Micro Shift 8 speed Group set

[brothergc]

I am considering the Micro shift Acolyte group set any one have any experience with this group set ?
I am thinking less is more for a ebike . My current Shinmano is finicky , seems to like to skip under load , and is ever needing adjustment . Under regular pedal power is great , looking at changing out the drive train to a more robust 1x8
Thought ? Suggestions ?
Maybe something better ?

https://www.microshift.com/products/groups/acolyte/

I also saw this not a bad deal

https://www.electrifybike.com/collections/drive-train-parts/products/box-four-8s-drivetrain-bundle

[Rodney Bush]

i have the Microshift Advent 9spd on two bikes, one on a BBS02 with about 900mi and one on a BBSHD with about 750mi. I am pleased and have had no issues. Even the wife can ride it and shift normally, very nice. Both of these bikes are primarily ridden on road, towpath or railtrail. the shifters are what i call push/pull as you push with your thumb to get to an easier gear and pull trigger finger to get to a harder gear. Feels pretty normal to me.
i have a 3rd bike i use off road. A Surly Krampus with a CYC X1 stealth. I have fitted with the Box2 Prime 9 with a "single shift" shifter. it works quite well on rough offroad riding and have about 1200mi on the motor, about 400mi on the deraileur.
i purchased the single shift for the Box2 as this was touted "better for ebikes". I prefer the multi shift of the Microshift Advent over the single shiftshift of the Box2 Prime9. (can also be ordered with multishift)
The Box2 Prime9 also has a "push/push where you push thumb to get to easier gear OR push thumb on other lever to get to harder gear. not as intuitive and sometimes I get messed up when switching up bikes.
Although I have no experience with the 8 spd, I am pleased with both products, Microshift or Box I have also considered moving to fewer rear gears, but I got what I got for now and it works great!

[ncmired]

I've also got a bike with the microSHIFT Advent 9 system, here, and have pretty much the same take on it as Rodney Bush

That's not to say that quality 11-speed systems/chains wouldn't hold up as well, or even better, and reduce the gear ratio gaps. My guess is it's more about system quality and chain upkeep.

[Retrorockit]

My drivetrain thoughts and experiments are in another thread.

https://electricbike.com/forum/forum/main-forum/diy-discussion/156222-mid-drive-cassettte-zip-tie-mod

This is an older thread that wandered around some.

https://electricbike.com/forum/forum/main-forum/diy-discussion/155141-does-a-mid-drive-really-need-a-freewheel

I'm definitely 8 speed wide gear splits for Ebikes. I'm also against the rationing of shifts for Ebikes. In fact I'm Gripshift all the way to eliminate that completely.
I also got on board with Shimano Rapid Rise many years ago. So I'm hoarding vintage Shimano derailers, and Revoshifters just for that Lo Normal experience.
Maybe I don't need it as much as I used to. But it's already there for me. Micro shift makes gripshifters so that's a plus for me. Box is coming from DH and BMX and not so much commuter or Ebikes.
Probably good strong stuff. But the take it or leave it proprietary shifter options don't work for me.

My "usual" setup is Sunrace 11-40 8 speed cassette (zip tied to the spokes). Shimano Rapid Rise XTR mid cage derailer. Extended derailer hanger. Shimano 8 speed Rapid Rise Revoshifter (these are getting scarce). No shift sensor. 50T Surly SS chainring (no offset/no Wide narrow). A Terra Cycle 15t idler on a Terra Cycle battery bracket clamp to keep it together. On a 2004 Gary Fisher Solstice with a BBSHD.
Right now I'm trying a custom Cassettte. 11-12-13-15-18-22-28-36 with no derailer extension.

Everyone needs to find what works best for them. But there are lot's of things you can try outside the BOX.

Sunrace is tied in with Sturmey Archer. They have an M900 wide range clutch type derailer that might be worth a look. Shimano/SRAM compatible wide range like the Acolyte.

