level, and internal estimates estimate SRAM’s share of their market to be about 15%.
Shimano is a Japanese multinational manufacturer of outdoor gear, mainly bicycle components which constitute the largest portion of their revenue. For decades, the company has been an innovator in the industry. Their annual revenue from bicycle components is undisclosed, but likely over $1 billion, and these products constitute 50% of global bike component sales.
History
“SRAM” is an acronym for Scott, Ray, and Sam, the three original founders of the company. Their development of the grip shifting system gave them an ‘in’ into the industry. In 1990, they sued Shimano for unfair business practices, claiming they were offering manufacturers an incentive to monopolize Shimano components on their drivetrains. The case was settled out of court, but it earned SRAM the opportunity to compete in bicycle components industry. SRAM has since acquired multiple companies, including RockShox, Avid, Truvativ, Zipp, Sachs, and QUARQ.
In the 1970s there was a sudden increased demand for bikes, which exceeded the traditional European suppliers’ abilities, and a couple Japanese companies, including Shimano, filled the void. Shimano used a strategy of offering new innovations at the low end of the market, rather than trickling down technology from the top of the line. This strategy paid off, and through continuous innovation and forward-thinking products, Shimano came to dominate the market for bicycle components.
References
Shimano Gearing Hierarchy Guide
Shimano Tourney is the most basic gearing groupset in the MTB range. These gears are most 21 speed with 3 gears at the front and 7 gears at the back. These gears can be found on the most budget and entry level MTB’s and also on hybrid bicycles. Aggressive trail riding isn’t recommended with these gears.
Shimano Gears Hierarchy Mtb
Shimano Altus is the next on this list. This gearing has a combination 3x7 or 3x8 and can be found on entry level MTB’s and also urban hybrids. Altus has started using the Shadow design, which refers to a lower-profile to reduce the likelihood of damage from obstacles on the trail.
Shimano Hybrid Gear Hierarchy
Considered as the top of the entry level gearing, Shimano Acera is a complete groupset in terms for performance for amateurs. Acera is essentially a nine-speed system, which although basic compared to higher options, is actually aesthetically and practically rather impressive. Acera can also be found on performance focused hybrid bicycles.