Alivio: Alivio is top of Shimano’s ‘recreational’ mountain bike groupsets. It offers a number of

features and shared aesthetics of groupsets above it. This groupset is found on entry-level mountain
bikes that are designed for off-road use, however, the 3x9 gearing and lack of a clutch-equipped
derailleur are the key limitations for true off-road thrashing. Greater rust resistance and more easily
serviced components are seen at this level.

Deore: Deore is aimed at the entry to intermediate level mountain biker and is perhaps the most
popular too. Deore is durable, reliable and features much of the technology found on the more
expensive SLX and XT. Deore currently has 10 cogs on the cassette, and a choice of two or three gears at
the front. Some bike brands do equip Deore on bikes with a single chainring, but Shimano themselves
don’t offer the groupset in such a setup. Deore is Shimano’s first groupset to offer a clutch-equipped
rear derailleur.

SLX: SLX is arguably to mountain biking as what 105 is to road cycling. It’s the workhorse groupset
that shares many of the same features and performance as models above, but with a higher weight. This
is often due to the greater use of steels instead of advanced alloys. Current generation SLX offers 11-
speed shifting at the rear, with a choice of one, two or three chainrings on the front. In a ‘1x’ setup (one
chainring), the most popular cassette choice is a 11-42T ratio however, options up to 11-46t exist.

Zee: Designed specifically for downhill and freeriding, Zee sits at a similar price to SLX. Current
generation Zee is a 1x10 drivetrain, it's now a little dated compared to current SLX and so has lost
popularity, although its brakes are still commonly found on bikes that require great stopping power.

XT: One of mountain biking’s most popular groupsets, XT is commonly thought to offer all the
performance of the top-tier XTR version, but with a price that’s far more palatable. Just about all the
technology is there, including a strong use of aluminium and high quality stainless steels. Many
‘enthusiast’ level race bikes feature Shimano XT components. Current generation XT ‘8000’ is most
commonly used with either a single or double chainring setup. For the single-chainring, either the use of
a 11-42 or a 11-46T cassette is popular.

XT Di2: XT also comes in an electronic version known as 'XT Di2'. Unlike the mechanical version,
which requires cables to change gears, Di2 uses motor-driven mechanics at the front and rear derailleur
to provide a crisp perfect shift, every time. The Di2 version is slightly heavier than mechanical (about
90g) but is impervious to dirt and grit. Once setup, it also never requires re-adjustment. XT Di2 shares
the same chain, crankset and cassette options at standard XT.

XTR: The gold standard of mountain bike groupsets from the Japanese company. The groupset uses a
mixture of carbon fibre, titanium and high-grade alloys to reduce weight without sacrificing reliability.
XTR RapidFire Plus shift levers have marginally smoother operation due to the use of internal bearing.
Tolerances are tightest on Shimano XTR, and so while it’s marginal, there is a subtle improvement in
shift quality over XT in addition to being a couple of hundred grams lighter, and for over double the
price, you’d hope so too.
XTR Di2: The true pinnacle in Shimano’s mountain bike range. XTR Di2 offers everything expected of
Shimano’s finest at the push of an electronic button. XTR Di2 shares the same function as XT Di2, but is
made with weight savings and winning races in mind.

Saint:  Similar in level to Shimano XTR, Saint is considered a gravity-orientated ‘specialty’ groupset.

It’s most commonly found on pro-level downhill race bikes. Current generation Saint is a 1x10 drivetrain.
SRAM

SRAM has multiple mountain bike groupsets available, and in many ways is the more progressive
company in the mountain bike sector with having first introduced 2x and then 1x drivetrains to the
mainstream mountain bike world.

SRAM’s groupsets are not as clearly defined as Shimano’s and so mixing and matching of components is
typically found at the lower end. SRAM is fast moving toward 1x-specific drivetrains on nearly all of its
intermediate to premium groupset options. Assuming the number of gears match, SRAM parts are
typically interchangeable between series.

