Shimano

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Shimano is the leading manufacturer of bicycle parts, especially the groupset, which is the collection of components that make up a bike’s drivetrain, brakes, and shifting system. Shimano offers a range of groupsets for different types of road bikes and riders, from recreational to professional cyclists.

The groupsets are ranked according to their performance, weight, technology, and price, with the entry-level groupsets being the most affordable and the top-tier groupsets being the most expensive and advanced.

Here are the groupsets in Shimano’s hierarchy.

GroupsetSeriesSpeedsShifting typeBrake typeIdeal forKey features
ClarisR20002×8
3×8
Mechanical onlyRim onlyBeginner cyclistsEntry-level, suitable for various riding styles, affordable
SoraR3000 2×9
3×9
Mechanical onlyRim onlySport and fitness cyclistsGood for sport and fitness, reliable shifting, versatile gearing options
TiagraR47002×10
3×10
Mechanical onlyRim or discRecreational cyclistsVersatile gearing, durable construction, affordable pricing
105R71002×12Electronic onlyDisc onlySerious cyclistsMid-range, wide gear range, more affordable electronic shifting
UltegraR81002×12Electronic, or mechanicalRim or discSerious racers, experienced cyclistsHigh performance, slightly heavier than Dura-Ace, electronic shifting
Dura-Ace R92002×12Electronic, or mechanicalRim or discProfessional and serious amateur cyclistsPro-level performance, ultra-lightweight,, electronic shifting
Shimano road bike groupset hierarchy

Shimano groupsets vs others

Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 vs SRAM Red AXS Groupset

Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 vs SRAM Red eTap AXS (12-speed) Comparison

Learn the differences between the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 and SRAM Red AXS (12-speed) groupsets.
Shimano Ultegra Di2 vs SRAM Force AXS Groupset

SRAM Force eTap AXS vs Shimano Ultegra Di2 Comparison

Understand the differences between the Shimano Ultegra Di2 and SRAM Force AXS (12-speed) groupset.
Shimano 105 Di2 vs SRAM Rival AXS Groupset

Shimano 105 Di2 vs SRAM Rival eTap AXS: Which is Better?

Learn the differences between the Shimano 105 Di2 and SRAM Rival AXS (12-speed) groupsets.
Shimano Ultegra Di2 vs Dura-Ace Di2 Groupset

Shimano Ultegra Di2 vs Dura-Ace Di2 12-speed Groupset Comparison

A detailed comparison between Shimano Ultegra Di2 and Dura-Ace Di2.
Shimano 105 Di2 vs Ultegra Di2 Groupset

Shimano 105 Di2 vs. Ultegra Di2 – Which One to Choose?

Our bike expert, Alex Lee does a detailed comparison between two most popular Shimano groupsets, the 105 and Ultegra Di2, examining their features, weight and price differences.

Shimano components vs others

Shimano Dura-Ace vs Ultegra vs 105 Cassettes

Shimano Dura-Ace vs Ultegra vs 105 Cassettes

Find out the differences between all Shimano 11 and 12-speed cassettes.
SRAM Rival vs Force vs Red AXS Cranksets

SRAM Rival vs Force vs Red AXS Cranksets

Find out the differences between all SRAM AXS cranksets.
Shimano Brake Pad Alternatives

The 15 Shimano Disc Brake Pad Alternatives

Find out the alternatives to the original Shimano road disc brake pads.
SRAM Red vs Force vs Rival AXS Chains

SRAM Red vs Force vs Rival AXS Chains (Weight, Material, and Price)

Understand the differences between SRAM Red, Force and Rival AXS 12-speed chains.
Shimano Dura-Ace vs Ultegra vs 105 Chains

Shimano Dura-Ace vs Ultegra vs 105 Chains

Compare and contrast the Shimano Dura-Ace and Ultegra and 105 chains.
SRAM Red vs Force vs Rival Cassettes

SRAM Red vs Force vs Rival AXS Cassette (12-speed)

Take a look at the differences between all SRAM AXS 12-speed cassettes.
Shimano XTR vs Dura-Ace Rotors Featured

Shimano Dura-Ace (RT-CL900) vs XTR (RT-MT900) Rotors Comparison

Learn the differences between Shimano Dura-Ace and XTR disc brake rotors.

Bikes with Shimano groupsets

The Best Shimano Ultegra Di2 Bikes in 2023

A list of all road bikes with Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset from leading brands.
Shimano 105 Di2 Road Bikes

The Best Shimano 105 Di2 Bikes in 2023

A list of all road bikes with Shimano 105 Di2 groupset from leading brands.