Definitely the former. Let’s talk about brand history, positioning and influence first. Shimano (hereinafter referred to as "Big S" in the industry) has become the leader since the 1980s after replacing the No. 1 (Italian) Campagnolo. He and the second-ranked SRAM (hereinafter referred to as "Little S") occupy about 70% of the global transmission kit market (the other 20% is now a niche but trench-level Campagnolo and the fourth-ranked micro-shift kit microshift, the remaining less than 10% is other). Shimano has the most patents and innovative technologies (such as the SIS positioning technology of the year, the technology to replace the beam shifter of the road bike, the special kit technology for mountain bikes and road bikes, the special kit technology for multi-functional off-road vehicles, Hollow crank technology, UG positioning that improves shifting sensitivity and speed and reduces chain noise and friction, improved HG positioning, and current HyperGlide+ positioning technology, electronic shifting technology, etc. have all played an important role in promoting the development of bicycles and the advancement of sports competitions. (This is not my personal opinion. It is the unanimous view of the cycling media, industry, players and players) (Of course, SRAM is also very good. For example, its wireless electronic shifting technology has come from behind, and overall it has its own advantages and disadvantages compared to Shimano. Little S fans. Don’t blame me, I’m just answering the question based on the facts). Let’s talk about the market applications of major brands of vehicles, whether it is the international first-line upstream Lightning (S-WORKS and SPECIALIZED sub-brands), Trek, Cannondale, Scott, BMC, Colnago, Cervélo, etc. or first-line Giant, Merida, CUBE, NORCO, and Kona (Kona) and so on, from entry-level, mid-range, high-end to flagship series, a large number of large S kits are preferred (of course, small S kits are also used)
Shimano kits, design details. The craftsmanship, appearance, durability, performance, quality control, etc. are all well-known in the industry. You can find out by asking on various cycling forums. Whether they are for mountain bikes or road bikes, they are divided into entertainment grade and professional grade. To meet the different needs from entry-level, advanced, enthusiast, amateur to professional players, etc., for example, mountain bike kits, by 2020, there are four levels of entertainment (entry-level entertainment aluts, entertainment mid-range acera, entertainment high-end alivio, entertainment). Ding-level deore 10-speed m4100), professional level has six levels (professional entry-level deore 11-speed m5100, professional entry-level deore 12-speed M6100, professional mid-range SLX? 12-speed m7100, professional high-end XT? 12-speed m8100 , professional top-level XTR 12-speed m9100 and electronically variable 11-speed XTR Di2). Each rider can find a suitable level in terms of price and performance?
Shimano’s kit is still the best. Players must use it in international competitions (including Xiaos and Campagnolo, with Shimano being the most used), especially in the first-level road cycling events hosted by UCI (International Cycling Union) (the three major Tours, among which the Tour de France has a century-old history, , the five major classical races are cross-country races, among which Paris-Roubaix has a history of 130 years. Tour de France and Paris-Roubaix are every professional player must or dreams of participating), XC (cross-country) of mountain bikes World Cup, EPIC (marathon) World Cup, Enduro (all-mountain endurance) World Cup, DH (Downhill/Downhill) World Cup and Olympic road and mountain bike events.
Shimano has R&D institutions in countries with developed bicycle technology and markets around the world (North America, England, France, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Australia, etc.). And it will be participated by professional players from UCI. Shimano's shifting system and transmission system are complete sets of its own, such as thumb shifters, front derailleurs, rear derailleurs, transmission tubes and cable cores, bottom brackets, cranksets, chains and even brake systems and wheelsets, forming a vast Riders said, "There is no choice in terms of compatibility." This is also incomparable with micro-shifters and the brands below it (they usually only have thumb derailleurs, front derailleurs, and rear derailleurs. Others are from third-party brands).
The main advantage of choosing Blueprint is that it is cheaper than the same level (same speed). Regardless of whether it is a road bike or a mountain bike kit, it is acceptable for general touring, ordinary folk amateur competitions, and ordinary light off-roading. However, the compatibility, chain noise, durability, etc. are not as good as Shimano. For example, some riders have reported that the blueprint kit requires repeated and patient debugging (whether the flywheel is made of a better-quality Richi or an ordinary Rihui, its gears The shape and accuracy are not as good as Shimano's, and the shifting cooperation with the chain itself is somewhat different). "You get what you pay for" principle, how is it possible to find products that are cheap, easy to use and durable?
Shimano’s previous generation of professional top-level XTR m9000 cranks with handicraft-like industrial aesthetic design (the new generation of xtr m9100 can be found by yourself) Shimano’s professional high-end XT crankset series (right: previous generation 2013 Model, left: the previous generation 2016 model, both have second-generation hollow cranks to reduce weight and improve pedaling output efficiency). Micro-rotation is not yet up to the level of the 2013 model. The third-party crankset manufacturer Haomeng is still "referring" to the structure of the 2013 model, not mentioning the brand below it
SRAM (small S) Mid-range GX cranksets are like this. Industrial aesthetic better than Shimano.
No need to talk nonsense about thumb shift and rear shift. The mid-range GX of the small S is so stylish and the gear shifting is crisp and clean, not to mention its high-end XO1, XX1, etc.
The XT of the big S? The thumb shifter provides three structures, and it is still an 11-speed shifter. It is also clean and fast, with two-way release and four-speed fast forward and four-speed reverse functions. It is very good, and the micro-turn function is beyond the reach of others. Of course, the price is also high.
The XT 11-speed rear derailleur’s overall performance, industrial structure, ergonomic design, and quick shifting and back-shifting performance in severe bumps are also beyond the reach of micro-shifters and below. Of course, the price is also high. . In addition, professional and amateur mountain bikers do not use XT kits for competition (they all use XTR), and most players use XT.
Let’s talk about another factor. flywheel. An important point that affects the smoothness of gear shifting. Shimano and Sulian both have tooth shapes calculated through years of racing experience and computer software assistance. One of them is Shimano's "missing teeth" and Sulian's "fin teeth" (a variation of missing teeth). improve). Other kit manufacturers do not have this design. One is patent protection, and the other is high price due to complex process. However, those with remaining teeth or missing teeth have fast and light up and down gears, low chain noise, and little wear on the chain.
In addition, pay attention to Shimano's flywheel. The tooth shapes on each piece have multiple components, are complex and have precise craftsmanship. This also improves its transmission and shifting performance, especially for road bikes, uic large rings. Shimano groupsets in competition mostly have this reason.
Shimano’s 2013 XT 10-speed flywheel has such sharp and complex tooth design and craftsmanship that no other brand has been able to design and process it except Speedlink and Campagnolo. ? I won’t talk about the bottom bracket, chain, etc.
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