Groupset Differences and other questions...

TMR

Sorry for the n00b questions, but can someone explain:

1. What the differences are between Shimano, Campanolo, and SRAM? Assuming same number of gears etc. what is different about them? Which is best, or is that subjective?

2. What do the different numbers mean when talking about Groupsets, as in 34/52? I assume it's the number of teeth? What is the right number of teeth to have, if there is a standard?

3. I understand what a double is, and what a triple is, but what is a compact?

TIA.

Anonymous

1 - Personal preference, a real can of worms to say which is best. All have different ways of shifting, feel and ergonomics. I have a bike with each. I like the way the shifters on Sram best, I like the way Campagnolo looks and the actual 'feel' of the shifting best, I like the ease, smoothness and braking quality of Shimano best.

2/3 - number of teeth on the chainset. Standard is a 53 big ring with 39 inner ring. On the front, the lower the numbers the 'easier' the gearing. On the back, the higher the numbers the 'easier' the gearing. A compact just means a front chainset with 50/34 - i.e. good for hills especially if you are new to cycling.

TMR

Thanks Nap, that's great

I think I am going to go for Shimano 105. If I go for a 50/39 double and find it a struggle, could I swap to a Shimano 105 50/34 compact without any drama?

Now, on to the next question:

Is it cheaper for me to buy a quality frame (e.g. Enigma Eclipse), shop around for the parts I want on eBay and online stores, then pay a decent bike shop to build it for me, or just buy a whole bike from Enigma (or whoever) to start with?

Anonymous

it would be 52 or 53/39...

Yes, you can change no probs, just swap the chainset, adjust the front derailleur and possibly adjust the chain length. A job of 10 mins.

I dunno how cheap enigma do the parts but you could buy a frame and build up on the cheap with a groupset and wheels etc from somewhere like Merlin. A shop will probably charge about 100 quid to build it up for you though.

If it fits, my Litespeed Siena is for sale in the classifieds (£2.5k titanium frame!) I could sell that with the groupset on and a pair of wheels for a good price (it's mainly ultegra (compact) with a dura ace rear derailleur)...

Enigma have a very good reputation btw...

TMR

NapoleonD wrote:

it would be 52 or 53/39...

Sorry, meant 53/39 - so many new things to learn. Have been cycling MTB for years, but never really cared to learn about the components - just bought a bike and pedalled!

Yes, you can change no probs, just swap the chainset, adjust the front dérailleur and possibly adjust the chain length. A job of 10 mins.

That's reassuring.

I dunno how cheap enigma do the parts but you could buy a frame and build up on the cheap with a groupset and wheels etc. from somewhere like Merlin. A shop will probably charge about 100 quid to build it up for you though.

I'm not averse to buying a whole bike, but for example, you can buy an entire 5600 105 groupset on eBay for less than £300 - it's £589 from Enigma. So the saving on that alone would pay for the build with nearly £200 left to buy a Fizik saddle! I'm sure I could get a decent complete finishing kit somewhere, or just buy the parts separately. The more I think about it, the more I am convincing myself it's a no brainer.

If it fits, my Litespeed Siena is for sale in the classifieds (£2.5k titanium frame!) I could sell that with the groupset on and a pair of wheels for a good price (it's mainly ultegra (compact) with a dura ace rear derailleur)...

Thanks for thinking of me, that's very kind. As this is going to be my first road bike, I've set my heart on a new frame, which while it means I am possibly missing bargains such as this, will at least keep my OCD in order! Thanks anyway - very grateful.

Enigma have a very good reputation btw...

Yes, so I see. I was looking at Van Nic, but I'll be keeping my cash in the UK I think