You have to make an extensive choice when buying a bike with gears. What kind of gear do you want? You could pick a standard derailleur system or try something new, like a micro-shift. So, what’s the best pick: Shimano or Microshift?
In this piece, we’ll look at these two systems side by side. This way, you can decide which is best for you. How do Shimano, SRAM, and Microshift stack up against each other?
Shimano gears have been trusted for their accuracy and dependability since the 1920s. They are also among the smallest and lightest backpacks, making them perfect for uphill climbs and fast downhill rides.
Choosing the right gears for your bike can be challenging. It depends on where you plan to ride and how you like to bike. In this piece, we’ll look at the top 3 gear sets used in mountain biking: Shimano, microShift, and SRAM.
If you’re new to biking and need clarification on these brands or bike parts, don’t fret! After reading this article, you’ll know plenty.
Check out this easy-to-understand guide to learn how Shimano gear shifters are not the same as Microsoft. Let’s discover what makes these two different.
Shimano vs. Microshift: A Quick Overview and Background
Shimano
Shimano is a famous name in the bicycle industry, with over a century of experience. They’re the top choice for bike parts, gears, and drivetrains. Shimano provides component sets for all kinds of bikes, from mountain and road bikes to hybrid and BMX, catering to both budget-friendly and high-end models.
Thus, Shimano has a more significant market presence than SRAM and Microshift, offering a vast selection of gears and shifters. You can find every Shimano part you need, whether you shop online or in stores.
Most budget-friendly bikes use Shimano groupsets like Tourney, Acera, and Altus. Meanwhile, pricier bike models often feature Alivio and XTR groupsets from Shimano.
To help you understand better, we’ve compared Shimano Acera and Altus parts. We’ve also looked at Shimano Tourney versus Altus to help you decide which groupset best matches your bike. You can find these comparisons in detail below.
Shimano Parts/Groupsets Ranking Order:
| Ranks | Shimano Road | Shimano MTB |
| Starting Point | Tiagra | Deore |
| Middle of the Pack | 105 | SLX |
| Top Tier | Ultegra | XT |
| Luxury Line | Dura-Ace | XTR |
Microshift
MicroShift is a brand from Taiwan, started in 1999, known for making drivetrains and groupsets. Compared to Shimano, MicroShift has gained worldwide popularity in a short time.
It only has a few mountain bike options like Microshift Mezzo, Margo, and Admins. Their product range is small, with no cranksets or brake system offerings. Interestingly, MicroShift aims to provide parts that can work with Shimano’s.
Even today, their website mentions “Shimano Compatible” parts, although they have expanded their product range.
Comparing Shimano, Microshift, and SRAM: Fundamental Distinctions
| Foundation | Shimano | Microshift | SRAM |
| Year Started | Started in Japan in 1921 | Began in Taiban in 1999 | Started in the USA in 1987 |
| Bike Types | MTBs, Road bikes, gravel bikes | MTB, Hybrid, Road Bikes | MTB and Road Bikes |
| Product Models | Offers various groupsets including lower-end (Tourney, Acera) and high-end (XTR, Alivio, SL) | Fewer product lines, limited to mountain bikes (Mezzo, AdventX, Advent, Acolyte) | Entry-level groupsets (x3, x4, etc.) better than Shimano’s mid-range level |
| Price | Starts from 800 and goes up to 1 lac rupees | Ranges from 800-15000 rupees | Ranges from 1500-1.5 lacs rupees |
| Brand Use | Trusted by some brands for its quality and reliability | Used in low-cost bikes (less than 20k), partnered with Decathlon | Used in high-quality bikes (track bikes and racing bikes) |
| Where to Buy | Parts can be found in physical stores and online | Sometimes not found in physical stores, can be bought online and in some physical stores | Can be bought online and in physical stores |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Microshift’s Gear and Component Systems
Advantages :
- Microshift gears are tiny and light, perfect for mountain and road bikes needing a small gear range.
- Their short tooth profile is excellent for fast downhill or cross-country rides.
- Microshift shifters offer accurate and speedy shifting due to the small gear teeth size.
- Microshift provides a broader gear range than Shimano gears, which is helpful for hilly or rough terrain.
