Bicycle specifications can be a little confusing. The objective of this page is to be to explain the basics of Road Bicycle Components and Mountain Bicycle 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 Bicycle Components
Manufacturers naturally equip their higher-priced bicycles with higher-quality components. Sometimes they mix component groups on a particular Bicycle, but usually they stick to a single group.

Mountain Bicycle Components
The component market for mountain Bicycles is much more fragmented than it is for road Bicycles. That can make comparison shopping a little more complicated. Bicycle manufacturers can switch component makers as well as changing component groups for each vendor.

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

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