Shimano is a trailblazer when it comes to bike groupsets, which comprise the gears, brakes, and derailleurs, with its branded products widely used. While Shimano Claris vs Tiagra groupsets are popularly used in the cycling community, how do they compare?
Shimano Claris and Tiagra are entry-level groupsets. The Shimano Claris is more beginner-friendly and affordable but still offers a reliable, decent shifting. On the other hand, Shimano Tiagra sports a high-end look, is lighter, provides better braking power, and has a broader shifting range.
At a glance, the Tiagra seems to be better, but don’t be in a rush to make a decision. Instead, let’s make a detailed comparison of the two to differentiate them and help you make an informed decision.
Shimano Claris Vs Tiagra Side-By-Side Comparison
Below is a comprehensive look into these Shimano groupsets, including their features, price, and intended users.
1. Shimano Groupset Ranking
Shimano makes both high-end and entry-level groupsets, ensuring it satisfies the needs of consumers in different financial brackets. On the high-end level, you get the likes of Shimano Dura-Ace and Shimano Ultegra.
I mentioned that the Claris and Tiagra are entry-level groupsets. However, when you look at it critically, you’ll find out that the Shimano Tiagra occupies a higher ranking than the Claris, which lies at the bottom.
The Shimano Tiagra is also ranked higher than Sora but lower than Shimano 105.
Shimano Groupset Hierarchy
| Groupset | Speeds | Intended User |
| Claris | 8 | Entry Level |
| Sora | 9 | Recreation |
| Tiagra | 10 | Recreation |
| 105 | 11 | Enthusiastic |
| Ultegra | 11 | Racing |
| Dura-Ace | 11 | Pro Racing |
Verdict: Shimano Tiagra is ranked higher than the Shimano Claris.
2. Component Comparison
Here’s how Shimano Claris vs Tiagra compare in terms of the brakes, gears, shifters, and derailleurs.
a) The Gears
Shimano Claris has 8 speeds, but it provides various configurations. On the other hand, Shimano Tiagra is designed with 10 speeds, ideal for road biking.
Since Claris has eight speeds, meaning its cassette has eight sprockets, there are larger gear jumps; hence the shifting is a bit rougher. On the flip side, shifting on the Tiagra is smoother because of its smaller jumps.
Moreover, unlike the Claris, you don’t have to use the higher gears when racing with Shimano Tiagra.
Verdict: The Shimano Tiagra offers a better gearing system with more speeds and smoother shifting.
b) The Brakes
The brakes on Shimano Claris are solely rim brakes, while Shimano Tiagra offers rim brakes and hydraulic disc brakes.
Tiagra’s brakes have a higher braking power, with its rim brakes providing excellent stopping power in all conditions. Moreover, disc brakes are powerful and allow you to fit in larger tires.
In addition, the gear and brake cables on Shimano Tiagra are hidden underneath the handlebar tape, making the bicycle more aesthetically pleasing.
Rim Brakes Comparison Table
| Properties | Shimano Claris | Shimano Tiagra |
| Max Tire Size | 28C | 28C |
| Rim Width | 19-26mm | 19-26mm |
| Quick Release | Yes | Yes |
| Technologies | New Super SLR | New Super SLR |
| Reach | 51mm | 51mm |
Verdict: Although you get reliable braking from Claris’ rim brakes, Tiagra delivers a more crisp stopping and gives you a choice between hydraulic disc brakes and rim brakes.
c) Shifters
Both groupsets come in compact, dual, and triple shifter designs with a straightforward process of adjusting gears. However, the gears in Shimano Tiagra change smoothly without jerking.
Tiagra has a dual control lever that facilitates comfortable braking and shifting without taking your hands away from the handlebar.
On the flip side, Shimano Claris’ thumb shifter has a dual control lever that lets you take off your hands from the handlebar when shifting.
Verdict: Shimano Tiagra has a more modern shifter that promotes comfortable shifting.
d) Rear Derailleur
The rear derailleurs in these groupsets are equally impressive, offering sharp and precise shifting to complex gears when transporting heavy loads. They are excellent for sprinting and climbing.
Verdict: Both Shimano Claris and Tiagra offer remarkable and reliable rear derailleurs.
If you want a quality rear derailleur for your bike, Shimano Tiagra 4700-SS 10-Speed Short Cage Rear Derailleur (View on Amazon) is a good choice. It’s alloy-made, weighs 0.4 kilograms, and compatible with ST-4703 and ST-4700 shifters.
e) Front Derailleur
Shimano Tiagra front derailleur has more extended pull arms giving you added leverage and lets you shift smoothly.
