If you are looking for a reliable and affordable groupset for your road bike, you might have come across Shimano Tiagra.
Shimano Tiagra
Shimano Tiagra is a mid-range groupset that offers a balance between performance, durability and price.
It is designed for recreational and fitness riders who want a smooth and reliable shifting experience without breaking the bank.
Shimano Tiagra is part of the Shimano 10-speed family, which means it is compatible with other 10-speed components from Shimano, such as 105, Ultegra and Dura-Ace.
However, it is not compatible with 11-speed or 12-speed components, which are more common in higher-end groupsets.
Tiagra 4700 Series Improvements
Shimano Tiagra consists of several components, such as shifters, derailleurs, brakes, crankset, cassette, chain and bottom bracket.
You can buy them separately or as a complete groupset. The latest version of Shimano Tiagra is the 4700 series, which was launched in 2016.
It features some improvements over the previous 4600 series, such as:
– A more ergonomic and compact shifter design that mimics the higher-end models.
– A redesigned front derailleur that offers more cable routing options and smoother shifting.
– A new rear derailleur that can accommodate up to a 34-tooth cassette for easier climbing.
– A new four-arm crankset that is stiffer and lighter than the previous five-arm design.
– A new brake caliper that offers more modulation and power than the previous model.
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Versatility and Customization with Shimano Tiagra
Shimano Tiagra is good for riders who want a dependable and versatile groupset that can handle different terrains and conditions.
It is suitable for road bikes, gravel bikes, touring bikes and hybrid bikes. It offers a wide range of gearing options, from compact (50/34) to triple (50/39/30) cranksets, and from 11-25 to 11-34 cassettes.
You can also mix and match different components to customize your bike according to your preferences and needs.
Though, Shimano Tiagra also has some drawbacks that you should be aware of before buying it.
Some of them are:
– It is heavier than higher-end groupsets, which might affect your speed and handling.
– It has fewer gears than 11-speed or 12-speed groupsets, which might limit your cadence and efficiency.
– It has less crisp and precise shifting than higher-end groupsets, which might affect your performance and comfort.
– It has less aesthetic appeal than higher-end groupsets, which might matter to some riders who care about the look of their bike.
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Conclusion
Shimano Tiagra is good for riders who are looking for a reliable and affordable groupset that can handle different situations and challenges.
It offers a smooth and consistent shifting experience that will make your rides enjoyable and fun.
But, it is not the best choice for riders who are looking for the lightest, fastest or most advanced groupset in the market.
It is a compromise between quality and price that might not satisfy everyone’s expectations.
