Bicycle Mechanics - Shimano or Nashbar STI? Same price. Nashbar lighter. Shimano 3x10, nashbar 2x10

I'm converting my downtube shifters to STI brifters. I run a compact double crank and a 10-speed cassette. For the same price, I can buy a Nashbar pair of STIs that weigh 90 grams less than a Shimano set of STIs. The Shimano is a 3x10 and the Nashbar is 2x10. Should I forget about being a brand snob and get the lighter Nashbar STIs, particularly considering that they are for my 2x10 setup and also get good reviews? How much hassle would it be using the Shimano 3x10 pair on a compact double crank? Please advise. Thanks.

Having used both Shimano Ultegra and Microshift 10-speed, Here are my observations:

The Microshift works fine, but I have no idea about longevity. I've only used it for about 500 miles, but there's no sign of wear. There is a lot of plastic in there, so I'm slightly worried. The shifts are positive, but slightly noisy- there's a real loud click when a gear is engaged.

The Ultegra I've used for about 10000 miles over the last 5 years. It still works, but it's getting sticky in cold weather- won't shift down sometimes, indicating dried-out lubricant. Otherwise, it has been flawless. Pretty good life. Neither is actually rebuildable like Campy brifters. The action of Ultegra is definitely more smooth and crisp- Microshift is probably about 105 or Tiagra equivalent in quality, definitely lower than Ultegra.

90 grams isn't enough to worry about unless you're a real weight-weenie. I made the decision between Microshift and Tiagra for the backup bike based mostly on cost, although if I needed 3x10 I would have gotten the Tiagra.

I can buy a Nashbar pair of STIs that weigh 90 grams less than a Shimano set of STIs.

Small point of order: you can't buy Nashbar/Microshift STIs, because STI stands for Shimano Total Integration. Proper nomenclature is brifters, brake/shift levers, dual control levers, etc.


Neither is actually rebuildable like Campy brifters.

Don't know about the Microshift, but check out my sig... I'd be surprised if I couldn't have my way with em.


90 grams isn't enough to worry about unless you're a real weight-weenie.

I disagree. The higher on the bike the weight is, the more you'll notice it. 90g off your seat for example, is definitely noticeable. Also, the effect of adding weight to your bars is magnified too; a 250g aero bar feels like a brick.

I submit 90g here matters. Strap your phone to one of your levers to see.

Yes, buy the Nashbar/Microshift. I have them on both road and 'cross bikes with tens of thousands of kilometers on them. They shift perfectly each and every time and have just been really reliable.

Plus, the shift cable goes in very straight, so the curl/breakage problem that Shimano has is non-existent.

90 grams is 3 ounces of water in your water bottle. It's less than taking a p*** before riding. You will sweat 90 grams in 10 minutes if you work hard, and those 90 grams are located higher than your seat. Your Garmin weighs 90 grams and not even the professionals seem to care that those extra 90 grams are on their handlebar. To me, 90 grams are ignorable, 0.07%, less than a thousandth of my body plus bike weight. I might notice a pound difference, but not 90 grams.

I guess anything that was built can be rebuilt- but new replacement parts for Shimano are not available, whereas Campy parts (at least in theory) are available. Dunno about Microshift, but it's unlikely.

How many threads does this need man? Don't worry about the weight, grab the one YOU want.