Good & Bad of Gravel Groupsets

[@stephenkohler3472]

Microshift sword 2x has been treating me extremely well. I've had it about 3 months and it's performance has been solid. Zero chain slap, crisp shifting, and great braking power. The only issues, so far, is that the double shift levers/buttons DO take a while to get used to and they make it pretty hard to downshift (smoothly) while in the drops. Not a big deal. Just a couple of awkward hand repositions per ride. My second gripe is that the shifters have started to rattle a little when I'm not on the hoods. It's minor, and I forget about it right after thinking "Oh, yeah. I was gonna try to fix that last night." I bought it for the price and the gear range, so the performance was a really nice surprise and the minor issues are just that. Very happy with it.

[@GravelCyclist]

Thanks Stephen, appreciate you chiming in. Despite some of their funny marketing comments, 'tis nice seeing a good alternative option. Love the choices we have nowadays. Would really like to try Sword on a project bike I mentioned in the video.

[@djiembefolaDan]

Complete, concise coverage. Well done, Jom! Cheers!

[@I3ene1]

I love my gevenalle shifters on my bikepacking bike. Just works, if the hanger gets bent, you just swap to friction and you are good to go till you can swap or fix it!

[@guidojt]

Love your videos and spunk! You even got me on the Ti train.

[@AMehta-ok5pf]

Jom once again proves he is the best out there. Really well done.

[@adamholbrook2281]

Thanks for the intel. I'm in the market for a new gravel bike, so this was very timely for me. Hope all is well in the homeland. Happy New Year.

[@GravelCyclist]

Thank you, Adam. Likewise.

[@lazlo2511]

Finally.. All the groupo’s in one place.. only From GC! Bravo! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@bonbonflippers4298]

Jom you had me laughing about guys in front of cameras making reviews without riding enough to really test out the products. So far you're the only youtuber that has actually influenced me in purchasing "expensive" stuff without any bullshit marketing or advertising. I love my T-Lab bike and Route werks bar bag. Both influenced by youre videos.

[@GravelCyclist]

Hahaha, thank you. So over that BS fake review let's focus the camera on my face rubbish.

[@tariqkamil7853]

Would love to hear your thoughts on the e-13 helix and it’s options and the garbruk cassettes

[@jaylocycling]

Another No BS review and calling it out how you see it! Never heard of a few of these companies. Lots of research done for this video. Thanks.

[@PtchCbls]

No punches pulled. Jom is always bringing the heat. Keep it goin!

[@erich8258]

It was a few years ago, but I rode the pants off Microshift 2x10 on a cyclocross bike and had no issues.

[@GravelCyclist]

Love when anyone rides the pants off a bike / gruppo. Nice one.

[@snakes4461]

"Check your f-ing in box!" 🤣 Get 'em, Jom!

[@vongps2961]

You can try Ekar GT groupset(GT RD max cog is 48T) with Sram 13s Cassette now(maybe you should change to Sram Pulley wheel on RD). If it is compatible it means that people will not have to buy rear wheel who must contain N3W freehub body. Just XDR is ok(My measurement on EKAR each sprocket distance is 3.36mm)

[@chrisbrown4686]

Jom I’m currently using a Shimano 105 di2 12 speed groupset with the GRX crankset on my gravel bike. So far it has been faultless. 👍

[@GravelCyclist]

Love reading mish mashed gruppo reports such as this, nice one.

[@Motorep146]

We've got two Litespeed Watia's with Ekar in the bike room and they're awesome. We've had no issues with the shifting and the gear spacing has been just fine on the gravel or climbing the back roads of southern Appalachia. I'm hoping for a wireless Ekar option soon and holding off on a climbing bike build until then.

[@GravelCyclist]

FYI Campy is dropping something new around February 20...

[@dariuslankarian3282]

There is also sensah hrd which is a hydraulic brake mechanical shifter which has recently come into the market.

[@GravelCyclist]

Thank you, bummed I was unaware of this.

