Microshift Sword Black sounds expensive, but it’s actually a more affordable version of the original Sword gravel group. Microshift’s intent with Sword Black is to fill its product line and reach more riders by offering an even more attainable price point. Let’s check it out below…
Microshift Sword won a Radavist Award for best drivetrain in 2023, and Sword Black has a lot of the same features that make Sword so great, including:
- Lower gear ranges than comparable road groups (2x 11-38T, 1x 11-46T)
- Dialed ergonomics that feel good on flared bars
- Easy to work on yourself
But there are key differences:
- It has 9 speeds instead of 10
- There is no clutch
- It has a square taper crank
- The groupset is $126 cheaper at MSRP ($349 vs $474 including crankset)
Compatibility
Sword and Sword Black use the same cable pull ratio, which makes the rear derailleurs cross compatible. So, if you have a Sword Black group, you can swap in a Sword rear derailleur without changing any parts. It’s a nice upgrade path if you decide you want a clutch down the line.
Pricing
Sword Black 1×9 Groupset, Shifters, M Cage 1x RD, Steel 42T Cassette, Crankset $219.99
Sword Black 1×9 Groupset, Shifters, M Cage 1x RD, Steel 46T Cassette, Crankset $224.99
Sword Black 2×9 Groupset, Shifters, Braze On FD, L Cage 2x RD, Steel 38T $269.99
Sword Black Cranks (1x or 2x) $78.99
Sword Black Wide Front Derailleur Double (braze or clamp on) $26.99
Sword Black 1x Rear Derailleur 9/10 Speed (medium or long) Cage $42.99
Sword Black Drop Bar Shifters 1×9 $144.99
Sword Black Drop Bar Shifters 2×9 $169.99
Check out more at Microshift.
