Known for making “bike parts for reality”, microSHIFT just released a new, even more affordable version of their popular Sword Gravel Group. Meet Sword Black. Even though slapping the “Black” moniker on a product usually means that it’s more pricy, that’s not the case here. The new Sword Black is meant to “fill out” microSHIFT’s product line, reaching more riders and offering an even more attainable price point.
Samsies as OG Sword
Sword Black offers a lot of the same features that the OG Sword has, including:
- Lower gear ranges than comparable road groups (2×11-38t, 1×11-46t)
- Dialed ergonomics that feel good on flared bars
- Easy to work on yourself. (microSHIFT has a full suite of YouTube videos on the matter)
Here’s Where Sword Black Differs
- It runs 9 speeds instead of 10 speeds
- There is no clutch
- It uses a square taper crank
- The groupset is $126 cheaper at retail of $349 vs $474 (including crankset)
Same Cable Pull
Both Sword and Sword Black use the same cable pull ratio, making the rear derailleurs for each group cross-compatible… geez, what a novel idea. Imagine if you already have the Sword Black group and wanted to upgrade to the Sword rear derailleur, you could do so without changing anything else.
1x & 2x Sword Black Group Scecs
microSHIFT calls both of the Sword Gravel groups “modern components with an analog soul”. I like it.
Check out everything microSHIFT has to offer by hitting the link below.
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