The New People's Groupset? Microshift Sword review

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There's been a big shift towards electronic shifting and hydraulic disc brakes on mid to high-end bikes in recent years, but this new MicroShift Sword might be a good alternative if you prefer the simplicity of cable shifting and braking. So to find out if it's any good I installed it on my Fairlight Cycles Secan and after 1000km, I have some thoughts...
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[@asim9379]

Good old Shimano 105 mechanical for me. Can't go wrong

[@VictorYepello]

I love this video. As a bike mechanic, this makes so much sense to me. Even the L Twoo groupsets are close to 1000.00 US. I'm not sure that the majority of riders need that much tech.

[@ianfurqueron5850]

TRP also sells a cable-pulled hydraulic caliper that while a bit more expensive, does offer a better feel at the lever.

[@abhimawa1]

Good episode. Guess what: I AM thinking of building fully mechanical, but on rim brakes, alloy rims, traditional long saddle, exposed cables, external headset, BSA BB. A custom titanium frame will make it buttery smooth timeless ride😉

[@davidarthur]

Sounds great!

[@aurelien8773]

This groupset is actually compatible with Shimano rear derailleurs. It uses the same cable pull as the mountain bikes Deore and Deore XT 10s rear derailleurs wich means you can run up to a 50T cassette on the back with a 29T on the front, making it the widest range of gear in the market !

[@Ivan-oh6ug]

Would defo go for GRX over this. You absolutely cannot go wrong with Shimano mechanical groupsets, they're pretty much flawless now.

[@laillosidgar]

Agree, I would go for grx rx400, or tiagra disc over this. Tiagra disc are around $400-500

[@jonathangreen7111]

@@laillosidgar But you're stuck with hydraulic brakes which are not necessary on road...

[@laillosidgar]

@@jonathangreen7111 i've been using mechanical disc on my road bike for 3 years. And I dislike it. Rather have hydraulic or rim brake

[@bikeman123]

​@@jonathangreen7111Hydraulic brakes may not be necessary but they are way better.

[@Olmekc]

I’m building my bike with Sword over GRX because I don’t want hydraulic brakes.

[@manueldeubler1127]

Got a steal on an OEM Tiagra groupset from an online retailer earlier this year. Also thought about getting the Microshift Sword groupset but at the price I paid, there was no comparison.

[@NewPolishScientist]

You can mix groupset components Dave. Mircoshift levers can be mixed with shimano deore and it shifts without any issues. Please try growtac calipers. Trp are pretty weak and mushy. Growtac makes huuge difference

[@shermer75]

I mostly watch David Arthur's review for the joy of him saying 'sprocket' instead of 'cog'. Grumpy old man feature unlocked!

[@KoenMiseur]

If I ever would do a very long bikepackingtrip this is the groupset I would go to.

[@joowwwllllll666]

I got mechanical GRX on both of my bikes and I love it

[@martinjfabbro]

Are there any online retailers in the UK? Groupset is nowhere to be seen. Just a few parts here and there.

[@sherab2078]

When it comes to new, complete bikes, at least the Polish Kross launches its 2nd generation entry-level gravels (Esker model) with Sword on board. But I suppose there might be more brands. I use Sword's predecessor, the Advent-X on my first-generation Kross Esker 2.0 MS. While I had some small issues with the bike at the beginning, when it comes to the Advent-X, I can't say a bad word about it. I never used hydraulic brakes, hence I don't have a comparison. But this makes me happier because mechanical brakes work completely fine for me in the lowlands, where I live and ride. I'm not sure, though, if I would like them in the mountains.

[@LuxLykkeMe]

Distance bike, the retail brand of Cycle Victoire are selling bikes with microshift Sword!

[@Olmekc]

I plan to use the 2x group set for my bike build because I want mechanical brakes. However, I started to wonder if I could actually go with a rim brake group set and if that would open up my options as well. I would think so since they are both cable systems?

[@manueldeubler1127]

A modern groupset on a frame with external routing is just pure bliss. Modern groupset have to be so good at shifting because that's the only way to make internally routed shift cables in modern frames work.

[@rogercmerriman]

I have seen, Sword reviewed and have wondered about cost/performance particularly with reference to my Gravel bike that has a mostly Tiagra with GRX rear mech for range and clutch, and a Sora front as the last remaining part of the bikes original set up, I’m likely to be significantly heavier rider and really found cable disks even the twin pots like you had just inadequate. Hence the upgrade few years back, and the rear mech followed about a years ago.

[@JMurph2015]

AXS is very nice because you can mix and match lots of stuff, unlike mechanical with their different pull ratios etc. it makes gravel mullet builds very approachable, and it makes each of the components upgradeable almost individually. Aside from that, I think mechanical is probably the easiest option, but i am looking forward to not having to deal with shift cables again.

