Differences between SRAM and Shimano
SRAM vs. Shimano
SRAM and Shimano are the two largest manufacturers of bicycle components, with Shimano holding a majority of the global market share.[1][2] Shimano, a Japanese company founded in the 1920s, began by manufacturing freewheels and has since grown into a dominant force in the industry.[1] SRAM, a younger American company founded in 1987, first entered the market with its Grip Shift product and is now Shimano's primary competitor.[1][3] Both companies produce a wide range of components, including drivetrains and brakes, for road, mountain, and gravel bikes, but differ in design philosophy and technology.[4][5] Component compatibility between the two brands is generally limited.[4]
Comparison Table
| Category | SRAM | Shimano |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1987, Chicago, USA[1] | 1921, Sakai, Japan[1] |
| Mechanical Road Shifting | DoubleTap: A single lever handles both upshifts and downshifts based on how far it is pushed.[1] | STI (Shimano Total Integration): Two separate levers; the brake lever shifts one way and a smaller, secondary lever shifts the other.[1] |
| Electronic Shifting | AXS: Fully wireless system with individual batteries on each derailleur. | Di2 (Digital Integrated Intelligence): Semi-wireless system with a central battery wired to both derailleurs. |
| Brake Fluid | DOT Fluid | Mineral Oil |
| Brake Feel | Often described as having a more progressive feel with greater modulation. | Often described as having a more immediate "on/off" feel with a strong initial bite. |
| 1x Drivetrain Adoption | Pioneered 1x drivetrains, which have become a standard in mountain biking.[1] | Later to adopt 1x systems but now offers them across its product lines.[1] |
Electronic Groupsets
Both companies offer electronic shifting systems that are central to their high-end product lines. SRAM's AXS system is entirely wireless, connecting shifters to derailleurs via a proprietary signal. Each derailleur has its own removable and interchangeable battery. Shimano's Di2 system is considered "semi-wireless." The shifters are wireless, but both front and rear derailleurs are connected by wires to a single, larger battery that is typically concealed within the bicycle's frame or seatpost. The operational logic also differs; by default, SRAM uses one lever for upshifts and the other for downshifts, while pressing both simultaneously shifts the front derailleur. Di2's levers mimic the function of their mechanical counterparts, with the right lever controlling the rear derailleur and the left controlling the front.
Brakes
A key technical difference in the hydraulic brake systems of the two brands is the type of fluid used. SRAM brakes use DOT fluid, which is common in the automotive industry, while Shimano brakes use mineral oil. This affects maintenance procedures, as the fluids are not interchangeable and have different properties; mineral oil is less corrosive, while DOT fluid can be more resistant to heat. The feel at the lever is also a point of distinction. Shimano brakes are often noted for their powerful initial bite and "ServoWave" technology, which provides rapid pad engagement. In contrast, SRAM brakes are frequently described as offering a more progressive power delivery, allowing for finer modulation of braking force.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 "westbrookcycles.co.uk". Retrieved January 13, 2026.
- ↑ "bicycling.co.za". Retrieved January 13, 2026.
- ↑ "fideres.com". Retrieved January 13, 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "brooklyncarbon.bike". Retrieved January 13, 2026.
- ↑ "evo.com". Retrieved January 13, 2026.