[@SolidxSnakexDuke]

My 27,5" 2,0 wide tires Gravelbike runs whit the Eleven Speed Sram Apex 1 Whit a NX crankset 38 toth Oval chaine ring Cassete 11/46 . Mechanic disc brake TRP Spyre And 4 me what i do its fits me

[@vitmih380]

there is also such a set as Sensah, for example SRX PRO

[@GravelCyclist]

Thanks, a few other commenters have mentioned this. Bummed I missed this one.

[@rumplestiltskin1]

For a low cost and good quality mechanical groupset (ie great value) have a look at the Sensah 11-speed SRX derailleurs matched with their HRD shifters (either Empire or SRX).

[@GravelCyclist]

Thank you, I was unaware of this until you and another person left a comment. Appreciate it.

[@rumplestiltskin1]

@@GravelCyclist There's three China cycling brands I rate very highly for value and product quality... Sensah, Magene and Winspace (I've had multiple products from all three and very happy).

[@saddleweary2777]

I just got a bike with a 1 × 11 Rival double tap and don't know if it's a gravel set. I hope it will do the job

[@GravelCyclist]

If it has an 11-44 or 10-44 cassette you should be good to go. Naturally, this will depend on how hilly your local area is. Also, check the number of teeth on the chainring.

[@mister_ray]

Waiting for 12 speed Shimano GRX Di2. Expect it to be similar to Shimano 105 12 speed Di2 with wireless shifters.

[@GravelCyclist]

Agreed, those are my thoughts. I wonder how long?

[@thedownunderverse]

I have no insider info, but my tip is it’s been delayed (along with the Di2 12 speed MTB groups) because it’s a significant departure from what we’ve seen. There’s patents and FCC filings for Shimano rear derailleurs that work with both internal and external batteries.

[@aybee69]

I love seeing that Gevenalle was mentioned. I have several builds using them and they just WORK! Definitely a love em' or hate em' set up. Next will be a retro-mod 1x12 drop bar MTB/gravel "thing". If you want a set to review or play with, just let me know!

[@xtrainerchronicles2085]

I'm running ltwoo on my state all road, 2x11 style. Also running ltwoo 1x13 on my full suspension MTB and 1x12 on my Enduro.

[@GravelCyclist]

How are they performing? Thank you for writing in!

[@glassacre]

I love that there are so many options out there - including cheaper ones for both DIYers and those who need more budget-friendly group sets. That said, I'll be sticking with GRX 11 speed Di2 for the foreseeable future, as it just works for me (both on road and gravel). I do think on my next bike I will likely use Ultegra 50/34 cranks but everything else will be GRX. Also, I've always loved that T-Lab you have. I briefly considered them for my next bike but i think I will go with one of the newer Litespeeds. I currently have an Obed GVR that has been fantastically solid & reliable.

[@GravelCyclist]

Thank you. Agreed on the options, the drivetrain market has come a long way in just a few short years. Gearing options are getting better and better.

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

I have the Micro Shift Advent X 1x10 (42T x 11-51T) on my Marin Gestalt X10. It's been a year, and it has been phenomenal thus far for my gravel grinds. That 51T has allowed me to grind the steepest of hills that I'd normally reserve for my MTB. Compared to Shimano, it's not a smooth: stiff shifting, very clunky, and the clutch has a bit of play. The shifters are designed to be used almost exclusively on the hoods; if you're on the drops, it's difficult to shift to the highest gear. Despite the play in the clutch, i have descended MTB single-tracks without the chain ever coming off. Overall, i have been happy with Micro Shift, as the best value groupset of you want something affordable and robust.

[@GravelCyclist]

Thank you, rode the Advent X, but had nowhere as much time as you on the groupset. Appreciate your real-world thoughts and experiences.

[@CarsandBikes]

I have the LTWOO 12 speed shifters and am having issues getting to the biggest ring. At the moment I prefer the Microshift Advent X. Too bad the Sword is taking forever to get to the states.

[@GravelCyclist]

I was quite impressed with the Advent X considering its price point. I have to ask. With a YT name of CarsandBikes, assuming you like both? That's certainly the case here :)

[@CarsandBikes]

@@GravelCyclist i do like both

[@hansschotterradler3772]

Complete video on group sets; I don't think you left anything out. My 5800 series 105 I still treating me well.

