Sram Vs Shimano

If you are searching for a new bike and are comparing the specifications of bikes - regardless of whether that’s a gravel bike, a road bike or a mountain bike, one of the most noticeable differences is the component manufacturer. You will often see SRAM and Shimano products listed as components. In this post, we look at the two-component manufacturers in greater detail and discuss which manufactures the best parts for you and your bike.

Both indeed represent a good choice for bicycle components. Shimano and SRAM offer the full range of bicycle components, and you can expect to see both companies providing parts for both budget and high-end range bikes. Although SRAM only manufactures bicycle components Shimano also designs and manufactures other sports parts, such as fishing & rowing components; despite this - Shimano holds around 50% share of the global cycling market.

Shimano History

Shimano was first started in the 1920’s, Sakai City - Japan. The first Shimano component was manufactured in a small rented workshop by Shimano Iron Works, with it’s freewheels. Shimano was so confident in the quality of it’s product, it was offered that if the freewheel became defective, he would replace it with two freewheels. As the reputation of Shimano grew, as did the product range. The Shimano company today continues to be owned by the ancestors of the founder, and the companies aim to create products that help promote both a happy and healthy lifestyle.

Sram History

Sram was founded in Chicago and is relatively young compared to Shimano - created in 1987. SRAM like Shimano started with a single product - the Grip Shift, also known as the Twist Shift. The grip shift was pioneering, and many riders will remember it. The grip shift allowed the rider to change gears without removing their hands from the handlebars, this technology spread from road bikes to mountain bikes. The success of this product quickly grew, allowing SRAM to grow it’s component range, and become the second-largest manufacturer of components in the world.

Sram V Shimano Shifter Design

One of the biggest differences between Shimano and SRAM is the design of their shifters. Shimano use STI shifters that separate upshifts and downshifts into two different levers. SRAM DoubleTap does not use separate levers but instead has one paddle-shaped lever behind the brake lever which handles both upshifts and downshifts.

Both are well-designed systems and are easy enough to use - your choice depends purely on how you want to change gear, and what suits your ergonomics best. Mountain Bike shifters are dealt with similarly by the two manufacturers, both offer trigger-style shifters.

SRAM V Shimano Crankset Design

Shimano’s crankset design standard, known as the Hollowtech is well known. It features a hollow, aluminium crank arm made from two separate pieces joined together. It retains all of the stiffness of a solid one-piece crank arm, but is lighter. SRAM tends to use carbon fibre cranks for its top-end bikes, offering stronger performance and lightweight advantages. Shimano avoids carbon fibre cranksets, reporting that the Hollowtech technology matches carbon cranks performance, but with increased durability.

SRAM V Shimano Drivetrain Design

SRAM was the first company to introduce 1 x drivetrains - which are now pretty much industry standard. Shimano was a little later to adopt 1x drivetrains, but now do so - also allowing their customers to benefit from the increased reliability and efficiency of single chainrings. Shimano still produces 2 x MTB drivetrains. As well as their 1 x offerings.

SRAM V Shimano Warranty

Shimano offer a two-year warranty on their products - and a three-year warranty on certain product lines. You can also speak directly to Shimano regarding a warranty claim. SRAM Warranty works differently, although it remains a two year warranty - but any warranty claims are handled directly through the bike shop where the purchase was made.

SRAM V Shimano Conclusion

Although there are some differences between the two brands, a bike with either SRAM or Shimano components will provide good levels of performance and reliability. At the top end of the range, both brands use high end technology. In summary, the market share for mountain bike components lies with SRAM and Shimano, which are more commonly found on road bikes.