[Retrorockit]

Microshift

https://electricbike.com/forum/forum/main-forum/diy-discussion/162409-micro-shift-8-speed-group-set

Sunrace

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXu2nMlyNAQ

BOX

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKSU_J2AbSA&t=63s

[brothergc]

OK , I appreciate all the reply's . I got My Micro Shift Acolyte 8 speed group set ordered
Here is the list :

microSHIFT Acolyte Cassette - 8 Speed, 12-42t, Black, ED Coated
$26.99

microSHIFT Acolyte Rear Derailleur - 8 Speed, Medium Cage, With Spring Lock Chain Retention
$33.99

microSHIFT Acolyte Quick Trigger Pro Right Shifter - 1x8 Speed, Gear Indicator, Black, Acolyte Compatible Only
$24.99

KMC X8.99 Chain: 8-Speed, 116 Links, Silver
$20.70
Total $106.99 plus $ 6.99 shipping .. I could have went cheaper but I sprang for a high end chain . I noticed also that their are 2 shifters available . Their is the Pro, and the less expensive standard model at about half the price at $15.99 .

I went with Micro Shift because I herd some good things about their products. I like it has some what a shift level indicator that I can at least look down get a idea of what gear I am in . Would have been nice if they had bothered to put more the numeral 1 and 8 on the indicator ! At Least a 1-4-8 would have been a nice touch.
Eight speeds should be more then enough , 12-42 tooth wider range seems to me a good idea . With my old 11-34 9 speed I could not tell the much difference in shifting thru the middle range . So I should be shifting less .
So a whole group set for about $100 with chain not a bad deal if it pans out . Stay tuned . :)

[Retrorockit]

Could you tell us more about the bike these are going on, and your riding style, and terrain, weather (windy?) A lot of us here like inexpensive stuff because some of it like chains and cassettes become consumable items.I would add a bottle of Squirt chain wax to the list, and use it often. KMC chains can be hard to get the factory lube off. You may find yourself stuck with oil based lube due to that. I would get a Park CC2 chain checker also. This allows you to put a number on chain elongation. You might be surprised where some new chains start off at.You might look at SRAM chains. The Germans have a higher standard for chain strength than US or Japan etc..
A lot of us here are committed to other setups for one reason or another. But the Microshift stuff is getting good reviews. We would like to know how this works for you.
My gripe with Microshift is they make gripshifters for Shimano/SRAM/ Even Nexus IGH, But don't offer them for their own stuff.

[Mike_V]

Hi. Why did you select the medium length derailleur? Is medium length similar to the Shimano?

[Retrorockit]

FWIW the wide 8 speed Sunrace cassette has a mid range progression that's different than others, and I happen to like it.....18-22-28-etc.
Others seem to all have ...18-21-24-28. For me the steps are too small so I use the Sunrace, even if I swap out the top or bottom cogs.
Getting back to Microshift I saw they have an MTB groupset for 20" bikes Short cage clutch derailer, and 11-38 cassette. Short throw shifter for small hands too. So there are some options there to explore.

[brothergc]

FWIW the wide 8 speed Sunrace cassette has a mid range progression that's different than others, and I happen to like it.....18-22-28-etc.
Others seem to all have ...18-21-24-28. For me the steps are too small so I use the Sunrace, even if I swap out the top or bottom cogs.
Getting back to Microshift I saw they have an MTB groupset for 20" bikes Short cage clutch derailer, and 11-38 cassette. Short throw shifter for small hands too. So there are some options there to explore.

The Microshift cassette I bought is 12,15,18,21,24,28,34,42) Is this not a good choice ? The Bike is a GT agressor Pro , 17 inch frame, that I built up from the frame up with a BHSD
Riding in Indy city streets and bike trails . some hills nothing crazy

[Retrorockit]

It only costs about $20 to try the Sunrace cassette. I found that I lalways wanted t skip a gear when acccelerating in traffic. The Sunrace let's me go one gear at a time. When using the throttle which can run up to 140-150rpm I still skip a gear anyway. But since I'm not pedaling then it doesn't matter much.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7VRAFM?tag=bravesoftwa04-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1&language=en_US

I think the BBSHD favors the wider gear splits. With a 50T ring I can lift the front wheel taking off in 28t.
Every other cassette I've seen uses the same 18-21-24-28 progression.I like the Sunrace better. The Sunrace with your 12t top gear would be pretty nice.
My bike is 26" so your chainring will be a more normal size than mine.

