Shimano's road bicycle components are a different category altogether. Mountain bicycle components are made to be more rugged and durable, whereas road bicycle components focus on being lightweight and efficient.

In the last blog, I explained the intricate differences between all the MTB drivetrains. If you haven't checked it out yet, please check it out because I've covered a few interesting details about the technologies involved in all the drivetrains. Today, we'll be diving deep into road bicycle category drivetrains.

Budget friendly options

1. Tourney:

Tourney is so versatile, it can be on any beginner level bicycle and it works well. It's the cheapest option for any beginner level road bicycle just below Claris and Sora. You can find these gears on the road bicycles that cost in and around 40k.

Chapter 1: Entry level options

2. Claris:

Now you've stepped into the entry level road biking scene. This is exactly where hyper glide tech starts to shine. Coupled with 8 speed cassette, Claris caters to people who are tight on budget and want to experience the potential of road bicycles. You can find Claris on the road bicycles that cost above 40k

Click to explore bicycles with Claris

3. Sora:

Coupled with a 9 speed cassette, Sora offers better shifting performance than Claris. It's lighter, faster, and more efficient.  You can find Sora on road bicycles that cost above 60k

Click to explore bicycles with Sora

4. Tiagra:

Coupled with a 10 speed cassette, Tiagra is lighter and can shift under light load. It's durable and has better efficiency than Sora. You can find Tiagra on the bicycles above 80k

Click to explore bicycles with Tiagra

Chapter 2: Something for a serious rider

5. 105:

This is where we can see a boost in performance. 105 is the most celebrated component in the road bicycle industry.  It's reliable. It's a balance between price and performance, durability and weight. It shifts well under load. You can find 105 in the road bicycles that cost around and above 1L

Click to explore bicycles with 105

6. Ultegra:

If you are getting into professional racing, then most people choose Ultegra. It's simply better than 105. Lighter than 105, more efficient and more compact.  It lets you find the right ratio for every terrain elevation.

Click to explore bicycles with Ultegra

Chapter 3: Professionals favourite:

7. Dura ace:

Cable actuated professional's first choice. Best at everything. Pinnacle of cable actuated road bicycle drivetrains. Its efficiency is unmatched. Truly the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time)

Click to explore bicycles with Dura ace

8. 105 di2:

Surprisingly 105 jumps back in with its wireless version. Performance is close to Dura ace. Since its wireless, you can shift gears by just a touch of a button. *Don't forget to keep it charged!

Click to explore bicycles with 105 di2

9. Ultegra di2:

As name suggests, Ultegra jumps back in with its wireless version too. Right after 105. Lighter, better battery, more durable, more comfortable shifters. Better than 105di2

Click to explore bicycles with Ultegra di2

10. Dura ace di2:

The GOAT jumps back in again with its di2 version. The best of the best. Lightest, quickest, the most accurate and the most reliable drivetrain the industry has ever seen. Peak performance and peak smoothness. Hard-core racing? Dura ace di2 has got you covered

Click to explore bicycles with Dura ace di2

Conclusion:

Road bicycle group sets focus more on being lightweight, more efficient and let you select the right gear for the right cadence. Speed as its high priority, coupled with bigger and lighter crank in the front, road bicycle’s speed is unmatched on a smooth paved road. And these group set make it possible.