– So, how many gears do you have?
I’m not talking about how many plates of sushi you’ve eaten or how many bills you have in your wallet; I’m talking about the number of gears on your bicycle.
Bicycle gears. The cutting edge has moved past 11 speeds and reached 12.
It was 25 years ago now, but when I started cycling, the cutting edge was 7 speeds.
How many speeds are you using?
I use everything from a single-speed (no gears) to the latest 12-speed.
Why? Because the number of gears you need depends on the scene and how you ride.
However, the reality is that many component manufacturers are so focused on chasing the cutting edge that everything else is disappearing.
The latest 12-speed setup is immensely effective in extreme situations. I often find myself thinking, "I'm glad I have those 12 gears."
But there are many downsides: as the latest components, they are expensive, and because they are squeezing 12 speeds into almost the same space as 7, everything is thinner and narrower, making adjustments sensitive and durability lower due to the thinness of the parts.
For those who only seek the extraordinary, this might be fine.
But for those who use their bikes for daily life in the city or who enjoy "extraordinary" experiences that aren't about racing, it makes you want to question: do you really need this much functionality?
– A brand that prioritizes usability over chasing the cutting edge.
Not the cutting edge, but usability.
A part that many manufacturers tend to forget.
The brand that fills that void is MICRO SHIFT.
And they’ve delivered the perfect lineup once again.
MICRO SHIFT / Advent
That’s right, 9 speeds in this day and age.
But in terms of usability, it’s simply "excellent!"
As the name implies, Advent is an ambitious project aimed at making adventure rides easy and affordable for everyone. Without getting caught up in the "gear count" race, it provides an 11-42T wide range within a 9-speed system—a gear count that is user-friendly for anyone—to actively encourage new adventurers.
【MICRO SHIFT】 Advent SB-M090 1×9 Drop Bar Shifters
¥18,500 (excl. tax)
【MICRO SHIFT】 Advent SL-M8195-R 9Speed XPress Shifter w/ Bearing ¥3,400 (excl. tax)
【MICRO SHIFT】 Advent RD-M6195M
Clutch Rear Derailleur for 1×9 Speed
¥7,800 (excl. tax)
【MICRO SHIFT】 Advent CS-H093A 11-42T
9-Speed Cassette With Alloy Large Cog
¥5,500 (excl. tax)
The features of the intriguing Advent series lineup are as follows:
①: Shifters are available for both drop bars and flat bars.
②: The drop bar left lever includes a model that can be used as a remote lever for a dropper post.
③: The rear cassette is 11-42T, making for a gear ratio that is very easy to use on gravel bikes and MTBs.
④: The rear derailleur includes a clutch, which makes it harder for the chain to come off. In other words, it’s perfect for 1x setups.
⑤: You can use most 9-speed front chainrings.
What do you think? Isn't that an exciting spec?
It's not about the cutting edge, but usability. Since everyone's bike is unique, the right number of gears for each individual should be paramount.
In a world where everyone is riding Shimano, SRAM, or Campagnolo 12-speed, I think there's room for more choices.
Why not take this opportunity to rethink the gear count you’ve taken for granted?
When you do, MICRO SHIFT / Advent will bring you a whole new option.
