This isn’t the primary time I’ve reviewed certainly one of MicroSHIFT’s extremely reasonably priced teams. That might be once I examined the Introduction 1×9 mountain bike group, which (spoiler) additionally impressed me with its efficiency.
Switching to gravel, MicroSHIFT’s Sword Group minimize to the center of issues when it dropped a bunch beginning at simply $355. Mix that with choices for 1x or 2x, a number of cassette and chainring combos, and also you’ve received a compelling story value a skim. Now, I’ve given it a full learn, and the quilt doesn’t inform the entire story…
Precise Weights & Element Choices
Hit the hyperlink above for the launch story to get all the tech particulars. On this evaluation, I’ll concentrate on the 1x group as reviewed, together with the ancillary elements wanted to finish the group. However first, the weights:
Proper Shifter/Brake Lever: 277
Left Brake Lever: 195g
1x Rear Derailleur: 305g
Crankset w/ 42T Chainring: 813g
11-48 10sp Cassette: 413g*
NOTES: There are some things it is best to find out about these weights and the group:
2x teams get a entrance derailleur, double chainring, left hand shifter/lever, and smaller 11-38 cassette. In any other case…
All the elements weighed are all the elements provided
The Sword group doesn’t embrace a sequence, backside bracket, or brake calipers
For 1x teams, they use the Introduction X 11-48 10-speed cassette, which is available in two variations…
I selected the lighter metal+alloy cassette over the all-steel choice
Additionally they provide a dropper publish suitable left hand lever.
For this construct, I mounted the group to a Jamis Renegade Metal gravel bike, used a KMC chain, FSA backside bracket, and added TRP’s glorious HyRD disc brake calipers.
MicroSHIFT Sword Assessment
The TL;DR model is that this: If you need a price range group that doesn’t skimp on efficiency, look no additional. Not solely have I been actually impressed with the Sword 1x group, so has everybody (together with the native store of us) that I’ve let trip it. It’s the proper instance of simply how good entry stage elements have develop into, and even after you add the mandatory elements to finish it, it will possibly nonetheless be below $600 for a really strong drivetrain.
OK, now for the main points…
The brake levers have an important form, making them simple to succeed in from each tops and drops. They’re flippantly textured, like a micro shotpeened end, including a little bit of grip for safe braking.
The hood form and measurement can also be good, supplying you with a agency base for resting your palms. Their circumference is bigger than present choices from Shimano, SRAM, and Campy, so of us with actually small palms may discover them a bit a lot to seize on the roughest terrain, however in any other case they’ve nice ergonomics.
The shift paddles use a big decrease paddle to tug cable up the cassette to a neater gear, and a tiny launch paddle on the prime to drop the chain again all the way down to more durable gears. It’s totally different, however not unhealthy. The highest set off is simple to nudge with my pointer finger’s center knuckle, so regardless that it appears to be like excessive up, it doesn’t take an exaggerated motion to actuate it.
The decrease paddle has a good bit of free motion earlier than beginning to pull cable, the underside tip transferring virtually 2cm inward earlier than doing something. In comparison with premium teams, which will really feel like “slop”, but it surely by no means bothered me in precise use. Technically, you may get three shifts from a single, prolonged press, however that’s transferring the lever actually far inward, making it considerably impractical.
The crankset makes use of a normal 24mm spindle a la Shimano, so it’s suitable with all the things. The alloy arms have a set spider, with uneven 110/80 BCD chainring mounting bolts that match each 1x and 2x chainrings.
The chainrings are primary, with narrow-wide tooth which have accomplished a wonderfully effective job of chain retention. I’ve dropped zero chains.
The arms are additionally primary, out there in 4 lengths from 165mm to 175mm. They’re stiff sufficient that I haven’t observed any flex, so I’ve no complaints right here, both.
The derailleur has clutch with a stealthy on/off dial…rotate the outer portion of the P-knuckle to show it on or off. Within the pic above, it’s within the “on” place to scale back chain slap, and it really works fairly nicely.
The Sword group additionally earns bonus factors for its black end with good-looking grey graphics, giving it a beautiful look with out attracting consideration.
It has that “doesn’t seem like it’s value stealing” vibe, but in addition doesn’t look low-cost or embarrassing if your mates are bike snobs. That’s the proper combo when you want one thing that flies below the radar, like in an city atmosphere the place flashy bikes get stolen. Sword enables you to nonetheless have nice efficiency with out making your bike a goal.
Whereas I’ve constructed this bike into an off-the-cuff gravel cruiser that’s principally ridden round city, I’ve additionally taken it on a couple of longer “actual” gravel rides, too. And I’d haven’t any qualms about lining up for a 100-miler with it, both. Should you’re on a price range or simply build up a enjoyable bike, I’ve actually loved (and proceed to get pleasure from) the MicroSHIFT Sword group and suggest checking it out.
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