Everything you need to know about Shimano’s new Tiagra groupset
New 10-speed bits get trickle down from higher-end components with improved esthetics and performance
On the same day Shimano made big waves dropping the brand-new GRX gravel groupset, the Japanese component manufacturer announced updates to its entry-level Tiagra road groupset. The new components for the 202o model year borrow heavily from the higher-end 105, Ultegra and Dura-Ace groupsets introducing in-line Tiagra bits that used to just have series numbers.
When Tiagra was last updated in 2016, Shimano introduced entry-level road hydraulic disc brakes at a more accessible price tag. The new groupset brings the esthetics of higher-end components along with improved performance to more riders. The 10-speed groupset should be an appealing offering on road bikes geared towards enthusiasts, new riders and budget conscious cyclists.
Tiagra levers
The form and function of the Tiagra levers is trickle down tech directly from Shimano’s upper tier groupsets. The Dual Control levers are now in the Tiagra series of components. They feature the same slim body to house the hydraulic disc brake controls and feature increased adjustability for various hand sizes for comfortable control of your bike.
The internal shifting unit has been updated for quicker and more precise shifting across the cassette. This means that compared to the older model of entry-level road groupset, you should get a more shift feel when you look to make a quick gear change when sprinting for a town sign or tackling a steep pitch on the road. For riders with smaller hands, there’s a model of Tiagra shifters with a short reach lever and more outboard profile.
Crankset
To allow for more versatile gearing ratios, Shimano has introduced an ultra-compact 48-34T front chainring for the two-piece Tiagra crankset. That’s in addition to the mid-compact 52-36T and 50-34 chainrings for more traditional road set-ups.
With a 14T jump between the big ring and the small ring, riders don’t need to perform as many compensation shifts on the cassette. It should make operating the new groupset on the road feel quicker are allowing you to find the right gear easier
Hubs
Another update that comes to Tiagra is 12-mm thru axle hubs for disc brake bikes. The hubs are 10 and 11-speed compatible featuring 28 or 32 spoke hole drillings to be compatible with a range of rim options.
The new groupset will be available in June of 2019.
