…I know I’ve seen it in a magazine before but am try to find this list now. A list of the quality of components. I know I’ve seen them per manufacture line, and that would be great, but I’d really like an integrated comparative list.
The reason I’m looking for this is a colleague at work wants to buy a bike and see how he likes it…Doesn’t want a Wal-mart throw away, but doesn’t want to spend a grand either. He is looking for a city bike, basically and he’s asked for some help. I’ve told him fit is numero uno when looking and that component quality is probably next. Without go with him (he wants to do it on his own), I’d like to give him some kind of list to help guide him. Especially the way components are mixed and matched at his price point.
Under a grand he’ll do fine on a Giant OCR or a Trek 1000.
Sora or Tiagra components.
May not be race winning quality, but it’s infinitely better than any availible in a “sporting goods” isle.
I wouldn’t buy anything below that last category. That said, 105 and Veloce are perfectly adequate.
This isn’t the first time I’ve read that Dura-Ace and Chorus are equivalent and Record is all alone on top. I’ve used both Dura-Ace and Chorus components extensively, and I don’t agree with that assessment.
If he wants a City bike you are looking at Sora and groups under 105. Your only real option is lower end SHimano (still good stuff) and will be mixed with diffrent cranks, BB, brakes and what not. I would bet that the only Shimano components on it are the shifters and rear Der…no others. You can get a nice road bike for about $600.00.
If he wants a city bike, look at city bikes - hybrids. When people say “city bike” they do not mean “road bike”. And to be honest, a $400 hybrid is better than a $600 road bike.
Trek 7500FX and 7300FX, Lemond Wayzata, Bianchi Boardwalk or Castro Valley or Volpe, Jamis Coda Comp