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Should you choose high tech, light and expensive bike parts? Or should you go with some tried, tested and affordable bike parts? Be careful who you ask this question because there are many different answers that you will get.
If you go to a bike shop without any knowledge of exactly what you need you’ll most likely be approached by a salesman who is largely paid on commissions. You’ll get the best, lightest and most expensive parts, if you can afford them, but they may not be needed at all. Many recreational riders have top of the line components that aren’t even affordable to professionals. Luckily those professionals have sponsors who give them the latest and greatest bike parts. Some of those parts will never make it to the market because of their high cost.
The first step is to find out what type of riding that will be most common. Road bicycle parts look similar to mountain bike mechanics but they have a number of differences. Road parts are typically lighter, even on lower price point parts, because they do not have to withstand the same abuses as mountain bike components.
Other differences are the types of brakes, the size of the crank, chain rings and cogs, both front and rear derailleur’s as well as seat, seat post, shifters and handle bars. You would ride a road bike the same way you would a mountain bike or a cruiser anyway.
Typically mountain bike components are much more durable which typically makes them heavier although if cost is not an issue than weight can be shaved by using much more expensive materials such as titanium and carbon fiber. Cross-country riders often prefer lighter parts over increased durability to save weight on climbs. Conversely downhill riders prefer parts that will never break and weight is often disregarded for incredibly robustness and durability. Because of this, downhill riders typically rider ski lifts to the top of mountains, or get a ride up a steep mountain pass and then cruise downhill all the way to bottom as fast as possible. Broken parts could easily equal broken bones even when wearing plenty of safety protection.
If you are going to be cruising around town on a bike, look for cheap parts that are reliable and comfortable. Since low speeds are normal things should be smooth, but they don’t need to be nearly as refined as road bike components, or as tough and techy as mountain bike parts. Weight is not as much of an issue, so heavy comfort components, such as automatic shifting and internal hubs coupled with big pedals are quite common and serve their purpose well.
No matter what bike or parts you have got, be sure to put them to good use. Biking is good for the mind as well as the body.
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