Shifting with SRAM comes in two styles – trigger shifter or grip shift. Grip shift, which literally works by
twisting the handlebar grip to shift is where SRAM started but isn’t as popular these days and isn’t found
stock on new bikes – although it’s readily available as an aftermarket option. Trigger shifting is now the
standard choice for SRAM users and works similar to Shimano’s Rapid Fire system, but your thumb
operates both levers with a push. It was SRAM’s system that prompted Shimano to add the option of
thumb operation on its more expensive shifters, such a design allows shifting in both directions and
brake control at the same time.
Below is a basic breakdown of SRAM's groupsets. Mentioned below are the models you’re likely to find
on 2018 model bikes.

X5: This entry-level groupset from SRAM features both 9 and 10-speed options and two or three
chainrings. X5 components are rarely seen as a complete groupset, but the parts are commonly found
on basic hardtails.

X7: This groupset was once a staple on intermediate hardtails and entry-level dual suspension bikes. It
offers dependable trail performance on a tight budget. The groupset now is mostly found in a 10-speed
setup with two chainrings (2x10). X7 is SRAM’s entry into offering a clutch-equipped rear derailleur for
additional chain security. Many bikes that would have previously used X7 are now using SRAM’s 1x11
‘NX’ groupset for 2018.

X9: Building on the features of X7, X9 introduces more aluminium and higher-end steels. X9 is
commonly setup as 2x10 and was once a popular groupset for intermediate mountain bikes. For 2018,
SRAM NX and GX is far more commonly seen for where X9 once was.

NX: One of SRAM’s newest, NX is the lowest price entry into a 1x specific drivetrain on the market.
Designed to imitate the function and features of more expensive options, 11-speed SRAM NX offers a
11-42T cassette for a wide range. This cassette is a big part of the cost savings over more expensive 1x
groupsets as it fits onto a standard hub, whereas more premium 1x SRAM cassettes require a special ‘XD
Driver’ hub body to host a wider-range 10-42T cassette, such a component is part of the rear hub and so
often requires a more expensive wheel too.

GX: GX confusingly overlaps closely with X7, X9 and X1. For this, GX is offered in four variants: 1x7,
1x11, 2x11 and 2x10. It’s the 1x11 version of GX most commonly equipped, and the group introduces
the use of a wide-range 10-42T cassette along with a greater use of aluminium components (like X9 and
X1). The limited range of the 1x7 option is designed for downhill racing.

GX Eagle: Released mid-way through 2017, GX Eagle is a 1x12 speed groupset that brings all
the benefits found on more expensive xx1 and x01 eagle groupsets, down to a more modest price point.
Although very similar in operation to its more expensive counterparts, GX Eagle makes use of slightly
cheaper materials and see’s a slight weight increase in order to hit its extremely competitive price point.
Expect to see GX Eagle groupsets fitted to a wide range of mid-priced high value mountain bikes
throughout 2018

X1: First introduced in 2015, X1 has now been commonly replaced with SRAM GX Eagle on many bikes
for 2018. X1 is a fully featured 1x-specific groupset with components featuring aluminium construction
and a proven track record for being capable of serious abuse. X1 offers similar shift performance to
more expensive groupsets but at a higher weight. X1 is a tad lighter than GX.

XO1: SRAM’s first offering of carbon fibre and a little premium performance, SRAM X01 is a high-end
groupset that is 1x-specific and uses a lightweight 11-speed 10-42T cassette. X01 is typically considered
SRAM’s pinnacle for trail, Enduro racing and other aggressive riding styles. SRAM X01 is also available in
a 1x7 variant which is specifically designed for downhill racers in mind, it’s the groupset SRAM’s
sponsored downhill riders use.

XO1 Eagle: X01 Eagle is the latest version of X01 and moves to a 12-speed setup. Eagle is SRAM’s
statement to make front shifting redundant, and the Eagle 10-50T cassette offers an incredible 500%
gear range. Whilst no longer sitting atop the hierarchy, X01 Eagle is still a premium groupset featuring
high-end aluminium, CNC-machined steel and carbon fibre construction.

