The best bike shifters in 2022

With the beginning of the cycling season, many users are wondering about repairing their own bike, or assembling a new horse for the coming season.

In this world of speed and complete freedom, many manufacturers offer their own development of transmission equipment, but two representatives stand out among the general mass - these are SHIMANO and SRAM. Both competitors are manufacturers of high quality equipment designed for various levels of technology.

Specifically, in the domestic market, Shimano's equipment lines are most popular for off-road or everyday use. Therefore, today the attention will be focused on it.

SHIMANO for mountain models

By right of greater popularity, the first on the list is Shimano, a Japanese brand with a long history, offering users a line of equipment from the simplest to the flagship models designed for world stages of asphalt and off-road racing. The following is a list in ascending order.

SIS

Opens the rating of the simplest class of equipment designed to be installed on children's or teenage bike models. The line includes switches made of the simplest grades of steel and plastic. Regarding the margin of safety, the models are sufficient for infrequent trips around the city and rare off-road moments.

The set of equipment includes front and rear derailleurs, as well as shifters designed for 18-21 gears.

The kit is installed, as a rule, on models that do not exceed 8-10 thousand rubles in cost.

• minimum cost;
• huge prevalence.

• not the best quality.

tourney

The second stage of entry-level equipment from a Japanese company. Like all serial models of a low type, it is made in China.

The equipment package includes front derailleurs, rear derailleurs, cassettes, chains and monoblocs or trigger switches.

The group is designed for everyday riding around the city from point A to point B. At the same time, it is not allowed to use it on off-road or dirt trails in active mode.

In terms of strength, the models are slightly superior to the very initial type, thanks to the use of better springs and metal.

It comes complete with bicycles for about 10,000 - 20,000 rubles.

• minimum price;
• prevalence.

• low quality;
• great weight.

Altus

Equipment positioned by the company as a line that can withstand everyday trips at a moderate pace around the city or light off-road.

The equipment performs well during business trips, outdoor activities or short trips. However, Altus is not categorically suitable for aggressive use - there is a risk of “breaking up” the flips at the most crucial moment, which is fraught with a possible fall.

It is noteworthy that this type has a modification of the front derailleur with attachment to the carriage assembly - very convenient in some cases when an analogue cannot be installed.

This is the minimum class where 7 or 8 position cassette type bushings are allowed.

The version is usually mounted on bikes worth 17 - 30 thousand rubles.

• prevalence;
• adequate cost.

• does not withstand aggressive driving;
• significant weight.

Acera

Next on the list is a model that is approximately on the same level as Altus. It is positioned by the plant as a transmission that allows you to feel confident on city streets and moderate ground. There are already kits for 24 and 27 speeds.

Due to its low cost and sufficient reliability, it is considered one of the most popular user-level transmissions.However, in some situations, consumers do not like the bulkiness and some constipation between gears - the speed of the reaction of the shift to the user's actions leaves much to be desired, which does not allow use even in the simplest races.

It is also from this position that the level of switches compatible with hydraulic brakes begins, with the exception of non-serial modifications made to order by factories that assemble finished bicycles.

It is completed on models whose price tag is at the level of 17 - 30 thousand rubles.

• adequate cost;
• acceptable build quality;
• ease of setup and installation.

• designed for moderate driving rhythm;
• significant weight.

Alivio

The list continues with a line of equipment designed for amateur level bikes. In addition to the switches, the series includes bushings, cassettes, connecting rods and brakes.

Used by users for outdoor activities in the city or on forest trails. Additionally, the structures have a sufficient margin of safety and quality, which allows their use as tourist parts of the initial type. Many novice cyclists use this equipment.

It is found on finished bikes priced from 30,000 to 60,000 rubles.

As a rule, serial modifications are designed for 24 - 27 gears.

• moderate price tag;
• acceptable build quality;
• you can run through the woods.

• does not withstand aggressive driving;
• significant weight.

Deore

High-quality amateur equipment. This class of transmission is capable of withstanding heavy use on roads and forest trails. It differs from simpler counterparts in increased reliability and build quality.

Stainless steel and high-quality composites are used here, which makes it possible to increase the strength of parts, while not losing much weight.

There is also full compatibility with hydraulic brakes.

It is used by amateurs not involved in sports professionally.

Usually installed on mountain bikes, the price tag of which exceeds 85,000 rubles.

• moderate price tag;
• build quality;
• good responsiveness;
• can withstand decent loads;
• stainless steel and expensive composite elements are used.

• significant weight.

SLX

The list continues with a class of equipment designed for amateurs turning into a professional link or users who give heavy loads with frequent use.

The models integrate polymer composite compounds, stainless steel, and also have excellent reliability indicators, which is extremely important during aggressive rides.

Most cyclists prefer this particular class due to the optimal ratio of cost and quality.

Also a nice bonus is a decent speed of response to commands.

In 2022, it will be installed on bicycle models costing from 90,000 rubles.

• moderate weight;
• good performance;
• optimal strength.

• won't handle extreme use.

Zee

A bright representative of the budget category, designed for the toughest ground disciplines.

Excellent workmanship is complemented by increased reliability to ensure sufficient margin of safety.

For ease of maintenance and minimization of parts, the tailgate can be bolted directly to the frame if available.

Also, the transmission set is designed for 10 speeds, so there is no front derailleur as such, but where Zee is used, it only gets in the way.

The equipment is found on bicycles from 200,000 rubles.

• original design;
• phenomenal structural strength;
• low weight;
• full carbon fiber integration;
• the use of stiff springs for maximum chain stabilization.

• standard bearings are used.

Saint

The flagship line designed for the toughest disciplines, downhill skiing. In fact, the mechanisms are similar to the line of the previous stage, but there is one significant plus - the weight of the structure is reduced and the bearings are replaced with ceramic sleeves.

Very often you can meet the line at professional competitions and world cups in DownHill, Free Ride.

Of the minuses, users call the solid price tag of the kit. The plant installs the equipment on bikes costing from 350,000 rubles.

• phenomenal strength;
• very attractive design;
• maximum efficiency.

• the price tag can shock an unprepared user.

Deore XT

Representative of Shimano's professional line of equipment. The highest quality and minimum weight allow the models to be actively used in various competitions or on long trips.

The complete set of equipment includes the entire bike ride, complemented by the highest quality brake systems.

You can often see this row on bikes designed for Cross Country or light Free Ride. Also, some users are driving with might and main on this type of DownHill transmission.

The line fully implements the use of the manufacturer's advanced technologies, the rear transfer rollers are made on an industrial bearing, there is a full integration of carbon fiber and high-strength polymers, which allows to reduce weight and increase the reliability of components.

It is found on bikes from 350,000 rubles.

• excellent performance;
• can be used for hard disciplines;
• Beautiful design.

• the cost is far from democratic;
• professional adjustment required.

XTR

The absolute flagship of the manufacturer, designed purely for professional racing of various kinds. The design contains only the most advanced technologies of the company. The development of carbon and titanium elements is fully integrated, which allows you to reduce weight to the limit and increase reliability.

Many riders who are in the world tops prefer to use this equipment.

There is also a division of the line into two classes, Race and Trail. The first is the most expensive, premium segment, the second, thanks to the use of less expensive materials, can be used in everyday driving.

It is found on factory bikes costing from 60,000 rubles and more.

• flagship with superior performance.

• affordable price only for sponsors or wealthy users.

SHIMANO for touring models

A special mention is worthy of the manufacturer's branch, intended for use on tourist models.

As a rule, samples designed for tourism differ from mountain mechanisms and safety margin.

Deore

It is an analogue of mining equipment.The design differences include a longer paw of the rear flip (for tourism, loosening on bumps is not critical, and a connecting rod with large stars is used, which forces the use of an elongated element).

Also, the weight varies a little - mountain parts are stronger, so the mass is greater.

The cost of a bike built at the level of Deore is about 80,000 rubles

• moderate price tag;
• good responsiveness;
• can withstand decent loads;
• stainless steel and expensive composite elements are used.

• slightly lower strength relative to off-road modifications.

Deore LX

The list continues with equipment used on touring or hybrid bikes designed for serious loads. The kit includes elements of brakes, switches and running gear.

The line has no analogues among mountain structures, which makes it the most targeted specifically at tourism.

Products are created as simply as possible - this is necessary for the possibility of repair in the field. You can completely replace the drive cables and reconfigure the switches or brakes using a standard set of hex keys that any cyclist has.

The series is also characterized by the use of contact pedals and rim brakes.

It is found on bikes costing from 150,000 rubles.

• beautiful design;
• excellent strength;
• minimum weight;
• high maintainability.

• impressive price.

Deore XT

The XT package of the tourist sample differs slightly from the off-road counterpart.As with the mainstream Deore series, the units are of excellent prototype quality, with some design differences such as clipless pedals instead of standard pads and V-Br brakes instead of hydraulic discs.

Equipment can be seen on models over 150,000 rubles.

• excellent workmanship;
• excellent maintainability;
• attractive design.

• price.

SHIMANO for urban or hybrid models

Separately from mountain and tourist equipment, equipment designed for urban or hybrid models can be distinguished into a special group. This decision was made due to the special popularity of the variety in large cities.

capreo

A narrow-purpose drivetrain designed specifically for the comfort of mid-range folding bikes.

Transmission units are distinguished by modified gear ratios relative to serial off-road structures.

Cassettes are rated for 9 positions and cranks are usually 1 or 3 chainrings.

It is used on bikes costing in the region of 100,000 - 150,000 rubles.

• ensuring optimal performance on road models;
• moderate cost.

• very narrow scope.

Nexus

Representative of the city class. The series includes a planetary type transmission, designed specifically for city bikes. There are several different modifications for 3 gears in the kit. There are bushings with and without a foot brake.

Many users are pleased with the large bearing capacity of the structure - the maximum axle load is up to 120 kg.It is also worth highlighting the ease of maintenance, for the sleeve it is enough to change the lubricant before the season and you can travel all year round without fear of breakdowns.

The equipment is often found on bike models designed for city riding every day.

