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Bicycle Components

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Bicycle specifications can be a little confusing. The objective of this page is to is to explain the basics of Road Bike Components and Mountain Bike Components, Brakes & Shocks, so you can more easily compare models when shopping for a new bicycle. Basically, as you move up to higher-level components, you get products which are lighter, more durable, and have more functionality (10 speeds versus 9, etc.). Naturally, the price increases as well.

For a basic description of the different types of bicycles, please take a look at our Bicycle Buying Guide page.

Road Bike Components

The main players in the bicycle component market are:

Shimano
Sram
Campagnolo

Here are the Shimano component groups in increasing order of quality (and price):

2300 (8-speed)
Sora (9-speed)
Tiagra (9-speed)
105 (10-speed)
Ultegra (10-speed)
Dura-Ace (10-speed)

Sram component groups in increasing order of quality:

Rival (10-speed)
Force (10-speed)
Red (10-speed)

Campagnolo component groups in increasing order of quality:

Veloce (10-speed)
Centaur (10-speed)
Chorus (11-speed)
Record (11-speed)
Super Record (11-speed)

Campagnolo (often referred to as "Campy") are very high end components. Most of the market is split betweenShimano & Sram. In comparing the Sram components with Shimano, we think Sram is a slightly better value, but that's a judgement call. The 3 Sram component groups (Rival, Force & Red) are comparable with Shimano's top 3 groups (105, Ultegra & Dura-Ace). Manufacturers naturally equip their higher-priced bicycles with higher-quality components. Often they mix component groups on a particular bike. Some bicycles are offered with a choice of component groups.

Mountain Bike Components

The component market for mountain bikes is much more fragmented than it is for road bikes. That can make comparison shopping a little more complicated. Bicycle manufacturers can switch component makers as well as changing component groups for each vendor. Here are the rankings for Shimano mountain bike components (in increasing order of quality):

Tourney (7-speed)
Acera (8-speed)
Alivio
Deore (9-speed)
Deore-LX
Deore-XT
Deore-XTR

Mountain Bike Brakes

Mountain biking requires good brakes. Here are your options in increasing order of braking power:

Linear pull (also called V-brakes)
Disc brakes
Hydraulic disc brakes

Disc brakes offer greater braking power, but they are also a little heavier. Fuji's top of the line mountain bikes have linear pull brakes in order to keep the weight down.

Mountain Bike Shocks

Mountain biking also requires good shocks. Here is what you get as the price of the shock increases:

Low-priced shocks: not adjustable - they are set for average-sized riders. If you are larger or smaller than average, you probably should consider getting an adjustable shock.
Medium-priced shocks: the initial rebound is adjustable.
Higher-priced shocks: more adjustability by changing springs, elastomers, or air pressure.

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