Shimano highway bike groupsets: know your Tiagra out of your Dura-Ace Di2

Shimano has a deep-rooted historical past within the sport of biking and celebrated its one centesimal birthday in 2021. It is likely one of the greatest names within the enterprise for producing high-quality elements throughout all biking disciplines, from highway and gravel to mountain bikes, commuters, electrical bikes and extra, Shimano is a market chief in biking. 

The model is greatest identified for its groupsets, of which there are dozens to select from, though it additionally sells aero wheels, electrical motors and different elements, in addition to clothes and biking footwear. Its GRX gravel bike groupsets are specced on among the greatest gravel bikes.

The abundance of Shimano highway bike groupsets out there might be fairly complicated, so on this information, we’ll define the entire Shimano highway bike groupsets, so you can also make knowledgeable choices when selecting arrange your bikes in future. 

Separately, we now have a full round-up of the perfect highway bike groupsets, an in depth rundown of Shimano gravel groupsets, in addition to deep dives into Shimano’s fundamental rivals: SRAM and Campagnolo. 

Shimano highway bike groupsets: A fast run-down

Shimano’s highway groupset hierarchy includes, in descending order of performance and price:

• Dura-Ace R9200 12-speed
• Ultegra R8100 12-speed
• 105 Di2 R7150 12-speed
• 105 R7100 mechanical 12-speed
• Tiagra R4700 10-speed
• Sora R3000 9-speed
• Claris R2000 8-speed

We’ll cowl all the present groupsets right down to Tiagra intimately on this information, in addition to the earlier technology of Dura-Ace, Ultegra and 105.

You can distinguish between Shimano groupset generations by their mannequin quantity, which all the time begins with an R for its highway bike groupsets.

Shimano’s range-topping Dura-Ace collection offers the final word in-road bike efficiency. Fit for the largest races on the planet, whereas its Ultegra and 105 groupsets cater for extra budget-conscious racers and endurance riders.

All are actually 12-speed and all provide Shimano’s Di2 digital shifting, though Shimano has dropped the Di2 from the official names of Dura-Ace and Ultegra. It stays in Shimano 105 Di2, nevertheless. This is to tell apart the digital model, as 105 is the one Shimano 12-speed groupset to supply a mechanical model.

Closer to the entry-level finish of the highway bike market, Shimano’s Tiagra groupset offers dependable efficiency and sturdiness at a good decrease price, benefiting from know-how and efficiency that trickles down from Dura-Ace.

That trickle-down continues to Sora and Claris too.

Continue studying for Cyclingnews‘ roundup on all Shimano’s present collection highway groupsets. Lower, down we now have detailed previous-generation Shimano groupsets. Some of those should be available for purchase, or you could discover them on some new or used  bikes and spare components are usually nonetheless on sale.

Shimano highway groupsets

Shimano’s eagerly anticipated Dura-Ace R9200 improve delivered 12-speed, electronic-only shifting and a semi-wireless setup. After an almost five-year wait, none of this was surprising however, when it did lastly arrive, it reaffirmed Shimano’s place on the prime of the groupsets hierarchy.

The transfer from 11-speed to 12 was one thing Shimano needed to comply with after rivals SRAM and Campagnolo had already added an additional cog. Shimano overhauled its sprocket know-how on the cassette with Hyperglide+, an evolution of Hyperglide offering quicker, ‘shockless’ shifts in any gear due to a brand new ramped tooth profile and revised ‘candy spot’ gearing between the sixth, seventh and eighth sprockets. 

There are two cassette choices: 11-30T and 11-34T which might be mated with three chainring configurations (50/34T, 52/36T and 54/40T). The Japanese firm made the choice to bin the 53/39T chainring possibility citing it as not commercially viable, selecting to switch it with the 54/40T possibility as requested by skilled groups. Crankarm lengths span 160 to 177.5mm and, as with the earlier iteration of Dura-Ace, there may be the choice for an built-in energy meter within the crankarms.