Disadvantages :
- Microshift gear shifters can be tough to disassemble and might make noise during shifting.
- Shifting Microshift gears in wet or icy conditions can be challenging.
- They can also be noisy when shifting, which could be better for quiet rides.
- Finding Microshifts can be challenging in some parts of the world, and they need more support from Shimano dealers.
- Some bikes or components may need adjustments to work with Microsoft.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Shimano Gear Systems and Collections
Advantages:
- Shimano gears are known for their long-lasting quality and performance.
- They offer various options, compatible with many types of bikes.
- Shimano gears are more robust than Microshift, able to handle more giant bags with more force.
- Components like derailleurs, shifters, drivetrain, and cassettes in Shimano gears provide an excellent cycling experience.
Disadvantages:
- Shimano gears may wear out due to heavy use, but this might be fine for some riders.
- While Shimano gears are more giant than Microshift, they offer a smaller gear range, best suited for flat or smooth terrains.
- Shimano gears are more expensive than Microshift gears.
When is Microshift a Better Choice Than Shimano?
Hey there, Microshift and Shimano are two distinct brands known for their gear shifters. They’re well-known globally, and their parts are used in renowned and imported bikes.
Research and data show that Shimano is the world’s biggest maker of bike components, leading the bicycle market.
Meanwhile, Microsoft is a newer brand. It’s gaining ground in the bicycle market, like Decathlon, with its fresh technology and growing product line. Let’s look at the main differences in the products they make.
When thinking about the type of gear, a few factors come into play. The size of your bike and the kind of ground you’ll be cycling on are crucial. The gear range you need for your journey is another vital point.
Which gear range is the right choice for you?
Microshift and Shimano gear systems work differently, so they each have pros and cons. It’s crucial to know which one suits you best. Let’s see what each brings to the table.
Shimano gears are famous for their long-lasting quality and accuracy. They provide a broad gear range for dedicated bike riders who must travel far and fast. Their teeth are also more prominent than those on Microshift gears, making them more effective when riding uphill or steadily.
Some top-notch Shimano gears include Shimano Altus, Shimano Acera, Shimano Tourney TZ, Shimano Alivio, and Shimano Sora. All these are different models used in various kinds of bicycles.
Shimano Company’s Bicycle Parts
- Shimano Chains: You can find Shimano chains in many lengths and widths, making them fit a broad range of gear shifters. They also come in different levels of strength, allowing you to pick the proper chain for your requirements.
- Shimano Gear Shifters: Shimano gear shifters are a must-have for any bike rider, whether you’re a newbie or an experienced pro. In this piece, we’ll explore the various kinds of Shimano gear shifters and recommend the best ones for your cycling needs.
- Shimano Di2 Electronic Gear Shifting: The Shimano Di2 electronic gear shifting is another fantastic choice for off-road cyclists. They employ a tiny computer to manage the gear changes, resulting in remarkably smooth and speedy shifts. They also have a clutch mechanism that stops the bike from running out of gears when riding on high-speed terrains.
- Race Face Turbine Crank Arms: Race Face Turbine crank arms are another excellent choice for mountain bikers desiring the best gear performance. They’re crafted from light aluminum, making them extremely tough and able to withstand wear and tear. Also, they have an embedded sensor that assists you in maximizing your power output on each ride.
- Cranksets: Shimano’s cranksets feature the top-of-the-line Hollowtech crankset standard. This design fuses two parts to form a hollow aluminum crank arm. As a result, Shimano’s cranksets are both light and robust, boasting rigidity.
- Bicycle Computers: Shimano also produces bicycle computers. These devices enable you to monitor your cycling performance and monitor your stats. They come with features that aid in practical training. On the other hand, Microsoft does not manufacture cranksets.
In addition to these, Shimano also manufactures items like brakes, bicycle wheels, brake handles, pedals, disc brake rotors, front wheel hubs, and free hubs. This is why they are at the forefront of the bicycle parts market.
Microshift Company’s Bike Items
Microsoft is primarily known for creating bicycle shifters, derailleurs, cassettes, and biking accessories. Their items aim to enhance your biking journey.