[@briannyob7799]

I run Apex mechanical with a GX rear derailleur and 11-50 Sunrace cassette on my gravel bike. It works well.

[@egorant]

@@briannyob7799 what freehub do you run? and what chain? thx

[@julianwinn4502]

Where can you buy this groupset? Seems hard to find on t'internet??

[@malcontent510]

Very excited about the Sword 10-speed groupset (they also released Sword Black, which is 9-speed). BTW, I plan go for the JuinTech GT-F 4-piston hydro/mechanical calipers.

[@egorant]

JuinTech GT-F 4 = 💯

[@shred3005]

I didn’t know about the JuinTech - looked them up - looks good!

[@wonchoe]

You didn't mention Campy Chorus for comparison! Best hydro brakes on the market, and about 1000eur if you shop around.

[@newoldsteel]

I’m still unsure, but even though the group set isn’t cross compatible with Shimano parts, what cassette brands can you use?

[@tinatpasselepoivre]

It most certainly is, it is an open secret. It has 10speed Dyna sis cable pull (so mtb). So any cassette below 38 will do and for above slap in a deore

[@newoldsteel]

@@tinatpasselepoivre oh nice! Thanks for the info 👍

[@justsomedude7556]

The TRP HyRd are a great alternative to the spires

[@333wheeler]

Does the cassette slide on to Shimano splined free hub if you wanted the classic old school set up , ie none disc brake types.

[@davidarthur]

Yup it uses the Shimano HG freehub standard

[@davidblanchard6785]

Have u tried the trp hybrid mechanical Hydraulic disc brakes

[@illuminatustm]

Got distracted by the gorgeous frame ❤

[@RobertJWaid]

Nice to see some price competition.

[@CanonFirefly]

Sword shifters will work with old Shimano Dynasys and new Cues rear derailleurs.

[@johnnyboy4711]

where can you buy it?

[@ukaszMielniczek]

KROSS Esker 2.0 is equipped with Sword 1x and it’s great entry level gravel bike from Poland.

[@andrewblakesley4202]

Delighted to see a company that doesn't promote tiny necklace-strength chains and super soft chainsets.

[@lovenottheworld5723]

Those brake mounts are good.

[@lovecycling193]

Tiagra Hydro can be had for good money,and has Hydro or cable levers

[@robertwyland7770]

Just ordered the Sword groupset. The lower gears, price than GRX and the all mechanical sold me. I Prefer my Juin Tech GT cable actuated hydraulic brakes over my Sram rival, Shimano Deore hydraulic brakes and the Spyres on my other bikes.

[@bobsuruncle6762]

Nice to see competition at the lower end

[@aintnobodygottime4dat]

12:54 re: Cable Pull. What about the hack that Jeff at PLP found-out with the and Shimano Cues derailleurs?

[@walcottav]

I do like the affordable value Microshift is bringing to the market, and I particularly like this #BYOB - 'bring your own brakes' option. It's great for retro fits and new builds alike. Perhaps one day an innovative company will produce the holy Grail of mechanical brifters - a modular design that permits swapping out a subassembly for the manufacturers cable pull of choice. On the topic of mechanical disc brakes, to echo other viewers comments, it would be great to get your opinion of hybrid hydraulic/mechanical offerings by TRP and others, as well as the more top shelf spendy mechanical products by Growtac and Paul Components. Oh yeah, the repaint on the Fairlight is just mint. 😍👍🏼👏🏼🙌🏼

[@malcolmhendra20]

Doesn't the Shimano 105 come in at £500.00. Superb groupset. Wonder why that wasnt mentioned, what am I missing

[@tinatpasselepoivre]

It is not a gravel groupset and has horrid gearing option (as every road groupset) for a more beginner rider?

[@frankboyer1490]

8:07 What do you mean when your bike weighs 18 kilos? That Secan is between 9-10, no?

[@davidarthur]

when laden with Bikepacking bags for a few days of camping

[@frankboyer1490]

@@davidarthur Of course, I can't believe I missed that! As someone who has mechanical disc brakes, what's the maintenance/cost benefit of hydraulic?

[@davidcarino6500]

I use a campy record mechanical group set! Got a good deal from the UK. But some of these new frames are not set up for the mechanical derailers. It took so much work talking to people online. Unbelievable bike companies don't have a kit for this. They think everyone wants wireless with all those batteries! Disc brakes yes I see now they are very nice. No batteries on any of my bikes!!!!

[@malcontent510]

I've never been a fan of Shimano's "floppy" (as Dave called it) brifters, which require moving the entire brake lever inwards for shifting. Admittedly clever but still strange.

