Component Buyer

Bicycle specifications can be a little confusing. The objective of this page 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 (9 speeds versus 8, 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

Shimano dominates the market for road bike components. Here are their component groups in increasing order of quality:

Sora (7 or 8-speed)
Tiagra (9-speed)
105 (9-speed)
Ultegra (9-speed)
Dura Ace (10-speed)

Manufacturers naturally equip their higher-priced bicycles with higher-quality components. Sometimes they mix component groups on a particular bike, but usually they stick to a single group. Campagnolo competes with Shimano on high-end components. We think Shimano offers better value, but that's a subjective call. Here are Campagnolo component groups in increasing order of quality:

Record
Chorus
Centaur
Veloce

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.

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.

Colorado Bicycling Adventures
184 E. Elkhorn Ave. PO Box 1301
Estes Park, CO 80517
Phone: 888.586.4129
Fax: 970.586.9363
www.coloradobicycling.com
Email: info@coloradobicycling.com

Also available baby rental equipment. For more info visit www.travelingbabies.com

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