Your groupset is a pivotal part of your mountain bike, enabling you to put power down, change gear and even come to a stop in some cases.
While it can be overlooked, upgrading it can make a big difference to how your bike feels up and down the trails.
There are plenty of deals to be had at the moment, so we’ve had a sniff around to find some of the best for those looking to upgrade their groupset.
There are options from SRAM and Shimano on this list, so whatever your allegiance, there’s a groupset for you.
We've saved what we think is the best deal until last, so be sure to check it out.
Shimano XT M8100 1x12 £632 £325 (save 49%)
Shimano’s XT M8100 groupset has been a benchmark for mechanical groupsets, and has continued to impress us since we first reviewed it at launch, giving it a 4.5-star rating.
While it’s not the latest Shimano XT groupset, with the electric M8200 Di2 released this year, it’s still a great performer for the price.
This deal at Merlin Cycles sees the groupset's price slashed from £632 to £325, saving you 49 per cent.
SRAM XX T-Type Eagle AXS Transmission £2,195 £1,097.50 (save 50%)
SRAM XX T-Type Eagle AXS Transmission is one of the few products to receive our coveted 5-star rating, with its launch signaling a revolution in mountain bike drivetrains.
The groupset utilises SRAM's UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) design, with the derailleur bolting directly to the frame and using reinforcement from the axle to add strength.
XX is SRAM’s top-of-the line groupset, and is targeted towards trail and cross-country riding.
We praised the groupset's durability, ergonomics and ability to shift under load in testing, and it will make a great addition to any bike.
Just remember, you need a UDH-equipped bike for compatibility.
Shimano SLX M7100 1x12 £465 £225 (save 52%)
Shimano’s SLX groupset might not receive as much attention as XT and XTR, but it’s still classed as a performance mountain bike groupset in the brand's hierarchy, borrowing tech from its siblings.
For those not wanting to spend loads on upgrading their groupset, £225 is an excellent price for all the parts you need to get your bike running smoothly again.
We tested this version of SLX when it was released, praising its performance and awarding it 4 stars.
SRAM X0 T-Type Eagle AXS Transmission £1,715 £1,215 (save 29%)
X0 is SRAM’s enduro and trail Transmission, with near-identical performance to XX and a heavier-duty design for more challenging conditions.
Many of the best enduro mountain bikes feature the groupset, with its shifting among the best on the market.
If you’re looking to upgrade your mountain bike or electric mountain bike, SRAM’s X0 groupset should be on your shortlist, and with 29 per cent off, it's even sweeter.
SRAM GX T-Type Eagle AXS Transmission £1,180 £820 (save 31%)
Like XX and X0, GX uses the same technology for its derailleur design, including X-SYNC and cassette mapping that creates timed shifts that help when changing gear under load.
While it's slightly heavier than XX, the trade-off shouldn’t leave your wallet as light.
We’ve spent plenty of time on the groupset while testing bikes and found it to be nearly flawless.
If you’re looking to upgrade your groupset to a new shifting experience, this is one to consider.