The introduction of a wi-fi interface communication system is taken into account ‘semi-wireless’ as a result of, whereas there is no such thing as a longer a wired connection between the controls and drivetrain, there’s nonetheless a necessity for a central battery to energy the entrance and rear derailleurs. This is not like SRAM and Campagnolo digital groupsets, that are totally wi-fi, with a battery connected to every derailleur. 

To handle the shifting delay challenges typically related to wi-fi programs, Shimano made the sign response and motor actuation quicker than earlier than – shift response occasions are actually 58 per cent quicker on the rear and 45 per cent quicker on the entrance. 

The entrance derailleur (FD-R9250) has taken on a sleeker look full with a smoke-look cage. Not solely does it weigh simply 96g, however Shimano has additionally decreased the frontal space over the outgoing model by 33 per cent. 

The rear derailleur (RD-R9250) is extra refined than its predecessor, boasting a one-cage-fits-all design that works with cassettes starting from 11-28T to 11-34T. To simplify the becoming course of throughout a number of bike platforms, the charging port has been relocated to the rear derailleur and the cable is now cross-compatible with the non-compulsory energy meter.

The cockpit has a cleaner and extra ergonomic structure. There is an inward-tilting aero profile and an elevated offset between the 2 Di2 buttons on the lever, including an additional layer of consolation over the outgoing Dura-Ace.

A pleasant function is the flexibility to regulate the derailleurs electronically utilizing the app, in addition to the flexibility to customize the multishift and synchronisation shifting – selecting what number of gear adjustments you can also make with a single button press or if the rear derailleur will modify to match a entrance shift, or vice-versa. Bluetooth connectivity is now built-in, whereas it was an extra price merchandise on the earlier technology groupset.

While mechanical shifting is gone, rim brakes stay an possibility. For these utilizing discs, there are a bunch of enhancements, beginning with an up to date lever motion. Taken from Shimano’s MTB and Gravel braking programs, Servowave applies better braking energy with improved management. In addition, a ten per cent wider brake pad and rotor clearance and a swap in direction of Shimano’s RT-MT900 rotors lead to a quieter system.

The second-tier Ultegra vary was given the 12-speed, wi-fi Di2 therapy concurrently the brand new Dura-Ace – and Shimano delivered one other well-thought-out, high-performing groupset.

Like the brand new Dura-Ace, Ultegra R8100 is electronic-only, has the choice of an built-in energy meter, presents upgraded braking and utilises the identical Hyperglide+ sprocket know-how to enhance effectivity in addition to velocity of shifting. The trade-off just about comes right down to price versus weight. Opting for Ultegra R8100 provides 278g however at a hefty saving on the worth.  

The aesthetic variations within the elements on the brand new Ultegra from its predecessor Ultegra R8050/R8070 are delicate, and it’s the adjustments within the routing of the wiring that almost all have an effect on the look of the groupset. 

It is vastly simplified with no extra junction bins and the entire system now revolves across the rear derailleur. There’s nonetheless a central battery, good for roughly 1,000km of driving per cost, however now this battery has solely two wires. One runs to the entrance derailleur and one runs to the rear derailleur. The interface button and cost port sit on the rear derailleur and the entrance controls use their very own coin cell batteries with a life expectancy of two years. 

The identical Servowave know-how taken from Shimano’s MTB and Gravel braking programs which can be used on the brand new flagship Dura-Ace trickles straight right down to the Ultegra to enhance braking energy and management.

The greatest factor that stood out for us when testing Ultegra R8100 was the brakes and the hoods. The hoods are slim and very snug, even on lengthy rides. Buttons on prime of the hoods might be linked up with a cycle laptop to modify screens – and felt like magic to make use of. When it was time to brake, it felt pure to wrap one or two fingers across the higher a part of the brake lever whereas retaining the decrease fingers wrapped across the bars. 

Adopting that hand place means little or no leverage in opposition to the brake lever. That, in flip, performs into the strengths of Servowave know-how. There’s loads of energy for robust braking efficiency even with out transferring to the drops for the perfect leverage on the brake levers.

It was solely a matter of time earlier than 12-speed trickled right down to Shimano’s third-tier groupset however maybe extra shocking is {that a} shift to an digital and disc brake-only system initially accompanied it. 

