Need a little help? An explanation about switching and switching groups

Suppose you’re going to ride a race bike, gravel bike, or mountain bike for the first time. When you go out with a group of experienced cyclists, the terms will quickly become confusing to you. Because what is it really about? ‘Which group do you belong to?’ Group? I’m not at school anymore, am I? When it comes to gears, you quickly get lost. Not to mention the labels and brands. That’s not a big deal. Everyone has to start somewhere. Add to that the fact that half of the people have no idea why this person is riding the bike and the gear they’re using. Worse yet, no one really knows why you should choose a Shimano Ultegra over a SRAM Force. We’ll explain how to change gears and which groupset to choose. Hopefully it helps a little!

Level up a little

It is therefore useful to provide some additional information about shifting and gear groups. What those are, we explain here. But we can also explain why shifting is useful on a bike ride. In that case, we can also set up a tree over it. In any case, at the end of this article you will know more about shifting, the differences between the gear groups, the brands, and the difference between electric and mechanical shifting. A whole new world will open up for you. Although you will probably have already been helped half way with the knowledge.

What is a Switching Group?

Let’s start with the basics. What is a gear group? A gear group, also called a groupset, is the collection of parts on a bike that are responsible for shifting gears, the drivetrain (i.e. the pedals, chain), and braking the bike. You also often hear references to 8-9-10-11-12 or 13 speeds. That’s the number of gears/rings you have on your rear wheel. A Shimano 12-speed groupset therefore has twelve options for shifting at the rear and often also two at the front. So you have 24 options. Why isn’t it called 24 then? No idea. There are also two options on your front derailleur, sometimes you have a single front sprocket and in the past there was also a ’triple’. With three front sprockets.

Components

A complete switching group consists of several components:

• Derailleurs. These are the most technical parts of the shifting system. You usually have a front derailleur and one rear derailleur. With the front derailleur, you move the chain from the large sprocket to the small sprocket on your pedals (this is the crankset, more on that later). The rear derailleur moves the chain from the large sprocket to the smallest sprocket and everything in between on your rear wheel. The sprockets together form the cassette. The derailleur is operated mechanically or electrically with the ‘shifters’.

• Cassette. This pyramid-shaped collection of ‘cords’, or small chain links, allows you to ride heavier and lighter without having to change a different wheel or replace the front chain link. There are cassettes available in different types and sizes, often with combinations such as 11-30, 12-28 or 10-34. The numbers stand for the number of teeth on a cord. The fewer teeth there are at the back, the heavier the chain is. With a cycling holiday in the mountains You would like to have as large a number on your cassette as possible. 32 or 34. The rest doesn't matter.

• Crankshaft. This is both your left and right pedal arm (not the pedal itself, that is called a pedal arm) and the front plates together. The left and right pedal arms are connected by a crank axle. You have different types and sizes of crank sets. Important things to remember here:
  • The length of your crank. This is measured in millimeters (mm) and is available in lengths ranging from 165 to 180 mm. The most commonly used lengths are 170 mm, 172.5 mm and 175 mm. Crank length is often a personal preference, but as a rule of thumb: the longer your legs, the longer your crank.
  • The crankset therefore also consists of your chainrings on the front. The most common combinations are 53-39, 52-36 and 50-34 (also known as compact). In addition, manufacturer SRAM often offers other combinations, namely 46-33, 48-35 and 50-37. Here’s the rule: if you have less power, a combination with smaller numbers is sufficient. If you cycle in the mountains, that’s also fine.
  • The crankset is attached to the frame of your bike via a bottom bracket.

• The bottom bracket, The bottom bracket, also known as the bracket pot, is the holder in which the pedal is attached. It is located in the middle of the frame, between the pedals. When talking about replacing the bottom bracket, this usually refers to replacing the pedal and the corresponding bearings. The crank axle, which connects the two crank arms, runs through the bottom bracket and the pedal. The bottom bracket comes in different types and sizes. If you are new to the subject of materials, it is especially useful to know that it is there, that it can break, and that you can replace it. In another article we will discuss more technical details.

• ShiftersThese are the brake levers on your handlebar. Depending on the manufacturer, they vary in function and operation. With Shimano, you have two levers, with the larger one for reverse gear and the smaller one for forward gear. With the front derailleur, it’s exactly the opposite. With SRAM, it’s one lever and you use it for shifting (small shift) and for reverse gear (big shift). With Campagnolo, there’s a second lever for shifting, and shifting is done with a thumb switch on the inside of your shifter.

• ChainWith this you connect the front wheels to the cassette and advance the bike. Although there are now also options to buy a chain drive for your race bike or gravel bike, we are focusing here on the chain. The chain consists of links and you can make it longer or shorter. Always have your bike mechanic help you with this. A too long chain leads to less good drive and skipping of your cassette. A too short chain means that you cannot use the largest sprocket on the back. The chain is available in various versions, with more expensive ones often meaning less weight and less resistance, which allows you to ride it more technically. The downside is that you have to replace it more often (and therefore more expensive).

• BrakesYou have disc brakes and you have rim brakes. As a rule, disc brakes are slightly more reliable, especially in wet weather conditions. That said, a good rim brake is not inferior to a disc brake. With rim brakes, you have to choose between brake pads that come in different compositions. With discs, you also have brake pads, but the brake disc is the main component. The disc is different in size. The larger the size, the more braking power. The standard size is 160mm.

