Shimano Claris groupset review

Your complete guide to the Shimano Claris groupset, including its features, strengths and weaknesses

Shimano Claris
(Image credit: chris catchpole)
Cycling Weekly Verdict

Shimano Claris is the lowest rung on Shimano's road bike groupset ladder, but still manages to offer decent, reliable shifting in an 8-speed package. If you've got the extra 50 quid that would get you an upgrade to Sora (or indeed the extra 100 quid to upgrade to Tiagra) then the extra gears probably make it worth it, but if not then Claris will still provide good performance for cyclists new to the sport.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Long cage rear derailleur

  • +

    Reliable rear shifting

  • +

    Intuitive dual control shifting

  • +

    Good range of gear options

  • +

    Excellent value

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Front shifting takes a bit of effort

  • -

    8-speed means big jumps between sprockets

  • -

    Spongy brake pads

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

The Shimano Claris groupset is one of the lower-priced gearing options in the brand's hierarchy, and you'll often find new road bikes around the £500 mark come with drivetrain components from this range.

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1