Componentry

Components are the parts on a bike such as the cranks, chainrings, chain, sprockets, hubs, bottom bracket, brakes and gear levers also called a groupset. The quality (and price) increases through classifications from entry level to elite. Going up in levels will give increased performance, (for example the levers will change gears more fluently and easily) with lighter weight.

When buying a bike and once a frame is selected, experienced buyers will purchase the highest level of componentry their budget will allow*.

*When purchasing a new bike, bear in mind that eventually your components will wear out and this then provides opportunity to upgrade to a higher level - the same can’t be said for your frame which is why it should still be your number one consideration.

Levels from lowest to highest, a brief guide –

ROAD

• Shimano- 2200>Sora>Tiagra>105>Ultegra>DuraAce/DI2
• SRAM – Non-Series>Apex>Rival>Force>Red
• Campagnolo – Veloce>Centour>Athena>Chorus>Record>SuperRecord

MTB

• Shimano – Alivio>Deore>Deore LX>SLX>DeoreXT>Saint>NewXTR
• SRAM – X7>X9>X0>XS