Top Gear Brands: The Ultimate Performance Champions

When it comes to top-quality gear, performance and reliability are paramount, and choosing the right brand can make all the difference. Whether you're seeking outdoor equipment for hiking, cycling, or camping, some brands consistently stand out for their innovation and durability. From Patagonia's eco-conscious outdoor gear to Shimano's cutting-edge cycling components, these brands have solidified their reputation through years of excellence in design and functionality. Below, discover our curated list of the best brands for gears that will ensure your adventures are both safe and enjoyable.

Illustration of gears

Best brands of gears in 2025

Shimano

Shimano is a leading Japanese manufacturer dominating the bicycle components market, holding approximately 70% of the global share in bicycle gears and brakes, and around 50% of the overall bicycle components market. Known for its high-quality and precise components, Shimano supplies major bicycle manufacturers such as GIANT and TREK. The company's bicycle components division accounts for 80% of its total revenue, with notable products including the SHIMANO 105 road bike components and the gravel-specific SHIMANO GRX. In 2017, Shimano reported net sales of US $3.2 billion, with 38% of sales in Europe, 35% in Asia, and 11% in North America. Shimano's innovative products, such as the 12-speed DURA-ACE R9200 and ULTEGRA R8100 groups, continue to set industry standards. Learn more about their innovative developments in the Science of Speed.

SRAM

SRAM is a leading producer of performance-oriented bicycle components, known for its innovative products such as the wireless electronic shifting eTap and the wide-range Eagle drivetrain system. The company has built its success through strategic acquisitions, including brands like Sachs, Truvativ, Avid, RockShox, and Zipp, and maintains a strong presence with estimated annual revenue of around US$1 billion. SRAM, along with Shimano and Campagnolo, holds over 40% of the market share in the bicycle gear shifter industry as of 2024. Despite ending its production of internal gear hubs in 2017 due to declining sales, SRAM continues to innovate and expand its product line. The company's focus on technological innovation, brand differentiation, and customer-centric approaches has solidified its position as a top player in the cycling industry. For more details on SRAM's decision to halt the production of internal gear hubs, visit this detailed article.

Campagnolo

Campagnolo, a renowned Italian cycling component manufacturer, has experienced unprecedented growth, with a 45% increase in turnover from 2020 to 2022, driven largely by its successful OEM partnerships and innovative products like the 13-speed Ekar gravel groupset. This growth has led to a five-fold increase in OEM sales since 2019 and a significant expansion in staffing by 30% and production capacity by 75%. Campagnolo's decision to maintain EU-based manufacturing has minimized supply chain disruptions, allowing the company to capitalize on market demand more effectively. The brand's "Dream Bigger" campaign reflects its aspirational mindset and commitment to innovation, particularly in electronic engineering and new product development. With over 100 new technology patents registered since 2020, Campagnolo continues to solidify its position as a leader in the cycling industry. For more details on their visionary initiatives, explore Campagnolo's Dream Bigger future products.

Bosch

Bosch is renowned as one of the leading producers of advanced technological components, including gears, particularly through its Mobility Solutions segment, which accounted for 59.6% of the company's total revenue in 2023, generating around 56.4 billion euros (USD 60.77 billion). In the first quarter of 2024, Bosch's Mobility Solutions segment contributed significantly, with revenues of 13.1 billion euros (USD 14.3 billion), highlighting the company's strong commitment to innovative and high-performance gear technologies. For more information about their innovative technologies, visit Bosch's official website.

Rohloff

Rohloff is renowned as one of the best producers of internal gear hubs, particularly with their iconic Speedhub 500/14, which offers 14 gears and a 526% gear range, making it highly versatile for various terrains. This German-made hub, protected by a sealed aluminum shell, has been in production for over 25 years and is known for its reliability and durability, with some units lasting over 200,000 miles. The company produces around 35,000 units annually, with a focus on precision assembly and rigorous quality control. Rohloff's products are favored by long-distance cyclists and e-bike users alike, and their gear hubs are compatible with various wheel spacings and axle types. The constant 13.6% gear ratio change between each gear ensures predictable and smooth shifting.

Pinion

The Pinion brand stands out as a leading producer of high-quality gears, particularly in the automotive sector, where the global automotive pinion gear market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.7% from 2023 to 2031, reaching a value of US$ 17.9 billion by 2031. Known for their innovative use of lightweight materials such as 3D printing, carbon fiber composites, and advanced polymers, Pinion gears enhance fuel efficiency and vehicle functionality. The helical pinions segment, dominated by Pinion, held the largest share in 2022. With significant investments in material design and innovation, Pinion gears are integral to the rising demand for automotive components in growing economies like China and India. The brand's commitment to advancements in electrical vehicle pinion gears further solidifies its position in the market.

MicroShift

MicroShift is a renowned Taiwanese company, established in the 1990s, specializing in the design, manufacture, and innovation of drivetrain components. With decades of expertise, MicroShift produces a wide range of high-quality shifters, cassettes, and derailleurs, including their popular ADVENT and ADVENT X groupsets, which offer full steel construction cassettes and reliable performance. Their products are designed to be feature-rich and accessible, ensuring every rider can enjoy top-notch riding gear. MicroShift's commitment to quality and performance is evident in their consistent manufacturing and innovative technologies. Since 1999, they have continuously improved their manufacturing, material science, and drivetrain designs. Discover more about MicroShift and their innovative products by visiting their official website.

Enviolo

Enviolo stands out as a leading producer of innovative gear systems, particularly renowned for its continuously variable transmission (CVT) technology, which offers a gear range of 256 to 380 percent. With over two million bicycles equipped with their hubs, Enviolo has established a strong market presence, including a significant market share of over 25 percent in Belgium. Their products are highly durable, with some users reporting over 80,000 kilometers of use, and are designed to be low-maintenance, requiring no oil changes or bearing replacements. Enviolo's hubs are also highly suitable for various applications, including e-bikes, cargo bikes, and bike share fleets, and they boast a high input torque rating of up to 100Nm. The company's commitment to sustainability is evident in their aim to use recycled materials and achieve a circular production process.

FSA

Full Speed Ahead (FSA) is a renowned brand in the cycling industry, known for producing high-quality bicycle components, including gears, cranksets, and bottom brackets. FSA's products are designed for both road cycling and mountain biking, and they are used by many of the world's leading road and mountain bike teams. The company invests heavily in research and development, ensuring their components are technically superior and provide the ultimate performance demanded by riders. FSA's innovative designs, such as the BB392 EVO and MegaExo bottom brackets, utilize advanced materials like carbon fiber, aluminum, and ceramics to enhance durability and performance. With a strong presence in Taichung City, Taiwan, and Busnago, Italy, FSA continues to set industry standards.

Praxis Works

Praxis Works is renowned for producing high-quality drivetrain components, leveraging over 50 years of metal forming expertise through its partnership with Dragontech Manufacturing in Taiwan. Founded in 2007 by David Earle, a veteran of the bicycle industry with roles at Bontrager Cycles, Specialized, and Santa Cruz Bicycles, Praxis Works has gained a reputation for its exceptionally designed and value-offering products. The Zayante M30 crankset, featuring a 30mm aluminum spindle and cold-forged chainrings, is compatible with various bottom bracket standards including BSA, BB86, BB30, and PF30. This crankset is available in multiple chainring configurations such as 48/32, 50/34, and 52/36, and crank lengths of 165mm, 170mm, 172.5mm, and 175mm. The brand's commitment to performance and durability is evident in its products, making it a top choice for cyclists. Find a detailed review on the Praxis Works Zayante M30 Crankset.