- Shifters: One of their best-selling items is the shifters. These are crafted to make gear changing smoother and more relaxed. They are made from first-rate materials and are designed to be durable.
- Derailleurs: Microshift produces both back and front derailleurs for street and mountain bikes. These are the firm’s superior products due to their high quality. The rear ones range from 6 to 11 speeds, while the front ones vary from 2 to 3 and are made of aluminum.
- Cassettes: Cassettes also play a crucial role in a bike’s drivetrain. Microshift has numerous models of road bikes and mountain bikes of top quality. They vary from 7-speed to 11-speed and can work with any company’s chain. The Advent and Acolyte series are Microshift’s most premium cassettes.
- Microshift Setup: This setup lets bike riders shift gears fast and simply while keeping their hands on the handlebars. Besides being handy, this system allows cyclists to concentrate on their ride rather than fretting over gear switches.
Remember to look at Shimano’s micro-shift items if you’re ever looking for a top-notch gear system. They’re guaranteed to provide the required function and comfort you desire!
Shimano or MicroShift: Which Brand Provides the Most Worthwhile Groupsets?
Choosing a bicycle groupset involves considering many aspects. Which parts will give you the best bang for your buck? And which brand delivers top-notch performance?
We examined two of the most favored groupsets in the market, MicroShift and Shimano, assessing their features and cost.
Microshift is recognized for its excellent quality parts and competitive pricing. Their R9000 Ultegra Groupset is among the most budget-friendly options, providing significant value for its price. While it may not include everything you desire (like a compact crankset), it’s loaded with features to enhance your cycling experience.
Regarding value-for-money groupsets, Shimano is tough competition—both MicroShift and SRAM present superb options at cost-effective prices. However, regarding overall performance, Shimano often comes out on top. If you’re seeking long-lasting components and smooth gear shifts, Shimano is likely the ideal choice.
Check out the following YouTube video that take you through Shimano and Microshift gears from a real person demonstrating it.
Comparing Microshift and Shimano Shifters: What’s the Difference?
Microsoft has introduced a new shifter that is smaller and more compact. It’s designed for bikes with small frames. They have a variety of shifters tailored to different handlebars.
For instance, they offer the Trail Trigger, Quick Trigger, Xpress, Thumb Press, and Twist Shifters for flat bar handles. There’s a wide range so you can check out Microshift’s website for more information.
On the other hand, Shimano has shifters with two levers controlling gear upshifts and downshifts. The brake lever also moves inward to manage both actions. Moreover, Shimano has unveiled a micro-shift option for its mountain bike groupsets, created explicitly for smaller frames.
The Benefits of Using Microshift Shifters:
Microshift shifters have several benefits. They are smaller and simpler to use than regular shifters, which is great for riders with small hands or those riding bikes with small frames. Also, Microshift shifters provide more options for choosing gears, making gear changes smoother and quicker than with a typical shifter.
In summary, the option of MicroShift shifters is a valuable addition to the mountain biking scene. They’re ideal for riders with smaller frames or those looking to simplify gear selection.
Is it Possible to Pair MicroShift Shifters with a Shimano Derailleur?
There’s some discussion about using Microshift shifters with a Shimano derailleur. Most people agree it’s possible, but you might need to adjust the shifter.
The main problem is that the small gear teeth in Microshift shifters don’t match the big gear teeth in a Shimano derailleur. You may have to swap the derailleur to make them work together for a model that fits. Another option could be to use a different kind of shifter, like an SRAM Apex or Grip Shift.
How to Fine-Tune a Microshift Shifter? Follow These 3 Easy Steps
Adjusting a Microshift shifter is a task that many have inquired about. Luckily, it’s not hard to do, but it does have a few steps. Here’s how to do it:
- First, press the button on the side to open the shifter. You’ll notice two screws on each side of the shifter. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to take them out.
- Next, lift and put the cover aside. Below it, you’ll find three adjustment screws (labeled A, B, and C). Use a Philips head screwdriver to tweak these screws until you get the desired feel. Take your time – getting it just right can take a while.
- Finally, put the cover back and replace the screws, and you’re all set!