[Retrorockit]

The Sunrace with your 12t top gear would be 12-13-15-18-22-28-32-40. The BBSHD can pull any top gear 11-12-13. It's mostly to adjust the pedal cadence at various speeds.Having more than one top gear spreads the wear out on the small cogs.11-13 is a big step, 12-13 is small. But there isn't anything in between.
My custom cassette starting with the Sunrace is 11-12-13-15-18-22-28-36. But 11t is a rarely used overdrive. The 36t is a compromise between 32-40. It's good for crosswalk sprint and stop situations. I would suggest getting 2 cassettes and see what works for you.
Since your bike is a hardtail the Tannus tire liner may interest you also. Stan's in the tubes takes care of flats, but the Tannus does much more.

https://electricbike.com/forum/forum/main-forum/diy-discussion/151499-tannus-tire-liners

[Mike_V]

For me only a long, non-Shimano, derailleur has worked with a 42T sprocket.

[Retrorockit]

Here is Sheldon Brown's gear Calculator. All the cassettes should be in there. You can try 3 chainrings at once if you like. For gear units MPH@90RPM is a good choice unless you know you can spin faster.

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/gear-calc.html

[brothergc]

Here is Sheldon Brown's gear Calculator. All the cassettes should be in there. You can try 3 chainrings at once if you like. For gear units MPH@90RPM is a good choice unless you know you can spin faster.
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/gear-calc.html

Wow thanks ! That really helps . Currently running a 42t ft chain ring which seems in hind sight is a bit too small , I would like to use 52 tooth but I got chain-stay clearance issues , but I could just possibly fit a 46 tooth to get a few more MPH and having a lower granny gear still able to keep the motor from bogging down

[Retrorockit]

I would suggest comparing the Microshift 12-42 with a 52t ring (which may hit the frame), to a Sunrace 11-40t with a 48t ring
For the same top gear speed you will get more even gear splits in the mid range, a lower first and 2nd gear, and an extra top end gear.
The 25% change in cadence form 7-8 gear won't be much fun, and that's where you don't want to be luggung the BBSHD.Cruising along at 28mph legal speeds.
100rpm sprints to 35mph will be there if you need them.
I ran the numbers with 27.5x2 tires.If you go much bigger 46t would be a good choice too. But it's not a bad size for street use.

[brothergc]

Retrorocket,
52 ft chain ring is not doable , chain line issues and clearance issues , Want to just can't .
I will give Your Sun race a try m but according to micro shift it might not work as well ( click on the FAQ Tab)
QUOTE:
Our derailleurs work best within their suggested max cog range. 42-46t for Acolyte and Advent. 46-48t for ADVENT X. Moving to a smaller range will work, but it will also increase the distance between your guide pulley and the cogs of your cassette. This will result in slower, sluggish shifting, and our engineers will be disappointed in you.
If you exceed the max cog specification, you can stress the system, damage your derailleur, and negatively affect shifting. Unquote

https://www.microshift.com/models/cs-h083-12-42t/

I suspect it will just not sure so I will gamble , I do like your idea of better range , 11-40 seems more reasonable

[Retrorockit]

A 2 tooth difference won't be noticeable. if you went down to 11-32, or 11-28 it might be different. The ratios on the Microshift are spaced for a pedal bike struggling around in the dirt and on hills at low speed I like old 3x8 MTBs for E bike conversion. But the gearing when you switch to 1x8 for street use with a BBSHD it will be all wrong. As far as the engineers go- it's an MTB groupset. YOU are the engineer now. I own a pile of Shimano XTR and other cassettes, SRAM too. Tried them all. The Sunrace is the only one I found with the right gearing in the middle for a BBSHD. It's cheap enough that I swap it out with each chain replacement. I don't think you will ever find an engineer that won't tell you that what they designed is absolutely perfect, and shouldn't be changed at all. Did you tell them you were putting a 2HP electric motor on it? The engineers would probably sh!t themselves. I had one engineer at Endless sphere who came totally unglued at the thought of a zip tie locking the cassette to the spokes. It works great actually.
If you want to you can stick the 42t in place of the 40t on the Sunrace. That's one of the nice things about cheap cassettes. It will either slow the bike down, or hoist the front wheel (going even slower).