As "Part 1" of this series, this time we'll be covering selection and installation.
I recently had the chance to swap out the drivetrain on my own Doppo Locust, moving from SHIMANO XT to the newly released Advent MX from microSHIFT.
microSHIFT’s component sets continue to evolve with every new group set they release.
Among these, it's said that this new Advent MX possesses the greatest robustness and chain retention they've ever achieved.
And the slogan on their official website, "Don’t think. Just ride."
For someone like me who reveres a certain kung fu action star, that was more than just a hit—it was a home run. I was driven by an urge I couldn't resist.
First, let’s briefly touch on what the "Advent MX" actually is.
There are two types of rear derailleurs compatible with both 10-speed and 11-speed systems: the 7015-series MX PRO and the 7005-series MX.
The lineup also includes corresponding 10-speed and 11-speed cassettes and their respective shifters.
The 10-speed group maintains compatibility with previously released 10-speed components like Advent X and Sword; this kind of thinking is very typical of microSHIFT.
In terms of performance, it is microSHIFT’s first 11-speed group set, and it’s packed with the features required for rough terrain, including robustness, lightweight design, and excellent chain retention.
Out of this lineup, I chose the 7005-series MX, and I’m planning to run it as a 10-speed system.
As a side note, when I’m picking parts and a series offers different variations, I tend to go for the more affordable option.
I feel like it makes it easier to understand what the core focus of that series is, though whether that’s actually true depends on the time and situation, so it’s not necessarily a universal rule (lol).
In reality, the differences between the 7015-series MX Pro and the 7005-series MX are that the Pro RD allows for cage replacement in case of an emergency, uses bearings in the pulley wheels, and features a different cage color and material.
For the 11-speed shifter, the difference is that you can choose between two mounting positions on the handlebar.
Since I’m not particularly concerned with weight, I’m a bit curious about the bearings in the pulleys, but otherwise, I didn’t pay much mind to it and went with the 10-speed option, mainly considering chain durability.
Next is the installation. I got right to work, and it’s a fairly pleasant experience. First off, there’s the official microSHIFT web manual.
Generally, installing a derailleur doesn't vary that much, so I tend to resort to looking at the manual only when I get stuck, but I’ve decided to make it a rule for new series or parts to look at the manual from the start.
With that in mind, I took a look. It’s very well-made. While it is entirely in English, it’s not particularly difficult, and with the photos and color-coded points and explanations, the process moves along smoothly.
The installation is very user-friendly, as parts like the pulley for the cable routing and the tight spots before fixation feature snap-style openings that let you thread the cable through easily.
As someone currently struggling with age-related farsightedness, this is a feature I truly appreciate.
When people talk about being "mechanic-friendly," some might think it's not that important, but if the work is easier for the mechanic, it naturally leads to fewer issues and becomes a foundation you can rely on for stress-free use.
The finished build looks great, and the shifting adjustments and the feel of the shift action came together nicely.
As for the actual real-world performance, I’ll be writing a blog post about it next, so stay tuned to see if Advent MX can become the new star of MTB shifting systems.