Shimano 105 Versus Microshift: A Detailed Comparison to Determine the Superior Choice
Shimano is a well-known name in the cycling world. They make all sorts of stuff, from basic bikes to high-end parts. Their 105 series is also top-rated. So, when I needed a bike for getting around town, Shimano was my first pick.
But what about micro-shifting? Is paying more for a Shimano 105 bike than a regular one? No worries! We’ll take a look at both types and figure out which one is best for you.
Shimano 105 Versus Microshift: Deciding the Better Pic
Regarding gear ratios, Shimano’s 105 series is more adaptable than micro-shifting. The usual range for Shimano gears is from 1 to 10, where ten is the strongest. But with Microshifting, you get 12 different loads. This gives you more choices for different speeds and terrains.
Microsoft has a few other perks over Shimano 105 too. For example, their shifting system makes less noise than Shimano’s. Also, their gears are smaller (and therefore slower), so they don’t jam your bike’s gears as much.
Both systems have good points and bad points. In the end, the choice depends on what you like. If you want the most flexibility and easy use, a micro-shifting bike might be the best for you. But if you wish for dependable performance and don’t want extra noise or hassle, then a Shimano 105 bike could better fit you.
Shimano Tourney or Microshift Mezzo: Which Bike Model Tops the Other?
Shimano is unbeatable when it comes to cost-effectiveness. This Japanese company offers many groupsets made for different riders and budgets. Two of the most liked options are the MicroShift Mezzo and its brother, the 105. Both are budget-friendly and offer good quality for riders who want value.
On the flip side, SRAM’s items can be pricey for some riders, and the company has fewer budget-friendly options than Shimano. For instance, SRAM’s best group, the Rival1, is less budget-friendly than the MicroShift Mezzo or 105. Plus, SRAM’s gear is often picked by more seasoned cyclists who want high-performing features.
Ultimately, it’s about what you like and which brands you favor. If you’re watching your wallet, Shimano is a good pick because it has many budget-friendly groupsets. But if you want high-performing gear that isn’t too expensive, Microsoft might be the better choice.
Conclusion: Microshift vs. Shimano – Which One Triumph?
When you think about bike gear changing, two big names usually come to mind: Shimano and Microshift. Both brands have good and not-so-good points, making it tough to figure out which is the right pick for you.
Let’s look at the main ways Microshift, Shimano, and SRAM are different from each other:
- Microshift uses a ball-and-cup system for gear changes, while Shimano uses a straight-line method. This small detail can significantly affect how the gear switching feels.
- Microshift’s gear changers are smaller than Shimano’s, making them easier to handle and keep an eye on.
- The cables used by Microshift are thinner than those used by Shimano, reducing the chances of them breaking or fraying.
In the end, both Microshift and Shimano give you the promise to fix or replace your gear shift if it stops working. But Microsoft’s commitment lasts longer than Shimano’s.
FAQs: Comparing Microshift and Shimano Parts
Which weighs less, Shimano or SRAM?
The weight of these components depends on what they’re made of. Steel parts are generally heavier than those made from carbon fiber or aluminum. Shimano uses aluminum for its features, while SRAM uses carbon fiber for its higher-end products.
Can Microshift work with SRAM?
Microshift and SRAM are rival companies. Their products have unique designs and mechanisms. Mixing parts from these two brands might not be the best idea as it could affect your bike’s performance.
Is Shimano or SRAM more affordable?
Neither brand is necessarily cheaper. Shimano and SRAM make bike parts for all budgets, from low to high. Shimano offers less expensive models like the Shimano Tourney and Shimano Acera.
Can MicroSHIFT advent be used with Shimano?
Unfortunately, it can’t. The cable pull of ADVENT X is different from that of Shimano’s 10-speed products. So, it’s recommended to use ADVENT X shifters and derailleurs made by Microshift.
Which one is better, SRAM or Shimano?
Choosing between Shimano and SRAM can be challenging as both brands have excellent technology. However, many prefer Shimano for road bikes, while SRAM is often selected for mountain bikes. You can check out the differences here.
A passionate cyclist with an unwavering love for the open road and founder of topbikesguide.com . Energetic and dedicated, this enthusiast embraces the thrill of speed and the freedom of two wheels.