18sp or 20 sp

heathy_76

Hi,

I'm looking into buying my first road bike and was wondering what the importance of choosing a 18sp or 20sp bike is?
Obviously, an 18sp will be cheaper but I'm looking at the future; replacing parts etc.

Any opinions?

Mark Alexander

I'd recommend 20 as it seems to be the standard depending on your price bracket of course. a 10 rather than a 9 on the back would make it a smoother transition which is partly why companies keep adding them.. That and getting people to buy the latest thing. The minimal trade off is the chain has to be thinner. IMO.

heathy_76

Thanks. Impatience tells me 9sp cassette and common sense says 10sp. You've confirmed my fears....more saving and longer to wait!

maddog 2

I think the shifting on 10 is quicker, but the setup needs to be spot on so if you don't look after your bikes or it's going to do a hard winter then 9 may be a better option.

9 also has the option of running mtb cassettes and mechs, if you're doing any touring or tough sportives, although with SRAM releasing XX then this is less exclusive than it was (XX isn't cheap though)

majormantra

heathy_76 wrote:

Hi,

I'm looking into buying my first road bike and was wondering what the importance of choosing a 18sp or 20sp bike is?
Obviously, an 18sp will be cheaper but I'm looking at the future; replacing parts etc.

Any opinions?

18spd (9 at the back) means going with one of the low-end groupsets which you'll probably feel the need to upgrade in future for the nicer feel and lower weight unless you're one of the rare people who really isn't fussed. If you can save the money, shoot for at least Shimano 105 or Campag Veloce.

Matthew

heathy_76

Thanks again guys.
I've been looking at a Spesh until they released their 2010 bikes :?
Now I think it's between a Biachi ViaNirone with 20sp Campag or a Boardman team with 20sp Sram. I know that the 20sp makes sense but I really hate saving :evil: