Complete road groupsets

How to choose a road groupset

Buying the whole groupset rather than individual components ensures everything works together: the shifter matches the derailleur, the chain matches the number of sprockets, and the chainset fits the bottom bracket. It is also almost always cheaper than buying all the components separately.

Complete or partial groupset

• A a complete groupset includes shifters, front and rear derailleurs, chainset, cassette, chain and brakes.
• A partial groupset includes only the shifting components — shifters and derailleurs, sometimes a brake calliper. It’s for riders keeping their chainset and cassette, typically when switching from mechanical to electronic shifting.
• Check the listed components model by model: what a ‘groupset’ includes varies from one manufacturer to another.

Mechanical or electronic

Shimano offers each tier in a cable-operated version and a Di2 : 105 R7100 versus 105 Di2 R7170, then Ultegra R8170 and Dura-Ace R9270. SRAM now offers only wirelesswireless AXS on Rival, Force and Red. Campagnolo has wireless wireless WRL on Record and Super Record. Electronic shifting eliminates cable-tension adjustments and the need to compensate for cable-housing wear; it also brings batteries to recharge and a higher entry price.

Groupset tiers

• Shimano : 10-speed Tiagra, 11- and 12-speed 105, and 12-speed Ultegra and Dura-Ace.
• SRAM : Rival, Force and Red, all 12-speed AXS.
• Campagnolo : Record and Super Record WRL, in 12- and 13-speed versions.
• The difference between adjacent tiers is mainly down to weight and materials, rarely on shifting quality.

The groupset determines the braking system

The master cylinder is built into the lever: choosing a groupset means choosing your braking system. A disc-brake groupset requires a compatible frame and wheels, with Flat Mount fittings and disc hubs. Check this before anything else: it’s the one incompatibility you can’t work around.

What else you’ll find in this category

Some SRAM Quarq power meter upgrade kits are also listed here. These are not groups: they are spider-based power meters that fit onto an existing AXS chainset to add power measurement.

To find out more: Understanding the differences between Shimano 105, Ultegra and Dura-Ace

See also: Road cranksets and crank arms · Road cassettes · Road cycling power meters