While the two big drivetrain players take technological swings at each other, microShift has found a niche in the affordable drivetrain market. They have now released a new affordable 10-speed gravel groupset called Sword, the completely mechanical groupset is available in 1x and 2x setups and is likely to be the gravel groupset featured on a lot of future budget gravel bikes.
The new Sword drivetrain is a dedicated gravel groupset, unlike the microShift Advent X which is often used on affordable gravel bikes but is actually a mountain bike groupset that has compatible dropbar levers.
Although there are some similarities between Sword and Advent X drivetrains, microShift has been able to focus on gravel-specific features when designing Sword including completely redesigned levers, a new derailleur, and a 1x and 2x compatible chainset. There are a lot of cross-compatibility too and modular designs to make it easier to customize your drivetrain.
The Sword groupset includes the main drivetrain components like levers, cranks, derailleurs, and cassette, however, customers will need to provide their own mechanical brake calipers, rotors, 10-speed chain, and bottom bracket. The crankset is compatible with any 24mm spindle Shimano compatible bottom bracket and most 10sp chains will work (excluding Campagnolo) with microShift recommending KMC’s X10 chain.
The drivetrain comes in either 1x or 2x options with the 1x10 option recommended for “adventure, bikepacking and rowdy days” and a 2x10 for “fast gravel, group rides and long days”.
There are a complete of features that make it easier to switch between the two drivetrain setups too. The crankset is compatible with both chainring setups (100/80mm asymmetric BCD) and rather than replace the rear derailleur, the cage can be switched between long and medium to cater to different cassette sizes.
The 10-speed rear derailleur has a sleek aesthetic and features a ratchet and pawl clutch that can be switched on and off (via the integrated switch on the cage pivot) so removing the rear wheel is easier.
The Sword rear derailleur has a feature that they call an Orbital barrel adjuster. This allows the cable entry point to rotate by up to 15 degrees whilst still giving cable tension adjustment. The rotation allows smoother cable routing from internal routing exits to the derailleur, which helps reduce cable friction and gives smoother shifting.
microShift has two cassette sizes, a black 11-48t Advent X cassette for 1x drivetrains and a new 2x Sword 11-38t with a satin nickel finish. Both cassette sizes come at two price points, the more affordable but heavier steel H-Series or the part alloy G-Series. All the cassettes fit onto a standard HG freehub body.
For those that are picky about their gear ratios, the Advent X cassette has 11-13-15-18-21-24-28-34-40-48 sprockets, while the Sword has 11-13-15-17-19-21-24-28-32-38 sprockets.
The front derailleur is available in braze-on or 34.9mm band-on options, will work with a minimum 46t outer chainring and is compatible with up to a 52t, and features cable tension adjustment using a 3mm hex bolt on the top of the derailleur. While clearance might vary between different bike designs, microShift says the front derailleur should clear up to a 700x48mm gravel tire.
The shifter/levers have received a massive overhaul, new braking pivot point, new ergonomics, and adjustable reach.
A new sleek shape that has been designed to give better ergonomics when used with flared bars and the high pivot lever is said to give more leverage and reduce lever reach. microShift has also designed the lever to pull a little more cable than a standard lever to enhance power.
There are a number of lever configurations. Obviously, there is a 10sp right-hand shifter but the left shifter comes in either a 1X, 2X, or with a dropper lever. Shifting is handled by two small paddles positioned behind the lever and the left dropper remote has a single paddle to control your seatpost.
Sword is a fully mechanical groupset, that includes the brakes as well and microShift isn't currently offering a hydraulic lever with this groupset.
For full details, head over to microshift.com
microShift Sword pricing and specs
