How do I compare cycle specifications ?

[Dave7]

As a 'newbie' to this forum I could do with some advise please.
Bearing in mind I am anything BUT technical (my nickname at home is Mr Bean).
Having just retired I am thinking of buying myself a present......a new hybrid. Nothing wrong with my present cycle (which is some 10 years old) but as a 'born again' cyclist it's just what I have decided to do.
When I look at dealers websites they list a whole host of techno jargon which must mean a lot to those in the know.......groups sets/chain sets/ gears/brake sets.......thats without mentioning the frame & wheels

How do I compare with mine to ensure I'm actually getting better as against just the latest?

As a start my cycle is a Mercury Trail (no longer exist to my knowledge) with 705 alloy frame. If someone could tell me how to specify the gears/chain set & brakes etc. I could post those details if it helps (I know they are Shimano but Shimano what?).
Thanks

 

[rowan 46]

this page gives the parts hierarchy
http://mc2.vicnet.net.au/home/vichpv/web/building/shimanoparts/shimanoparts.html
and generally the higher the number the better? more expensive the part. as to whether the new part is really better than the old that will take research into user experience sometimes the newer replacement isn't as good in some ways as the old

 

[Nebulous]

Okay - work out how much you are willing to spend. Find a few bikes that come in slightly above that point, then try any that you can beg or borrow, and buy the red one.

That's only semi-serious, but if you are able to pay a reasonable amount of money for a bike it's unlikely you will get a bad one. Size is certainly important, as is comfort - but for many people looks are the deciding factor. I would stick with the mainstream manufacturers, rather than the unusual small volume ones, but that's just me.

 

[Peteaud]

Decide your budget and go to your LBS and ride all the bikes in that price.

Comfort is better than numbers imho.

 

[Dave7]

this page gives the parts hierarchy
http://mc2.vicnet.ne...imanoparts.html
and generally the higher the number the better? more expensive the part. as to whether the new part is really better than the old that will take research into user experience sometimes the newer replacement isn't as good in some ways as the old

Thanks.
I've had a look at that and it's good advice. To explain what I mean I have pasted a spec from a 'good range' hybrid on sale at Winstanley's. How would I (or anyone) know if the spec is good and good value. It all looks very high tech but (as I said earlier) for all I know it's no better than what I have.........is there any way of comparing ?
Thanks



Bianchi Camaleonte 5 Alu Tiagra Bike (2011) Frame: Camaleonte SPORT ALU Gent V-Brakes<LI>Fork: BianchiFC7Carbon/aluV-Brake 11/8"<LI>Cranks: FSA Vero Triple 50/39/30<LI>Pedals: FPD NWL-326B Alloy body with rubber -spd compatible<LI>Front Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra FD-R453 Triple 9sp<LI>Rear Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra 9sp<LI>Shifters: Shimano Tiagra SL-R441-440 9sp Shimano LX 9sp<LI>Cassette: Shimano TIAGRA 9sp 12/25<LI>Chain: KMC X9 9sp<LI>Front Hub: Joytech A141SB Alloy 28H<LI>Rear Hub: Joytech 802SB Alloy 28H<LI>Rims: Jalco DRX6000 28Hwith logo Camaleonte<LI>Tyres: Vittoria Zaffiro 700x28<LI>Brakes: MV-87 Mini V-Brake alloy,dual linear spring tension adjuster, colour white<LI>Brake Levers: Lee-Chi XL-136 colour white/black<LI>Handlebar: Spectra JD-MTB406A alloy<LI>Headset: FSA ZS4-CUSTOM<LI>Stem: FSA Varius ST-OS-150 Adjustable<LI>Grips: VLG-649AD2 +VLB-007D3 bar ends<LI>Saddle: Selle Royal VIPER<LI>Seat Post: Spectra SP-222 alloy -27.2mm colour white

 

[Nebulous]

That page linked to is a bit out of date. 105 has been 10 speed for some time.

The bike you have specified has some bits in Tiagra - although it's the old Tiagra. The new one for the next model year is 10 speed so the old stuff is being sold off. It's a common ploy with manufacturers to do that - specify some key components with a known name and cut back on the rest of the components.

It's seen as worthwhile to have a complete groupset - cranks, gears, shifters, brakes BB at the same level, so a complete set of Tiagra would be seen as better.

Bianchi is seen as a desirable 'name' and usually comes at a premium. Try looking at other makes as well, then try them out for fit.

 

[Dave7]

The bike you have specified has some bits in Tiagra - although it's the old Tiagra. The new one for the next model year is 10 speed so the old stuff is being sold off.

It's seen as worthwhile to have a complete groupset - cranks, gears, shifters, brakes BB at the same level, so a complete set of Tiagra would be seen as better.

Thanks again-very helpful-but 2 more questions if I may.

1)Are you saying the "groupset" consists of pretty much all the working parts ?

2)You explain about the old Tiagra/new Tiagra so (I imagine) you are very knowledgeable. How would the average Joe Bloggs look at e.g. the Biancha spec' and have any clue if it's good/bad/indifferent ?

 

[Nebulous]

I'm not that knowledgeable - I was pretty much brand new less than a year ago - and I'm more familiar with roadbikes than hybrids.

If you search on shop websites for a groupset you will see:-

shifters
front derailleur
rear derailleur
brakes
crankset
bottom bracket
cassette
chain
some people also argue hubs should be included, but they generally aren't.

all bundled for one price.
Bikes are sometimes described as 'full Tiagra' for instance to show they have a complete groupset.

As I said its common to cut that down whilst maintaining some key components so you can still use the name.

I don't know that the average Joe Bloggs has much chance. He could improve his chances by using his local bike shop if he trusted them to advise him. Though a cynical view would be that they are often enthusiastic about what they have in stock.

Or he can spend his life poring over magazines and websites. I often like bike reviews - but others will be cynical about them as well.

I'm sure that would be a good bike - but you need to try it for fit and compare other makes.

 

[Norm]

An alternative approach is to ignore specs when choosing a bike until the final stage.

1. Choose a few bikes which match your general requirements.
2. Get test rides.
3. Choose the one which is most suitable for your specific requirements - based on comfort, speed, load, emotion or whatever
4. Get the best spec for that model you can afford.

Components can, and will, be changed. Get the right bike to hang them from before sorting them out.