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.
Groupset | Series | Speeds | Shifting type | Brake type | Ideal for | Key features |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Claris | R2000 | 2×8 3×8 | Mechanical only | Rim only | Beginner cyclists | Entry-level, suitable for various riding styles, affordable |
Sora | R3000 | 2×9 3×9 | Mechanical only | Rim only | Sport and fitness cyclists | Good for sport and fitness, reliable shifting, versatile gearing options |
Tiagra | R4700 | 2×10 3×10 | Mechanical only | Rim or disc | Recreational cyclists | Versatile gearing, durable construction, affordable pricing |
105 | R7100 | 2×12 | Electronic only | Disc only | Serious cyclists | Mid-range, wide gear range, more affordable electronic shifting |
Ultegra | R8100 | 2×12 | Electronic, or mechanical | Rim or disc | Serious racers, experienced cyclists | High performance, slightly heavier than Dura-Ace, electronic shifting |
Dura-Ace | R9200 | 2×12 | Electronic, or mechanical | Rim or disc | Professional and serious amateur cyclists | Pro-level performance, ultra-lightweight,, electronic shifting |