[@hkp9257]

400£ + 2 brake calipers + chain vs 600£ GRX400 with hydraulic disc brakes. I know where I would put my money. The resale value let alone ... But if you want to buy an entry level bike with microshift? Go for it! It works.

[@Hmmmppffff]

never liked the top shiftbutton on Microshift(ers). To small and to high. What i really do like though is the big range on the Cassett. 11-38 is awesome for a 10speed roadbike in hilly regions. For gravel i want 1by with 11 or better 12speed.

[@Kairo_Seki]

Im still rely on tiagra grx400 combo bcs can get cheaper to get hydraulic brakes

[@junkandcrapamen]

What about Shimano Cues?

[@yukiko_5051]

That's flat bar only

[@junkandcrapamen]

@@yukiko_5051 It won't work with brifters?

[@FlipperInc]

after trying it, I'd rather make a hacked R7000 rim brake 105 levers with the GRX 11 speed derailleurs, cassette, chain, and chainwheel. Pull ratio of Shimano 11 speed is the same on GRX and 105. I like what Microshift is doing, but I don't like the small button to up shift and the plastic brake levers. Compression-less brake housing helps make mechanical disc brakes more responsive and bit better, but the force needed to actuate is still more than hydro.

[@WerdnaLiten]

All the fancy electronic stuff is fine and understandable for pro racers - but your average cyclist doesn't actually require it. My next winter bike will be either alloy or steel, with mechanical groupset & disc brakes....

[@jan2000nl]

Your average cyclist doesn’t require reliable consistent shifting? Having both mechanical and electronic shifting bikes I know which I prefer. PS: Electronic shifting bike is from 2018 and still shifts smoothly every time without need for recalibration

[@danielt91]

Here's a random fact. Literally no one needs lemonade, but I'm glad it exists. ❤

[@toshman696969]

Lol....Everytime someone makes vid about mechanical shifting someone comes out and says how awesome it is....I have a bunch of bikes and love sram so have both...but my etap road bike from 2018 is smooth like butter, my mechanical sram red that is tuned on both roadie and tt can't compare. I have raced electronic sram xc gravel and road, sorry but mechanical is old school Why even bother making new mechanical groupset...waste

[@Macuhdohnadadoh]

@@toshman696969 things are made to supply a demand. If you know, you know. And you obviously don’t know. But that’s ok.

[@fabianmolyneux2308]

Mechanical groupsets are fine and I have never had any problems with them. My only issue and a personal one at that is I like to know what rear gear I'm in. I know I should rely on memory and looking down doesn't work for me. Being able to see it on the head unit works for me, but this can only happen with an electronic group set. If I could have a top tier mechanical groupset which I could easily tell what rear gear I'm in, I'd go for it. I'm also not convinced disc brakes are an overwhelming must have.

[@tinatpasselepoivre]

The downfall of this groupset is that it is not cheap enough compared to grx. So get it along with a bike or use it for a cheap mullet (it has shimano mtb 10spd, Dyna sis, cable pull as xle and as advent-x).

[@deanabel9034]

Why do Canadians money not gets mention? Conversion rates would be nifty @ post time

[@Macuhdohnadadoh]

This system is too obscure for those who drop their bike off at the bike repair shop when anything goes wrong. For those of us who build bikes, maintain our own bikes, like to go bike packing, bike touring, and prefer to be fully self sufficient and want to be able to repair any mechanical problem on the side of a dirt road, This is a great option. And the fact that it has mechanical brakes is what makes it fill a gap in the market that shimano left open. Wireless shifting is great. But I’ve also witnessed it fail on a dozen different rides over the last 6 years. And when it does, someone is either calling an Uber or riding in their small ring for 20 miles home. As someone who has many bikes, I like to tune a bike, hang the bike, and know that in 2 months that bike will work just as well as the day I hung it up. I don’t want to manage chargers and proprietary batteries. I love that some people love wireless shifting. I ride with those people. But I’m glad we have options like this for those of us who prefer mechanical. *** Update (1 day after posting): was on a ride with a buddy this morning and his front mech battery ran out. He road home in his small ring. He then said he kind of wished shimano still made mechanical groups. I broke the news to him that they do. But then he asked, “but isn’t 105 even below Ultegra?” I laughed and explained to him that 105 is actually pretty good. 😆

[@paulterpstra6705]

I see no reason at all why I should switch from my Ultegra Di2 to this. Can't match it by far, only if you're on a budget.

[@5891jonathan]

Hard no here.