[@noeldanganan1638]

Have Sram force 11 speed mechanical gs , changed derelleur cage/pulleys with garbaruk then bought a cheapo chinese lighweight 11-50 cassette and voila!! Perfect cyclocross/gravel bike!

[@_Schreintime]

I had the Microshift setup.. guess it did the job, poorly. Took a gamble and replaced it with Sensah Empire Pro 1x11... paid $148 on Amazon. Going on 700 miles. Surprisingly, my wife now wants it for her bike, too.

[@GravelCyclist]

$148 hard to lose, good stuff.

[@rgz4ams]

Di2 is fantastic. That said if Shimano came out with a 10 speed all mechanical group set with Ultegra quality that you could mix-match with any cogset and chainrings, rim brakes etc, it would be a hit.

[@GravelCyclist]

Agreed, and at a lower price point.

[@jonathanwoo6597]

I'm also disappointed that Shimano didn't introduce a 11-40 12-speed cassette. I'm running a 11-40 11-speed XTR cassette paired with Di2 full-time. Love it. I'm also running a 12-speed chain for extra quietness. Without a 11-40 12-speed cassette I see no reasons to upgrade to 12-speed. The 11-speed Di2 works so well. The wide range cassette also allows me to stay on the big ring longer.

[@GravelCyclist]

Absolutely amazing setup, glad to hear I'm not alone with my thoughts!

[@johndinsdale1707]

I would argue SRAM doesn't have a gravel groupset. It was a flexible Road/ MTB interchangeable option. So you can change between derailers (AXS Eagle/Road) with road shifters.

[@GravelCyclist]

XPLR is technically their gravel groupset, but I understand the point you're trying to make. I didn't cover mixing the MTB parts with road shifters, I generally stuck with the respective named groupset offerings.

[@petersouthernboy6327]

Oh Jeez - look at all the SRAM groupsets on manufacturer Gravel Bikes and at races like Unbound. My Revolt Advanced Pro 1 came with SRAM.

[@GravelCyclist]

They are killing it in the drivetrain market across the board.

[@petersouthernboy6327]

@@GravelCyclist they are here in the States, that’s for sure. Road, gravel, and MTB.

[@GravelCyclist]

Did you catch the Apex 1x12 launch for mechanic / eTap? Absolute game changer for value, IMHO.

[@jrmhng]

Dude how did you put out this video without reference to Joe at China Cycling, Luke at Trace Velo and the many many other reviews on KZbin? Anyway the conclusion is that the mechanical stuff is all good, the electronic is trash and they are using users as beta testers.

[@petersouthernboy6327]

Totally idiotic take.

[@GravelCyclist]

Never heard of him to be honest, thank you.

[@GvnS360]

Think the electronic stuff will get better with time.

[@jrmhng]

@@GvnS360 I hope so! Weight wise, it's Ultegra / Force level. Whack in a light weight crankset and you will be at Durace / Red weight (almost) at half the price

[@scruf153]

Micro Shift Advent and SRAM group set can't go wrong

[@thedownunderverse]

Wouldn’t go near any group that needs DOT fluid

[@GravelCyclist]

I'm assuming the higher boiling point of DOT fluid is why SRAM persists with the stuff?

[@thedownunderverse]

@@GravelCyclist its a mystery to me. the stuff is highly toxic and there’s no advantage to it over mineral oil on a human powered bicycle - only downsides.

[@derekmattice3077]

I always used Campy on the road (when I had a roadbke) so I bought a 3T Exploro with Ekar eager to try it. In six months I've broken two rear derailleurs and this past week the shifter stopped pulling cable. I'm very disappointed. I've used SRAM AXS XPLOR in the past on the gravel and Shimano XTR 12 speed on my mtb. The Shimano is awesome. Campy has lost their way, I'd never trust Campy electronic. I'm waiting to see GRX Di2 12 speed. BTW, Ekar can easily be converted to shift down multiple gears. The stop is a thin diameter pin if you look in the opening in the rubber hood where the thumb shifter shifts/travels down. Cut the pin in half and extract each half of the pin from the composite shifter body. There's a video on youtube, it's a simple change.