How do I choose the right gear group for my cycling adventure?

We really can’t answer this question for you. But we can help you a little. There are a few things you can look out for when buying a bike, including choosing a group set. Aside from the brand, here’s a list of points to consider.

• Performance: How smooth and precise the shifting actions are. Cheaper groups are somewhat ’slower with shifting, are often mechanical rather than electric’, and they are less precise. Often they also have fewer options (read 10 speed vs 12 speed).
• WeightThe total weight of the group plays a big role. The lighter the group, the faster you can ride up the mountain, right? Note that the price of the group set goes up the more weight is saved. For many of us, that means we can bike a little bit harder and have two beers or two glasses of wine less. We’ll go a lot faster.
• SustainabilityMany parts of a bike are consumables, but especially the group set. That means that using it causes the parts to wear out and you need to replace them. Although it sounds cool to have a Dura-Ace or SuperRecord group set, they are made for real racing. Compare that to Formula 1 racing and driving on the road. The tires of a Formula 1 car last a few hundred kilometers, those of an ordinary car a lot longer. So which do you want? As soon as possible, but replace sooner? Or go longer? Now, the ratios aren’t that extreme, but it’s something you should consider. More expensive isn’t always better for your situation.
• MaintenanceHow easy it is to maintain or replace the parts. That assumes that you carry out proper maintenance yourself. So, good Cleaning and regularly check your chain with a chain checker (and then replace it in time). The disadvantage of the current group sets is that they have a product lifetime of 10 years. In 10 years, it will probably be difficult to get parts for your current group set.
• PriceThis is of course the big question: the price. Especially for a bike, the frame and groupset determine whether you can buy something or not. The rest is ‘just a small matter’. When it comes to choosing a groupset, we cannot decide for you whether you should spend an extra €1000 on a Dura-Ace or SRAM RED Etap versus a SRAM Force or Campa Record group. That depends mainly on your wallet, your willingness to pay more and your willingness to pay more in the future for replacement.
• CompatibilityWhether the group set is compatible with your bike frame and other components. Nowadays, this is the case in 99.9% of cases, but it’s always good to ask around.

Mechanical vs Electric Shift (Di2 with Shimano, eTap with SRAM, Wireless with Campa)

• MechanicalTraditional cable system. It requires manual power to switch, but is known for its reliability and durability.
• Electric (Di2): Offers precise and effortless shifting performance at the touch of a button. However, the system is more expensive and requires charging. In addition, you have to choose: do you want to charge with an internal battery, as with Shimano, or would you rather have separate batteries that you can replace quickly if necessary, as with Campa and SRAM

What choice do I actually have?

Although there are more manufacturers on the market today, it can be said with certainty that 99% of the market is controlled by the three best-known brands.

1. Shimano. Japanese precision, active for over 100 years and by far the market leader
2. SRAM. The American challenger that often leads in innovation. Different technology, different chainrings, tooth ratios and more features
3. CampagnoloItalian elegance. You don't ride a Bianchi with Shimano according to many purists. The brand was a leader for a long time, but in the 2000s it missed the trend a bit. They are now catching up.

Shimano groups

Shimano’s range varies from entry-level to professional racing components and dominates the shifting market.

• SoraAn entry-level group set ideal for beginners. It offers reliable performance and is suitable for casual and commuting rides but lacks the sophistication and lightweight of more expensive sets.
• TiagraThis is a step up from the Sora, with improved shifting performance and weight savings. Suitable for those who want to make more sporty rides.
• 105: A mid-range groupset that offers value for money. It offers many of the technologies and features of the more expensive sets, making it popular with enthusiastic cyclists. Now available (following SRAM) as Di2 as well.
• UltegraThis is semi-professional quality. With its lightweight design, durability and improved shifting precision, the Ultegra is a favorite among many competitive racers. Of course, it is also available as Di2.
• Dura-AceThe flagship model, used by professionals. It offers ultimate performance, precision and is the lightest in weight. Only available with Di2.

SRAM groups

SRAM offers unique technologies and a straightforward approach. They are known for their wireless electronic shifting systems, the ‘Etap’ variants.

• Apex and RivalEntry-level and mid-range options that offer solid performance for everyday use. These are similar to the Tiagra and 105 from Shimano. The RIVAL is also available as an eTAP, the electric version.
• ForceOffers advanced technologies, a lighter weight and is often used in competitive environments. The alternative to the Ultegra group. I
• RedThe premium set, known for its wireless switching technology and used by the riders in the cycling peloton. In 2023, all the major rounds for men were won with this group set.

Campagnolo groups

Campagnolo is known for its stylish design and precision. The distribution of group sets looks like this for the Italian manufacturer:

• Veloce and CentaurGood quality for beginners and advanced users, with a focus on reliability.
• Chorus and RecordThese group sets offer advanced technologies and are popular in competitive circles.
• Super RecordThe flagship model, focusing on lightweight and high-tech materials for ultimate performance.

Conclusion

Although we may not have given you a ready-made solution, you now have a lot more information about the groups and group sets. That will help you next time you are cycling with your cycling group. But it will also help you consider whether you might want to upgrade your current bike, or whether you might want to switch to a different manufacturer or group set when buying a new one.

Do you want to know more? Let us know in the comments or send us a message via info@cyclingdestination.cc