We at Circles carry microSHIFT as a new option for increasingly diverse bike builds.
While you can check this article for the background on why we decided to introduce it and microSHIFT’s philosophy toward manufacturing, this time we will focus on and introduce Advent, one of the lineups from microSHIFT.
Advent: A wallet-friendly 1x9 speed groupset
Advent was the first to be released among the three components—Advent X, Advent, and Acolyte—intended for the 1x drivetrain setups that are central to microSHIFT's current lineup.
I remember being very surprised that they would release a 9-speed component at a time when 11-speed was the standard. At the same time, I thought it was a very "microSHIFT" move, valuing ease of use over chasing the latest trends.
In this article, I will explain the features of the Advent series and what kind of bike builds it is recommended for.
Features of Advent
①: A shifter lineup that supports both drop bars and flat bars
Taking advantage of its 1x nature, the lineup includes everything from drop bar shifters to trail trigger shifters for flat bars, as well as thumb shifters and bar-end shifters. Having these assembly options regardless of the cockpit specifications is very reassuring in today's landscape of diverse bike builds.
Even if you say, "I'm riding with flat bars now, but I want to switch to drop bars in the future," you can make it happen at minimal cost without having to replace the entire groupset.
②: The drop bar left lever is available in a model that can be used as a dropper post remote
The Advent Drop Bar Shifters 1x9 (SB-M090) are available not only as a pair but also individually, and a dedicated dropper post remote lever for the left side, the Advent Left Drop Bar Integrated Dropper Lever (SB-M090-LD), is also available for purchase.
③: The rear cassette comes in two wide-ratio options, 11-42T / 11-46T, perfect for gravel and mountain bikes
As the name Advent implies, it is designed with adventure riding in mind, featuring wide ratios that give freedom to simple 1x9 builds. Also, since the cassette is compatible with standard Shimano HG-type bodies, you aren't limited in your choice of wheels.
④: The rear derailleur is equipped with a clutch to prevent chain drop
Developed with trail riding in mind, it comes standard with a clutch mechanism to maintain chain tension. The clutch uses a proprietary Ratchet-and-Pawl system, providing robust and powerful chain management even on rough terrain. This modular design is also easy to adjust and fully repairable (I will explain this in more detail another time).
Additionally, Advent is compatible with standard 9-speed chainrings and chains.
Examples of bike builds using Advent
Advent is a user-friendly component series that is robust enough for long-term use and attractive for its accessible price point. Here are some real-world examples of what kind of builds you can achieve.
Great match for gravel and dirt touring bikes
It is a perfect fit for bikes intended for gravel or trail riding.
The more versatile the bike build—whether drop bar or flat bar—the more you can leverage the flexible nature of Advent for cockpit configurations.
For daily commuter bike builds
Using Advent for a daily bike is also an effective choice, taking advantage of its simple, trouble-free structure that lasts a long time. Since it is affordably priced, it is an easy component choice to propose when building a bike from scratch using individual parts.
For updating old MTBs or overhauled bikes
Of course, Advent isn't just for new builds; it’s also a great match for bikes that have already seen a lot of use.
If you are thinking of updating your components during an overhaul, I highly recommend considering Advent. In many cases, you can continue to use your existing crank and wheels, and thanks to the thumb shifters and bar-end shifters, you can refresh the bike without ruining its vintage aesthetic.