[@chanchingchung]

Mechanical works forever, just less hyped

[@YannickLB]

No it doesn't. Cables stretch and break. It's also harder to install and replace. It works slower in the moment. On offroad it takes away from focus on the ride and breaking. And the industry is stepping away from it, so it will be harder to find bikes and parts that are compatable. Also the price of mechanical will go up because it will become more rare to find. Just like old cars.Electric is almost the same price as mechanic, so there's absolutely no reason to go mechanic. Ever since I've gone to electric, I never wanted to ride my mechanic bikes anymore. And I had 100 times less problems with the groupsets than back when I had mechanical. Also from an investment standpoint, it's a horrible choice to go mechanical now. You won't be able to sell your bike later. It's like the difference between buying a house, and renting one.

[@kool_thing]

@@YannickLB Eh, from an investment standpoint, electronic is not very good IMO. You can always fix mechanical stuff, if electronics die, off into the bin. I'd rather buy a used bike with mechanical groupset than electronic.

[@Quizmate1]

Seen plenty of rides ruined lately by flat batteries or derailleurs going into crash mode. Ok, you could cite operator error as the cause, but I'm always pretty confident my mechanical won't let me down mid ride, assuming it's well maintained. To provide some balance, though, I did once experience a right mechanical shifter die completely very early into a ride, as the internal spring had broken. In fairness though it was 6 years old and had done many thousands of miles, so didn't owe me anything. Didn't appreciate the limping ride of shame home though, but the LBS fixed it, and it still works to this very day 😀!

[@chanchingchung]

​@@YannickLB As a full time bike mechanic stand point of view also owned and ridden in record just over 30 bikes in experience over 14yrs, if you are experienced in servicing bicycles, No mechanic groupset will trip you up or betray the rider, only electrical will. I recently owned my first SRAM AXS bike, it does add more fun to ride with, but None of a electrical groupset from any brands will ever can replace a trusty, well maintained, mechanical groupset. By far at the moment, SRAM Apex mechaincal 12 speed is the best one in performance and respondent of shifting in my opinion, which is available on the market. I see the industry is pushing consumer to buy those shorter lifetime electrical products, which will push their product selling cycle rather then truly want to offer long lasting, repairable, lower value mechaincal groupset.

[@liutang]

$400 groupset of the people with $2500 ENVE wheelset.

[@defiancecycling]

Always enjoy the content. I can appreciate those who do not or cannot step up to electronic shifting. I can never go back to my mechanical shifting or cable actuated brakes. Looks like a set of Enve G23 wheels on the bike 🤑🤑👊🏻

[@niklaskristensson2231]

Great video for smart cyclists😊

[@iwandrivingschool]

Would never ever go back to mechanical shifting

[@yagoza82]

как часто у вас рвется гидравлика?

[@bigwave_dave8468]

Sounded good until you said it's not compatible with Shimano or SRAM and this seems like a very poor decision. As for the cost -- Shimano and SRAM OEM groupsets (and Campy for that matter) are overpriced unless purchased with a bike. They could've wedged into the market with a cheaper, quality compatible kit so folks could upgrade their mechanical group sets piecemeal. IMO you're better off with a 105 mechanical group set.

[@tinatpasselepoivre]

It has Dyna sis 10spd cable pull. So it is fully compatible with Shimano...

[@garotorossian690]

More like this content and I’ll give you likes

[@steveindorset]

No!no!no! It’s like trying to un-invent the wheel? Embrace the change!!

[@ArteUltra1195]

Get the grx400, with sales and on complete bikes this is like 100£ more expensive but three times the quality. Don’t go for mediocrity

[@edmundhodgson2572]

Hang on, no way cable or cable/hydro is better than a "well set up" rim brake with alloy rims. Absolutely not. I've used hydro discs since the mid/late 80's and couldn't believe how rubbish cable disc were the first time i rode them, worse than carbon rims and rim calipers in my opinion.

[@MarufoVega]

no thanks.

[@krzysztofkolodziejczyk4335]

removing complexity is what wireless shifting do. dude got it all wrong.

[@Macuhdohnadadoh]

Depends on the definition of complexity. I can change a shift cable in the field if I have to. I’ve personally seen wireless mechs fail and run out of batteries in numerous occasions. I had to ride 20+ miles home with my mate who was stuck in his small ring. Yes it’s rare, but some people just want the bike to be battery free and ready to ride. Other people want the tech. I think the word simplicity / complexity can be used to describe both systems in different ways.

[@Omeiden]

who's asking for this??!!

[@davidarthur]

People who don’t want batteries and hydraulics

[@vberezan]

Absolutely not. Electronics are simply better in every aspect, except the price. But if you can afford it, there is no match to mechanical ones.

[@tinatpasselepoivre]

You are wrong but that's ok. Axs falls on its face when exposed to prolonged wet or grimmy environnement for instance... A good mech will not

[@user-dragonball-i4y]

I have 2010/TCR Mechanical group set and 2023 Giant Propel electric group set as well🙃🥹😅🚴