The excellent news is that, as with Dura-Ace and Ultegra the 105 groupset options 12-speed cassettes which can be backwards appropriate with current Shimano 11-speed freehubs, which means you don’t want to purchase new wheels or a brand new freehub. 

The cassettes are available in 11-34T and 11-36T guises, on-trend with Shimano’s push to simplify the gearing choices and enhance their vary, and are complemented by 50/34T and 52/36T chainsets, as per Ultegra, leaving Dura-Ace the one crankset to supply the bigger 54/40T possibility.

The new 105 groupset additionally utilises the identical semi-wireless setup as Ultegra and Dura-Ace. The connection between the shifters and the rear derailleur is wi-fi, and the entrance and rear derailleurs are powered by a standard cabled battery throughout the bike’s body. 

Shimano has taken the chance to refine the outside ergonomics of the shifters. The hood form has the next peak to offer extra grip when in a forearms-horizontal place (and prone to make room for the added elements inside, specifically the battery and wi-fi transmitter) and there is a smoother floor to the lever hood rubber.

While some could also be disenchanted with the shortage of a rim-brake possibility, disc-brake followers might be heartened by the enhancements in that space. Two new Centerlock rotors, that includes Ice Technology Freeza – a triple-layer development and cooling fins – enhance pad life and maintain rotor temperatures down on lengthy descents (and by extension scale back rotor deformation and pad rub). Pad rub has been addressed on the calliper, too, with a ten% wider pad hole to permit slightly extra room for rotors which can be barely warped, mounting factors that haven’t been confronted completely precisely or highway particles. 

In a departure from Ultegra and Dura-Ace, the 105 levers don’t function the Servowave system adopted from the Shimano’s mountain bike groupsets and so they do not embrace a 3rd “hidden” management button. 

Although the 12-speed 105 debuted with the Di2 digital groupset, Shimano’s subsequent launch of the mechanical 105 groupset added a less expensive 12-speed possibility and can please these preferring cable operation.

105 mechanical shares lots of its elements with 105 Di2, reminiscent of its crankset, chain and cassette, so you’ve the identical big selection of gearing choices. As with 105 Di2, it is also disc brake solely, with the identical enhanced pad clearance, serving to to scale back the danger of rotor rub.

It’s arguably higher trying than 105 Di2 as properly, because it would not have the bulbous entrance derailleur motor housing and, with out motors or a battery, its weight is decrease. Its levers are additionally extra svelte than these of 105 Di2.

The absence of motors and batteries additionally leads to a decrease weight than 105 Di2, by round 200g. The use of much less flashy supplies and the big selection of cassettes do imply that 105 mechanical remains to be comparable in weight to the digital Ultegra although and you do not get that groupset’s premium options reminiscent of Hyperglide+ shifting, though in our expertise the distinction is troublesome to really feel when driving.

You even have to stay with the usual shifting logic, whereas digital shifting means that you can adapt this to your preferences utilizing the Shimano E-Tube app.

The Tiagra 4700 Dual Control levers have been redesigned, bringing improved ergonomics and, eventually, inner cable routing underneath the bar tape, which additionally massively improves its look. There are in-series hydraulic disc brakes in addition to cable-operated rim brakes out there.

Shimano has launched improved hydraulic disc brake twin management levers (and Tiagra-level disc brake callipers) that provide the improved ergonomics and design of its increased spec groupsets and there may be additionally a ‘small fingers’ possibility and flat bar shifters in addition to the cheaper RS405 shifters, which have a extra bulbous look.

Rim-braking efficiency has additionally been improved by 30 per cent over the earlier technology of Tiagra.

The crankset features the four-arm design of higher-end Shimano groupsets that intention to stability weight with out compromising on stiffness. Unlike Shimano’s higher-end groupsets, Tiagra 4700/4720 has the choice of a triple crankset, for many who want much more gearing vary than a normal compact crankset can provide.

