Microshift Super Short cage mechs: for small wheels… or big rocks

Microshift Super Short has launched: two new short cage groupsets, built with kids in mind, but with potential application for adults too.

The Acolyte Super Short and Advent Super Short are designed to allow wide range shifting on a 20 inch wheel. Thanks to the laws of physics, on a smaller wheeled bike these 8 and 9 speed cassettes feel like you’re getting the dinner plate sprocket assistance of a wide range cassette like on a 12 speed.

Acolyte Super Short

• 1×8 Drivetrain
• 11-38 Cassette

Advent Super Short

• 1×9 Drivetrain
• 11-38 Cassette

The shifters have also been designed specially for children, with a easy action and short lever throw that’s suitable for small hands.

However, in a cunning extra twist, the Advent Short Cage items are compatible with the standard Advent items – and likewise the Acolyte. So, if you were sick and tired of ripping your long derailleur off on Lake District rocky descents, you could put a standard Advent shifter up front with an Advent Short Cage at the rear.

Of course, on your big wheels those laws of physics are going to kick in and it won’t feel like a wide range cassette any more, so it’s probably only an option of interest to downhill riders.

Or perhaps a new breed of trail rider that runs really small front chainrings and doesn’t need/use the full range of modern 11/12-speed drivetrains.

Or just fans of 9-speed chains.

Or just because short cage rear mechs have always looked super cool.

UK pricing is to be confirmed, but shifters or cassettes in both models are around the $30 mark, with the Acolyte being a little cheaper.

Grown ups may have noticed Microshift on bikes as OEM spec recently, and we understand they’ll be coming to kids’ bikes in the UK soon, however Microshift wasn’t yet able to say which brands had signed up to speccing the new MIcroshift Super Short line.

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Hannah Dobson

Managing Editor

I came to Singletrack having decided there must be more to life than meetings. I like all bikes, but especially unusual ones. More than bikes, I like what bikes do. I think that they link people and places; that cycling creates a connection between us and our environment; bikes create communities; deliver freedom; bring joy; and improve fitness. They're environmentally friendly and create friendly environments. I try to write about all these things in the hope that others might discover the joy of bikes too.

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