Some mechanics note the phenomenal survivability of the installation - without maintenance, the "planetary" is able to drive for several years. The total service life can exceed 30,000 km, depending on care.

The cost in stores fluctuates around 3500 - 5000 rubles.

• phenomenal vitality;
• basic service;
• does not require frequent calibration.

• total weight of the structure.

Alfine

Not so popular, but a more advanced line of equipment. The designs contain 11 gears and are used by tourists or athletes.

The advanced series has improved performance compared to the Nexus units, and also has a lower weight. Separately, it can be mentioned that the model range is often used not only in urban bicycle designs. Some brands install planetarium data on mountain bikes.

Compared to simpler models, Shimano for this class of bike uses bevel gear technology, which allows for smoother shifting and less time spent on the procedure. Also, instead of the usual thick lubrication, an oil bath is used here, which helps to extend the life of the gearbox and increase the service interval of the unit by three times.

• excellent switching quality;
• compatibility with mountain models;
• use of flagship developments.

• bites the price tag.

Sram switch kits

Cyclists familiar with the specifics know for certain that Shimano's direct competitor is the American brand Sram.

Although the brand is not very common in Russia - proximity to Asia affects, the spare parts offered by this brand are not inferior in quality, and in some cases even surpass Shimano's offers. The corporation is engaged in the development of equipment designed to work in harsh climatic and physical conditions.

Therefore, for completeness of the story, it is necessary to talk about the models of this manufacturer.

X3

The simplest line, adapted for use on budget bikes. Unlike competitor components, the manufacturer installs stiffer springs on their changeovers, thanks to which it is possible to avoid loosening of the changeover during strong shaking.

The minimum number of speeds is 24, which limits the use on the most budget bikes. The cost of a finished bicycle on such equipment is about 25 - 30 thousand rubles.

• simplicity of design;
• light weight;
• hard springs.

• the rear shift rollers wear out quickly.

X4

The average price branch of custom parts. In terms of level, X4 can be compared with Alivio. Analogues have approximately the same characteristics.

The main difference between the American device is a different switching principle and the gear ratio of the shifter with the shifter, which significantly increases stability during shaking.

Bicycle models are completed in the range from 35,000 to 50,000 rubles.

• optimal functionality;
• compatible with hydraulic brakes;
• significant survivability.

• lame switching accuracy relative to top models.

X5

Top line designed for 24 speeds. In terms of the level in the general table, the model corresponds to Deore and can be used for tourist trips and active rides on dirt trails.

The kit includes stars, shifters, shifters and cranks, which allows you to fully equip the bike with equipment of the same manufacturer and level.

Also here begins the use of stainless steel and high-quality plastic to lighten the weight.

• excellent switching accuracy;
• stability on large bumps.

• They are more expensive than the Shimano counterpart.

X7

A full-fledged category that includes semi-professional spare parts designed for active use in harsh conditions.

The specially designed transmission offers from 9 to 27 speeds. And the use of composite elements significantly affects the overall weight of the structure.

Shifters are fully compatible with equipment of lower categories, which allows you to save on equipment.

It is found on bicycles, costing from 80,000 rubles.

• excellent design;
• able to work for a long time at the specified parameters;
• light weight.

• requires skillful calibration;
• high price.

X9

An example of a semi-professional class, presented to the public as a worthy analogue of the SLX class transmission.

At the same time, Sram equipment can be used for Downhill or Freeride, and at the same time, the parts have enough weight for Cross Country disciplines.

An excellent combination of carbon fiber, steel and aluminum made it possible to create samples worthy of participating in competitions.

On factory bikes, equipment is installed from 150,000 rubles.

• excellent accuracy;
• combination of price and quality;
• versatility of application;
• the ability to replace the foot of the rear derailleur.

• price.

X0

The next variation of the top equipment. The components are distinguished by a high content of carbon and aluminum elements, which guarantees a reduction in the weight of the entire set of equipment by more than 500 grams.

The product is designed for professional use in racing, long endurance races.

There are only two gear combination options 2x10 and 3x10.

The shifters show phenomenal accuracy and stability during heavy jolts, and the chain and sprockets are specially grooved to ensure lightning-fast response to the rider's commands.

It is used on bicycles from 400,000 rubles.

• excellent combination of weight and strength;
• minimum response time.

• huge cost.

XX

The flagship of the company, installed only on the most advanced models of bicycles. All equipment is designed for maximum weight reduction, so handlebar attachment is done with Match Maker X.

Superb build quality, complemented by minimal weight, makes it suitable for the toughest conditions and disciplines. It is noteworthy that the design of the crossovers is made in such a way that even they are stuck with clay, they continue to function properly.

Aluminum gears with ceramic sleeves are used as rear shift rollers. For maximum ease of switching, several elements have been added to the shifter to ensure accurate dosage.

It is installed by the factory on finished bikes from 500,000 rubles.

• the personification of the manufacturer's flagship technologies;
• phenomenal survivability in difficult conditions.

• space price tag.

There is an excellent selection of bike derailleurs available today. Modern developments can improve the lives of ordinary users and professionals.