The entrance derailleur design inherits the prolonged lever arm design, first seen on Dura-Ace R9000, which delivers a lighter shifting motion, and the rear derailleur is offered in both a brief cage (SS) or a medium cage (GS). The SS model can accommodate as much as an 11-28T cassette, and GS variations are rated for as much as an 11-34T cassette (when paired with a double crankset).

The solely main disadvantage is the 10-speed groupset configuration. Tiagra 4700/4720 elements should not appropriate with these from Shimano’s 12-speed groupsets, so the improve path is not as straightforward – for those who wished to improve to 12-speed, you would want to switch the entire groupset in a single go.

If your finances would not fairly stretch to 105 R7100, although, otherwise you merely need a good worth 10-speed groupset, Tiagra 4700/4720 collection offers efficiency and appears much like what was just a few years in the past prime quality for Shimano, at an entry-level worth.

Discontinued and former technology Shimano highway bike groupsets

Below, we cowl the options of Shimano’s earlier technology 11-speed groupsets, Dura-Ace Di2 R9150/9170, Dura-Ace R9100/9120, Ultegra Di2 R8050, Ultegra R8000 and 105 R7000.

Until R9200 got here alongside in direction of the top of 2021, Dura-Ace Di2 R9150/R9170 represented the head of Shimano’s highway groupset vary, delivering Tour de France-winning efficiency. It differs from the newer model primarily in that it’s 11-speed.

The RD-R9150 rear derailleur takes cues from Shimano’s mountain bike applied sciences, with a low profile and extra aerodynamic Shadow design, and the flexibility to deal with cassettes as much as 30T. The entrance derailleur had primarily beauty updates from the Dura-Ace R9070 collection and the ST-R9150 Dual Control lever’s (what Shimano calls its built-in shifter and brake levers) ergonomics had been additionally refined, with a subtly improved hood form and texture, elevated lever attain adjustability and better tactile suggestions from the shifter buttons.

Dura-Ace R9150/R9170 additionally gained various Synchro Shift choices which enabled the system to routinely select the optimum entrance and rear gearing mixture, based mostly on the rider’s collection of both a better or tougher gear (programmable to any mixture of shift buttons the person wished to decide on). 

For these wishing to retain extra management, there was additionally a Semi-Synchro Shift mode that concurrently shifts the rear derailleur at any time when the rider shifts the entrance derailleur, to assist preserve the same gear ratio and cadence after shifting. Alternatively, the system can nonetheless be utilized in the usual handbook mode, the place the rider retains full management over gearing choice.

Via an EW-WU111 E-Tube wi-fi unit, the system can talk through ANT+/Bluetooth LE with appropriate equipment reminiscent of cycle computer systems and smartphones/tablets. Shimano’s E-Tube Project app can then be used to simply customise the system or replace its firmware.

Continuing the theme of elevated choices for customisation and connectivity, Dura-Ace R9150/R9170  has a complete of three various kinds of its Di2 Junction A field; one conventional possibility that sits underneath the stem, one other that resembles a bar finish plug, that can be utilized with appropriate handlebars, and a remaining possibility that may be positioned inside appropriate frames.

The chainset options an uneven crank arm design, and it additionally will get chainline and tooth profiles which have been optimised to be used on bikes with disc-brake programs.

For the primary time, a model of the crankset with an built-in, dual-sided energy meter was made out there straight from Shimano. The ANT+ and Bluetooth LE appropriate FC-R9100-P claims over 300 hours of journey time from its inner rechargeable battery, +/-2% accuracy (with energetic temperature compensation), and to be waterproof in all situations.

The Dura-Ace R9100 rim brakes noticed a 43 per cent enhance in stiffness (in comparison with Dura-Ace R9000 collection rim brakes), improved really feel and stopping energy, clearance for as much as 28c tyres and a fast launch lever that tucks into the primary physique of the brake for improved aerodynamics. The R9100 brakes can be found in centre mount or direct mount, with an extra possibility for direct mount underneath backside brackets.

Dura-Ace R9170 additionally noticed the official introduction of hydraulic disc brakes on the Dura-Ace degree (till then, hydraulic disc brakes had been thought of non-series by Shimano).

