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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

Here are the rankings for Shimano mountain bike components (in increasing order of quality):

Altus (8-speed)
Acera (8-speed)
Alivio (8-speed)
Deore (9-speed)
XT (9-speed)
XTR (9-speed)

Here are the rankings for SRAM mountain bike components (in increasing order of quality):

3.0 (8-speed)
5.0 (9-speed)
7.0 (9-speed)
9.0 (9-speed)
XX (10-speed)

Our opinion is that Shimano & SRAM components are roughly equal.

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.

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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