Groupsets

Groupsets

If you are a bike enthusiast or planning to purchase your first bike, you will come across terms such as groupsets SRAM and groupset Shimano. These are two of the most popular brands on the market. Often referred to as “Gruppo,” this mechanism refers to any electronic or mechanical bike components designed to facilitate changing of gears, braking, or operating the drivetrain. With the help of Velomio, you will find different comparisons or options to fit your bike.

Choosing the Right Groupset

You need to understand a few things about your bike’s engine room while shopping for the right groupset. Some of the most important things to consider are the mechanical and/or electrical drivetrain features. With the help of Velomio, you can easily choose the right groupset.

Electronic Versus Mechanical Shifting

Electronic Shifting

Each major groupset manufacturer offers a wide range of electronic and mechanical options. Each of them comes with different operating procedures and names. When it comes to electronic options, the Campagnolo brand, for example, has EPS. This acronym stands for Electronic Power Shift.

You might also come across Di2 when shopping for groupset Shimano. It stands for Digital Integrated Intelligence. Groupset SRAM has eTap, which means Electronic Tap. These electronic variants use wires to activate the rear and front derailleur using the shifter triggers. Electronic groupsets use wires attached to the derailleurs and shifters to transfer a signal.

Some of the benefits of using this type of groupset include:

• Easier shifting at the lever
• Precise shifting
• Less difficulty when it comes to cable routing
• Lack of deviation from the adjustments you set
• Downloadable information on shifting efficiency and habits
• Programmable shifting

The disadvantage of this type of shifting is that the system can break down if you fail to charge your batteries. It is also heavier and costs more when compared to mechanical groupsets. 

Mechanical Shifting

With this type of groupset, shifting works through cables attached to your bike’s shifters. The cables run through the bike frame, either externally or internally, to the rear and front derailleurs. When you move the shift lever, it will release or pull cables, which will then activate the derailleurs to shift down or up. 

The benefits of this type of groupset include:

• Lower cost 
• Less weight
• Natural shift feel

However, mechanical shifting is not flawless. To work perfectly, the cables need to be in good working order. Additionally, bikes with acute angles and long frame tubes can make the process of installing cables more difficult. 

If you are finding it difficult to choose the right groupset for your bike, Velomio will give you some great options.