Despite its deal with Di2, Shimano did not relaxation on its laurels with the 9100 technology of mechanical Dura-Ace, with comparable enhancements throughout the board.

The Dual Control lever ergonomics had been refined according to their Di2 counterparts, throughout each the rim and hydraulic disc brake fashions. Both gained a shorter lever stroke (which means faster shifts than earlier than), a lighter front-shifting motion, improved hood form and texture, and a bigger vary of attain adjustment for a extra customisable match.

As with Di2, it is the levers for hydraulic disc brakes that benefited essentially the most from the up to date and refined hood form – although they gained about 170g in weight in comparison with the rim-brake variations, they’re solely barely bigger in profile and share the same attain and grip diameter.

The up to date rear derailleur shares the Shadow design of the R9150 Di2 model, and the flexibility to mount through direct-mount hangers, to supply elevated wheel clearance and simpler wheel adjustments in comparison with a normal hanger.

In distinction to the Di2 model, the mechanical entrance derailleur design noticed a whole overhaul. The FD-R9100 is way smaller in profile than the earlier technology (growing tyre clearance and bettering aerodynamics), presents extra cable routing choices and, notably, it additionally comes with an built-in cable tensioner that removes the requirement for an inline cable rigidity adjuster.

Though maybe not fairly as technically superior as Dura-Ace R9150/R9170 Di2, the mechanical Dura-Ace groupsets, R9100/R9120, however share most of the identical elements (reminiscent of rim brakes, disc brake callipers and rotors, cranksets, cassettes and chain) and subsequently very comparable efficiency traits. 

Ultegra R8050/R8070 was Shimano’s second-tier Di2 groupset earlier than the shift to 12-speed with R8100, providing virtually an identical efficiency to the Tour de France-winning 11-speed Dura-Ace Di2, however at a much-reduced worth.

Throughout the groupset, Ultegra elements use cheaper and barely heavier supplies and manufacturing strategies than Dura-Ace, which accounts for the drop in worth. The Ultegra entrance derailleur makes use of a heavier metal outer cage, for instance, relatively than the aluminium one discovered on Dura-Ace. Furthermore, the rear derailleur cage makes use of aluminium relatively than carbon fibre, and the cassettes lose the titanium sprockets in favour of heavier, all-steel sprockets.

All of those minor adjustments add as much as the headline distinction between Ultegra R8050/R8070 and Dura-Ace R9150/R9170, which is the marginally elevated system weight. Ultegra features about 200-300g over the equal Dura-Ace groupset. How vital that’s, is admittedly as much as you, however allowing for {that a} crammed bidon weighs someplace within the area of 500g, it is unlikely to hinder anybody’s efficiency an excessive amount of.

Ultegra R8050/R8070 introduced compatibility with the brand new built-in Junction A bins, and the EW-WU111 E-Tube wi-fi unit, which allows ANT+ and Bluetooth LE connectivity, and the flexibility to customize the groupset through the E-Tube Project app on smartphones and tablets.

It additionally benefited tremendously from Shimano’s redesigned Dual Control levers, throughout each rim and hydraulic disc brake fashions. They are virtually an identical to the equal Dura-Ace variations, however acquire just a few grams from their use of barely heavier inner supplies. The disc-brake rotors additionally lose the particular heat-dissipating coating from the fins.

Rim brakes had been redesigned according to the Dura-Ace R9100 collection, with elevated clearance for as much as 28C tyres, and a quick-release lever that integrates extra cleanly into the brake arm.

Considered by Shimano to be a extra versatile groupset than the purely race-focused Dura-Ace collection, Ultegra gained the flexibility to utilise wider ranges of gears, by way of the selection of both a brief cage (SS) or medium cage (GS) rear derailleurs. The SS model can deal with as much as an 11-30 cassette as inventory, however the GS model can accommodate an 11-34T cassette, giving an enormous vary of gears that ought to allow riders to climb even the steepest hills.

Throughout the remainder of the groupset, Ultegra R8050/8070 maintains a remarkably comparable aesthetic and efficiency to Dura-Ace R9150/R9170, however its normal look is admittedly much less polished.

