If you’re new (or newer) to cycling or gravel biking, then you may be familiar with the Shimano and SRAM names, but you may not know the differences between their different groupsets—the parts of the bike that help them stop and go and shift gears.

For many riders, the quality of these groupsets often help determine what bike they want to purchase. For example, someone just starting out may prioritize value over performance, opting for an entry-level groupset. Whereas a rider participating in several races per month may opt for a groupset that prioritizes performance and technology.

You may find yourself in this position, comparing the similarities and differences between Shimano vs SRAM when it comes to road and gravel bike components. Therefore, we’ve created a brief guide to the hierarchical road bike and gravel bike groupsets to help you make the best choice for your riding goals and enjoyment.

What components are included in a groupset?

• Crankset (the front chainring and arms connected to the pedals)
• Bottom bracket (the frame bearings which the crankset spins)
• Brake levers/shift levers, usually combined
• Rear derailleur
• Front derailleur
• Cassette (the gear sprockets at the rear of the bike)
• Chain
• Brakes

Shimano road groupsets: entry level to pro level performance

• Tiagra: 10-speed
• 105: 11-speed
• 105 Di2: 12-speed electronic only
• Ultegra Di2: 12-speed electronic only
• Dura-Ace Di2: 12-speed electronic only

SRAM road groupsets: entry level to pro level performance

• Apex: 10-speed
• Apex 1: 11-speed
• Rival: 11-speed
• Rival eTap AXS: 12-speed wireless electronic
• Force: 11-speed
• Force eTap AXS: 12-speed wireless electronic
• Red: 11-speed
• Red eTap AXS: 12-speed wireless electronic

Road Bikes Available Online or In-Store

Looking for a new road bike? Get started by browsing our selection of road bikes below.

Shimano gravel groupsets: entry level to pro level performance

• GRX RX400: 10-speed
• GRX RX600: 11-speed (except 10-speed version)
• GRX RX810: 11-speed
• GRX RX815: 11-speed electronic

SRAM gravel-specific and gravel-compatible groupsets: entry level to pro level performance

• Apex 1: 11-speed
• Rival eTap AXS XPLR: 12-speed wireless electronic
• Force eTap AXS XPLR: 12-speed wireless electronic
• Red eTap AXS XPLR: 12-speed wireless electronic

Gravel Bikes Available Online or In-Store

Looking for a new gravel bike? Get started by browsing our selection of gravel bikes below.

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