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| *Vultures Knob>>>Bicycle Shop |
How do I know what bike components are best? |
When I bike shopping the store clearks keep telling me about how great this component is and this bike is more expensive because of these components. I have no idea what component is what or if it makes that much of a difference. I'm sure is does however I don't know how much. The following are the components for the two bike I have to choose between: Bike A: Front derailleur: Shimano Deore Rear derailleur: SRAM X.7 rear derailleur Shifters: SRAM X.5 Cassette: SRAM PG950 11-26, 9 speed Bike B: Front derailleur: Shimano FD-R443 Tiagra for flat H/B's Rear derailleur: Shimano Tiagra, long cage Shift Levers: Shimano R440, 9-speed STI Cassette: SRAM PG-950, 9-speed 12-26t Both bikes have noticable but moderate price differences and one has disc breaks. Which components are better and by how much? Also if anyone knows how I can research the quality of components in the future, that would be awsome. If you need more info, I will add it. Both drivetrains are about the same quality...good and generally dependable. I would think the disc brakes would drive up the price...if it is not the bike might be cutting corners elsewhere. (Disc brakes are good if you plan to ride in the rain and don't like the potential squeal of rim brakes, but they do add weight) Ride them, see which feels better, more intuitive shifting and braking. Turning, accelerating. And which is more comfortable and fun. Those aspects are important, too. Usually I've found the best way to tell what components are the best is look to see if they've got the SHIMANO brand name on them......... if they've got that, they're usually very good components (my bike still has most the original SHIMANO bits from when I bought it 14yrs ago, and they still look almost as good as new, despite being ridden pretty hard). It's hard to really know about components when you're a begginer. It's just that there is sooo much things going on. The two brand of components to look for are Shimano and Sram for mountain bikes, and Shimano and Campagnolo for road bikes (I think, I don't really know much about road biking). Are you looking for a road bike? Your casette relationship (12-26 tooth) are more for road bikes, while mountain bikes can go up to 32 or 34 tooth. If you want to know more about components and such, you can visit the manufacturer's sites (shimano.com, sram.com) to know more about them. Also, Mountain Bike Review has a very comprehensive section that posts user reviews on almost any component or piece you want, and it has an excelent forum section. (mtbr.com) C'ya! The SRAM bike is going to give you a lot more choices in the future - ability to run a silly low 11~34 cassette. Sram has a lighter shifting action and STAYS IN ADJUSTMENT BETTER than Shimano. Sram is engineered right here in the USA - Chicago to be precise. Both have two year warranty Sram has better ergo's - your hand is more natural when you are allowed to keep your index finger out on the brake lever, instead of reaching it in for a shift. I've been Racing/Relying on it since 1998 - it's TRIED and TRUE. My wife finally asked me why I didn't put it on her bike... So we put SX.5 shifters and X.7 on the rear mech - she loves the lighter action and the fact that she doesn't have to juggle finger positions to shift... Hmm... I've said enough - Sorry, just a HUIGE FAN!!! Bike Shop Manager |
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