[@endtimeslips4660]

i never use electric shifter until i try SRAM years ago. since then i retire all my mechanical Shifter i start buying Shimano DI2 other SRAM AXS, Eagle, then i buy LTWOO(RIP), and that action not without consequence it drain my saving. but.... i am Happy LOL now i am an electric rider. hand become to lazy grabbing mechanical shifters.

[@samd6405]

Shimano GRX 1x12 does use 10-45T or 10-51T MTN 12-speed cassettes. I think you confused SRAM and Shimano. As SRAM uses 10-44T cassette with different gear jumps.

[@MarkARebuck]

​ @GravelCyclist I just bought you a coffee from the link on your web site, because I'm generally a fan of your content and you have given me hours of entertainment over the years. And this account is my real name, so I'm not some anonymous knobhead trying to talk $hit (to quote your response to another comment from a different viewer). With that said... Are you OK? You came off as really grumpy on this one. I mean, more than your baseline amount of grumpiness :-). The first eight minutes of this video gave the kind of wannabe-influencer-demanding-free-stuff vibe that I'm not used to from you. I actually stopped watching before the end of Microshift section. I know you can be more constructive and positive in your content, so hopefully this was just a one-off and not a new direction for the channel. Take care!

[@GravelCyclist]

Hey Mark, thanks for checking in, all of my mental faculties are intact, no craziness aside from the usual levels around here! The Buy Me a Coffee was totally not needed, but the website hosting slush fund appreciates your generosity. There's some back story to the Microshift piece where I admittedly rinsed a little dirty laundry, probably not wise in hindsight. Long story short, I was contacted a few months before the launch of Microshift Sword by a representative of the company, who may no longer be employed there? I was canvassed to determine my interest in reviewing the groupset / receive a press release, etc. I expressed interest, in the very least to receive a press release. To my surprise when the group was launched, no press release sent my way. Approximately a month after launch, I reached out to an industry friend, who provided me with another contact at Microshift HQ. Wrote a polite email querying about the availability of a groupset to review on a sweet bamboo project bike I have ongoing at the moment with Bamboo Bicycle Club (posted two videos about that thus far). No reply to email. Three months later, I wrote another polite email, again no reply at the time the video launched, or at the time of this comment. There's no obligation for Microshift to send anything my way, but out of courtesy, it would have been polite for them to email a response. A "hello, we're not interested", "your demographic is not of interest", "you're a waste of our time", anything really. Nothing. Thus, I made some snide remarks in the video concerning the company, again, not exactly the best tactic. The wannabe "influencer" vibe is not what I consider myself, I greatly dislike that word, along with "ambassador", but I'm a little disappointed in myself I came off with that tone. Lesson learned here, I appreciate the candid feedback. Many thanks!

[@bengt_axle]

I don't think Classified will survive in the market. It is a nice technology, but too expensive for the benefits it delivers. And with 1X13, becoming more common, at a lower price point, it will be even harder. The only way I see them surviving is if they license their technology to one of the big three (assuming they want to build such a complicated hub).

[@GravelCyclist]

I believe Classified needs buy in from a major manufacturer to stand any chance of adoption. It was interesting, but far too expensive just to lose a front derailleur, along with all of its proprietary parts.

[@Fake_Name12345]

Shots fired at Path Less Pedaled over electronic shifting!

[@GravelCyclist]

Apparently friction shifting is better than electronic shifting. I understand there are entire click bait videos about it!

[@SebNutter]

Love SRAM innovation, but their aesthetic is awful.

[@GravelCyclist]

Agreed.

[@TnFruit]

If 12s Shimano cassettes work on Rotor 12s, just swap a Rotor 12s cassette (11-36, 11-39, 11-46, 11-51) on your 1x or 2x GRX. I would try this, but the rotor cassette is very expensive, but very light. 🫵🏻💪🏻

[@GravelCyclist]

I only tried the Shimano cassette on Rotor 1x, but I don't see why it wouldn't be an issue on 2x. Expensive as you say too.

[@froseph85]

Old man on KZbin demanding free groupsets. 🤌

[@GravelCyclist]

Knobhead who hides behind an anonymous account talking $hit. This old man runs circles around you.