【PIT TIPS】We’ve created a microSHIFT compatibility chart!

We recently received the following inquiry from a customer:

"Can a microSHIFT SRAM MTB 1x11s thumb shifter (bar end shifter) be used with a SRAM Road 11s RD?"

The conclusion, in short:

SRAM road and MTB components have different cable pull ratios (the amount of cable moved per shift), so they are not compatible. However, it might work if you use a friction-mode setting.

That is the answer, but it sparked a desire to revisit the topics of cable pull and compatibility, so I would like to summarize them here.

Defining SRAM Actuation

One of SRAM's shifting technologies is called "1:1 Actuation Ratio." This means that for every 1 millimeter of cable pulled by the shifter, the derailleur moves exactly 1 millimeter.

The benefit of this design is that, because the movement is consistent, it is less susceptible to minor variations in cable tension or external influences, allowing for more precise and reliable shifting.

Building on this mechanism, different standards—"Exact Actuation (10/11s)" and "X-Actuation (11/12s MTB)"—were introduced as the number of gears increased.

In summary:

・1:1 Actuation (legacy standard up to 9s)
・Exact Actuation (Road 10s/Road 11s/MTB 10s)
・X-Actuation (MTB 11s/MTB 12s Eagle)

There are three major actuation standards within SRAM, and they are not compatible with each other.

Let's revisit the initial question.

"Can a microSHIFT SRAM MTB 1x11s thumb shifter (bar end shifter) be used with a SRAM Road 11s RD?"

Breaking down the question:

microSHIFT SRAM MTB 1x11s thumb shifter… X-Actuation

SRAM Road 11s RD… Exact Actuation

Since microSHIFT also designs their components based on these actuation standards, you can see that they are not compatible for indexed shifting.

About microSHIFT's diverse compatibility

Regarding these actuation standards, it is not just SRAM; companies like SHIMANO have also seen shifts in their standards (especially since 10s) as the number of gears has increased.

As the number of speeds has increased, older shifters have been discontinued, and some are now nearly impossible to find even on the second-hand market.

A key strength of microSHIFT is that they continue to sell shifters compatible with various standards, filling the gaps left behind by those transitions.

I recently built up a Cielo myself, and because I don't use it for heavy racing, I chose downtube shifters to minimize cable trouble.

SHIMANO's 10s-compatible downtube shifters were discontinued long ago, but I was saved by having some microSHIFT downtube shifters in stock.

microSHIFT now also offers attractive components such as ADVENT X and SWORD.

Built so that people who use their bicycles as tools can confidently get the most out of their functionality, microSHIFT components are designed with an emphasis on the best possible balance of shifting performance, durability, and ease of maintenance.

If you ever find yourself without the shifters or parts needed to run your derailleur, please remember that microSHIFT is an option.

Finally, I have included a quick compatibility reference chart for the Thumb Shifters, Bar End Shifters, and Downtube Shifters that are popular here at Circles, so I hope it serves as a helpful reference for your future purchases.

Thumb Shifter Compatibility Chart

Bar End Shifter Compatibility Chart

Downtube Shifter Compatibility Chart

Finally, we have created a page summarizing "Frequently Asked Questions" about microSHIFT, so please make use of that as well!

Happy riding, everyone!!