Conversely, The Shimano Claris front derailleur doesn’t promote precise and smooth shifting since it has a shorter pull arm; hence less leverage. Due to this, you require stronger hands and stronger shifters to shift.
However, it is easier to change from the larger chainring to the tiniest chainring than the smallest to largest.
Front Derailleur Comparison Table
| Properties | Shimano Claris | Shimano Tiagra |
| Type | Clamp Band Mount, Brazed-on Mount | Clamp Band Mount, Brazed-on Mount |
| Action_Down Swing | Yes | Yes |
| Front Speeds | 2 | 2 |
| Rear Speeds | 8 | 10 |
| Compatible Chain | HG 8-speed | HG-X chain/CN-HG500 |
| Chain Line | 43.5mm | 43.5mm |
| Weight | 128g | 106g |
Verdict: shifting takes minimal effort with Shimano Tiagra because it has a better front derailleur.
f) Crankset
Shimano Tiagra and Claris have cranksets with aluminum arms and steel axles. Moreover, they both have four gear arms and feature a 2-piece construction design.
However, Shimano Tiagra offers considerable weight savings compared to Claris.
Crankset Comparison Table
| Properties | Shimano Claris | Shimano Tiagra |
| Crank Arm Material | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Design | 2-piece | 2-piece |
| Chainring Material | Steel | Aluminum |
| Gear Arms | 4 | 4 |
| Axle Material | Steel | Steel |
| Weight | 980-1120g | 910g |
Verdict: Both cranksets are capable, but Shimano Tiagra’s are lighter.
3. Price Comparison
Shimano Tiagra costs more than Shimano Claris because it has better components and performs better. It’s easy to tell why the Claris is the most affordable of Shimano’s groupsets; it lies bottom of the hierarchy.
Verdict: Shimano Tiagra will cost you more, but it performs better.
4. Shimano Claris Vs Shimano Tiagra Weight Comparison
These groupsets slightly differ when it comes to weight, with Tiagra weighing less than Claris. Shimano Tiagra is fitted with a more refined and lighter derailleur and cassette.
Tiagra’s lighter weight makes racing and shifting more comfortable.
Verdict: Shimano Tiagra weighs less than Shimano Claris.
Shimano Claris Vs Tiagra: Pros & Cons
Shimano Claris Pros
- It’s sold as a full set with rear and front derailleurs, chainset, cassette, brake levers, chainset, and brake calipers.
- Reliable rear shifting
- More affordable than other Shimano groupsets
- The rear derailleur has a long cage
- Good gear range options
- It has a dual control intuitive shifting
Claris Cons
- The brake pads are spongy
- Front shifting requires more effort
- It makes bigger jumps since it has eight speeds
Shimano Tiagra Pros
- It rocks a high-end look
- Good brakes
- It offers a smoother gear change
- A broader gear range
Shimano Tiagra Cons
- It costs more than Claris
- It still has ten speeds only
Is Tiagra Better Than Claris?
Shimano Tiagra is better than Shimano Claris since it has ten speeds, two more than Claris’ eight. Due to this, Tiagra has smaller gear jumps, providing a smoother gear shift experience.
Moreover, Tiagra has better brakes, a broader range of gears, and features a high-end look, similar to the higher-end groupsets by Shimano.
It also has a front derailleur with longer pull arms, thus providing more leverage which in turn makes shifting easier.
Despite costing more than the Claris, Shimano Tiagra’s extra gears and better performance make it worth the money.
Also, read:
- Shimano Sora Vs 105
- Shimano Sora Vs Tiagra
FAQs
1. Is Shimano Claris Any Good?
Shimano Claris provides reliable, decent shifting despite its low ranking among the road bicycle groupset from Shimano. Moreover, the brakes are good, and it offers a good gear range.
2. Is Shimano Tiagra Any Good?
Shimano Tiagra is an impressive, quality groupset, offering everything you’d want from mid-level roadies. It features excellent brakes, smooth, comfortable shifting, and a better gearing system.
3. Is Shimano Claris Better Than Tiagra?
Shimano Claris isn’t better than Tiagra; in fact, it’s ranked lowest among Shimano groupsets. Claris is a beginner-friendly, cheaper entry-level groupset, while Tiagra is lighter and gives better shifting and braking power.
4. Is It Worth Upgrading From Claris To Tiagra?
It’s worth upgrading your groupset from Shimano Claris to Shimano Tiagra because the difference between them is highly noticeable.
Making the change will make you feel like you have a new bicycle, given your frame is still in good condition.
Final Words
There are tremendous differences between Shimano Claris vs Tiagra, and Shimano Tiagra is undoubtedly the better of the two. It’s particularly worthwhile if you want a quicker and slightly lighter groupset.
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