Again, that is unlikely to hinder efficiency on the bike, and the query of whether or not it is price the additional expense to make the step as much as Dura-Ace comes down to private desire.

Like Dura-Ace R9100/9120, the mechanical Ultegra R8000/R8020 groupset noticed enhancements and refinements throughout the board, relative to the earlier technology.

The shift and brake levers have the identical redesigned hood shapes and textures, and the identical smaller profile for the disc-brake-compatible fashions.

Furthermore, the rear derailleur gained the identical Shadow design and is offered with both a brief cage (SS) or medium cage (GS), growing the gearing vary above and past that of Dura-Ace.

The overhauled entrance derailleur design additionally trickles down from Dura-Ace R9100, with a smaller profile, and the addition of a cable tensioning screw that eliminates the necessity for an inline cable adjuster.

Again, mechanical Ultegra shares most of the identical elements as Ultegra Di2 (such because the crankset, cassettes, chain, rim brakes, disc-brake calipers and rotors), so for those who can reside with out digital shifting, it can save you a major amount of cash and nonetheless get nearly all of the identical efficiency.

Released round a 12 months after the Ultegra R8000 collection, Shimano’s 105 R7000/R7020 groupsets provide virtually an identical day-to-day efficiency to its costlier stablemates, however at a fraction of the worth.

Thankfully, the non-series RS505 Dual Control levers, that beforehand introduced hydraulic disc brakes to 105 degree groupsets, have been consigned to historical past. The Dual Control levers for each rim and hydraulic disc brakes, acquired an aesthetic and ergonomic replace according to Ultegra and Dura-Ace. There can also be a brand new ‘small fingers’ possibility, for the hydraulic disc brake Dual Control levers, which have smaller levers and ergonomics particularly tuned for riders with, as you’ll have guessed, smaller fingers.

One minor compromise is that 105 R7000/R7020 has painted aluminium brake levers (versus the marginally lighter composite levers discovered on Ultegra and Dura-Ace), and throughout the remainder of the groupset, the story is comparable – aesthetically and functionally, each a part of 105 R7000/R7020 is extremely near Ultegra and Dura-Ace. The solely draw back is it features just a few additional grams right here and there, because of using cheaper, heavier supplies and manufacturing processes.

If you are searching for Shimano’s least expensive 11-speed groupset, or if you would like 160mm cranks, that is the groupset for you, and in all chance, you will not be disenchanted. 105 might not have the identical status or cool issue as Ultegra or Dura-Ace, but it surely’s arduous to argue with the unimaginable worth it presents.

Who is Shimano?

Established in Sakai, Japan, by Shozaburo Shimano in 1921, Shimano has made bicycle elements since its inception and launched its first full groupset, Dura-Ace 7100, in 1973.

In 1984, Shimano revolutionised bicycle gearing by introducing the Shimano Index System – the world’s first listed gearing system – and in 1988 Andy Hampsten (driving for the 7-Eleven staff) took Shimano’s first grand tour victory on the Giro d’Italia (having taken the race lead along with his well-known assault within the snow over the Gavia Pass).

Since then, Shimano has gone on to develop into the world’s largest producer of biking elements, with an estimated world market share of 70-80 per cent, and a market chief in efficiency biking elements.

Aside from devoted groupsets for highway bikes, gravel bikes, mountain bikes, e-bikes, city bikes and BMX bikes, Shimano additionally manufactures efficiency wheels, elements (reminiscent of handlebars, stems, seat posts and saddles, underneath its Pro model), biking clothes, eyewear, footwear, equipment and even electrical bike motors for commuter bikes and mountain bikes alike.

Though not the primary firm to deliver an digital groupset to the market – credit score Mavic for that with the ‘Zap’ – Shimano undoubtedly kickstarted its wider adoption, with the discharge of its first Di2 groupset in 2009. Electronic gearing shortly turned a brand new commonplace within the skilled peloton, and rivals quickly adopted go well with, so all professional groups now use digital shifting.