Different Types of Gear Mechanisms

For the road bike, there are two main suppliers of gear mechanisms – Shimano and Campagnolo. Although, both have their adherents in practice they both offer good quality, finely engineered equipment. It is hard to say one is better than the other, although, some suggest Campagnolo cassettes and gears tend to last for a longer time, whilst Shimano are quicker to work effectively.

Within each brand of cassette parts there are different models which offer a choice in terms of price and quality. For example, Shimano offer a range of different groupsets, from a basic groupset to the top of the range – Dura Ace.

• Sora
• 105
• Ultegra
• Dura Ace

A top of the range groupset offers improved performance – ease of shift plus lighter weight. Both of these qualities are desired by a top of the range cyclist. If you are a beginner to cycle racing, you should feel the need to get a top of the range groupset. For example, the difference in price between Dura Ace and Ultegra is quite high, but, the difference in quality is relatively minimal. A good piece of advice is to buy the best frame that you can, the groupset can always be upgraded later.

Campagnolo offer:

• Mirage
• Veloce
• Chorus
• Record