Shimano vs Microshift Gears: Which Gear System is Best

When purchasing a geared bicycle, a common question is which gear system to choose. As you might have guessed, this decision isn’t just a matter of personal preference; rather, it can significantly impact the bicycle’s performance and your riding experience.

Two of the most common gear brands you’ll find on a geared bicycle are Shimano and Microshift. Shimano is the dominant player in the bicycle gear market and is used in all major bicycle brands. Microshift gears are the latest competitor in the geared bicycle market and are gaining popularity.

Determining which gears are best for your bike might be challenging when you’re just starting out as a cyclist. Everything depends on the type of terrain you’ll be riding on and your personal riding style.

In this article, we’ll compare two of the most popular mountain biking gear brands: Shimano vs Microshift. By the end of this post, you’ll understand the key differences between these two brands. So, let’s get started.

How do Gear Systems Work?

Gear systems on bicycles allow the rider to change the pedalling resistance by changing the gear ratio. The higher the ratio, the harder it is to pedal. The smaller the gear ratio, the easier it is to pedal. The gear system also allows the rider to change the pedalling resistance while going up or down hills.

History of Shimano and Microshift

Shimano and Microshift are two of the world’s most popular bicycle component manufacturers. Both companies have a long history in the bicycle industry, and their items are used by cyclists of all levels, from amateur to professional.

Shimano was founded in 1921 and has since become one of the largest bicycle component manufacturers in the world. Shimano’s products are known for their quality and durability, and the company has a strong reputation in the cycling industry.

Microshift was founded in 1999 and is a relative newcomer to the bicycle component market. However, Microshift has quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality products that are comparable to Shimano’s in terms of quality and performance.

Pros and Cons of Microshift Gears

Pros:

Microshift gears have a short tooth profile, which is ideal for high-speed riding on rough terrain.

Because they are small and light, microshift gears are ideal for mountain cycles and road cycles that need a small gear range.

Microshift shifters are the best available in the industry when it comes to responsive and precise shifting. The gear teeth small size allows for quick and accurate movements – making your ride smoother than ever before.

Cons:

Microshift gears can be tough to shift in wet or icy conditions, which may not make them ideal for stealthy or winter rides.

Though there are some drawbacks to microshift gear shifters – such as difficulty during disassembly and noise while shifting – these may only be concerns for some riders.

When it comes to the availability of components for microshift gears, it can be difficult to find them in the local market or on e-commerce websites. There are comparatively fewer dealers compared to Shimano traders.

Pros and Cons of Shimano Gears

There are a few main things to consider when debating whether or not to invest in Shimano gear.

Pros:

Shimano is a very reputable and reliable brand, so you can be sure that its products are of good quality. 

This brand’s vast array of options and compatibility with nearly every bike makes them a favourite among cyclists.

Shimano gears are designed to handle more torque than microshift gears, making them more powerful overall.

Cons: 

However, Shimano gears can be quite expensive, so it’s important to weigh up the cost before making a decision.

Shimano gears are larger in size when compared to micro-shift gears.

The Shimano gears are some of the most durable gear on the market, but they can wear down over time – especially with heavy use. However, this usually is a minor concern for most cyclists.

Shimano or Microshift: Which one is Better?

A few key differences between Shimano and Microshift gears may help you decide which is better for you. 

Shimano gears are often considered more durable and reliable, while Microshift gears are often seen as being lighter and more affordable. 

Shimano gears also tend to be easier to adjust and maintain, while Microshift gears can be a bit more finicky.

Finally, it comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a gear system.

When should you Consider Microshift over Shimano?

There are a few important factors when deciding whether to go with microshift or Shimano.

The first is compatibility – make sure that the microshift system is compatible with your bike before making the switch. 

The second is weight and size – Microshift is typically lighter and smaller than Shimano. If weight and size are key factors for you, then microshift may be the way to go. 

The third is the price – Microshift is often more affordable than Shimano, so if budget is a concern, then microshift may be a better option.

When should you Consider Shimano Gear?

Another key factor to consider is the gear range required for your ride. So, what gear range should you go with?

Shimano gears are top-of-the-line when it comes to durability and precision. They have a large gear range, which is ideal for serious cyclists who need to cover a more distances quickly.

Because their teeth are larger than those found in microshift gears, they are also more effective when mounting or cruising at higher speeds.

Shimano also offers various models to choose from, each best suited for different types of cycles. Some of the best Shimano gears include the Altus, Acera, tourney tz, alivio and sora.

Ultimately, this comes down to what you like and what makes you feel the most comfortable.

Difference Between Microshift and Shimano Shifters

Microshift has developed a new form of the shifter that is smaller and more compact. This shifter is intended to be used on bicycles with frames on the smaller side. Depending on the position of the handlebar, it can be equipped with a variety of shifters.

Flat bar handles are compatible with triggers and shifters such as the Trail trigger, fast trigger, Xpress, thumb press, and twist shifters. There is so much additional information that can be found on the website of microshift.

Shimano gear shifters manage upshifts and downshift using two separate shift levers, and the brake lever pivots inward to manage both operations. In addition, Shimano has introduced a microshift option for their mountain bike groupsets. This option is designed to be used with mountain bikes that have smaller frames.

Advantages of Microshift Shifters:

Microshift shifters are a great option for mountain bikers, as they are more compact and easier to use than standard shifters. 

This is important for cyclists with smaller hands or bikes with smaller frames.

Additionally, the microshift provides more gear selection versatility because it makes shifting gears much simpler than with a standard shifter.

All things considered, the microShift shifter option is a great improvement for the mountain bike market. They’re ideal for riders who want to make gear choices simpler or have smaller frames. 

Conclusion

If you are undecided on which gearing system you should purchase for your geared bicycle, hopefully, this article will help you make a smarter choice.

To sum up, it is true that Shimano and Microshift have different levels of technology, but when it comes to the two gear systems, they are equally strong in terms of quality, durability, and functionality. It is also true that Shimano dominates the market and is the most popular gear system today.

FAQs on Shimano vs Microshift Gears:

Microshift is from Which Country? 

Since 1999, microSHIFT has designed and manufactured bicycle drivetrain components in Taiwan. 

Is 7 Speed or 21 Speed Better?

A 21-speed bike is often faster with smoother transitions and pedalling, but a 7-speed bike is perfectly adequate for most riders – which is why many people choose the slower option. Ultimately, It all comes down to personal preference.

Is Shimano Better than Microshift?

Shimano makes better quality products and has a brand name that is trusted. It is among the most trusted brands among cyclists due to its quality and durability. It is more expensive compared to other brands, but it is completely worth it. Shimano is also a Japanese brand, and Japanese brands are considered leaders when it comes to technology and innovation.