XX1: Where X01 is SRAM’s finest for the Enduro and trail riders, XX1 takes it a notch above for the
cross-country riders and racers counting grams. The differences between X01 and XX1 are subtle, but
the scales don’t lie. XX1 was SRAM’s first 1x-specific 11-speed groupset. It uses a 10-42T cassette.

XX1 Eagle: SRAM’s latest and most premium groupset, XX1 Eagle shares all the same features as
the 12-speed X01 Eagle groupset but saves weight at every possible corner for a groupset that’s aimed
at the cross country racer or trail rider seeking the very lightest, wide-range 1x groupset on the market.

https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/blog/mountain-bike-groupsets-explained

List of bicycle parts

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bicycle parts
For other cycling related terms (besides parts) see Glossary of cycling.
List of bicycle parts by alphabetic order:

 Axle: as in the generic definition, a rod that serves to attach a wheel to a bicycle and
provides support for bearings on which the wheel rotates. Also sometimes used to describe
suspension components, for example a swing arm pivot axle
 Bar ends: extensions at the end of straight handlebars to allow for multiple hand positions
 Bar plugs or end caps: plugs for the ends of handlebars
 Basket: cargo carrier
 Bearing: a device that facilitates rotation by reducing friction
 Bell: an audible device for warning pedestrians and other cyclists
 Belt-drive: alternative to chain-drive
 Bicycle brake cable: see Cable
 Bottle cage: a holder for a water bottle
 Bottom bracket: The bearing system that the pedals (and cranks) rotate around. Contains a
spindle to which the crankset is attached and the bearings themselves. There is a bearing
surface on the spindle, and on each of the cups that thread into the frame. The bottom bracket
may be overhaulable (an adjustable bottom bracket) or not overhaulable (a cartridge bottom
bracket). The bottom bracket fits inside the bottom bracket shell, which is part of the bicycle
frame
 Brake: devices used to stop or slow down a bicycle. Rim brakes and disc brakes are
operated by brake levers, which are mounted on the handlebars. Band brake is an alternative to
rim brakes but can only be installed at the rear wheel. Coaster brakes are operated by pedaling
backward
 Brake lever: a lever for actuating a bicycle brake
 Brake shifter or colloquially, brifter (see also Shimano Total Integration, Campagnolo
ErgoPower and SRAM Double Tap): combined shifter and brake lever control
 Braze-on: a fitting protruding from a frame to provide attachment, typically for cable
housings or tire pumps and similar accessories
 Cable guide: a fitting below the bottom bracket which guides a piece of bare inner bowden
cable around a corner
 Cable: a metal cable enclosed in part by a metal and plastic housing that is used to connect
a control, such as a brake or shifting lever, to the device it activates
 Cartridge bearing: a type of bearing that is not user-serviceable, but must be replaced as a
unit
 Cassette: a group of stacked sprockets on the rear wheel of a bicycle with a rear derailleur
 Chain: a system of interlinking pins, plates and rollers that transmits power from the front
sprocket(s) to the rear sprocket(s)
 Chainguard: Gear case cover for the entire chain either totally encasing (sometimes
containing oil) or 'incomplete'. Either way, designed to keep clothing from fouling the chain. See
also Skirtguard
 Chainring: (one of the) front gear(s), attached to a crank
 Chainstay: a pair of tubes on a bicycle frame that runs from the bottom bracket to the rear
fork ends
 Chain tensioner: a device to maintain proper chain tension
 Chaintug: a device to aid in setting the proper chain tension
 Cluster: a bicycle cogset, either a freewheel, or cassette
 Cogset: the set of rear sprockets that attaches to the hub on the rear wheel
 Cone: holds bearings in place, pressed against the cup
 Cotter: pin for attaching cottered cranks
 Coupler: to connect tubing together
 Crankset or chainset: composed of cranks and at least one chainring
 Cup: receives ball bearings which roll along its inner surface; integrated on most
conventional hubs or can be pressed into older bottom bracket shells. See also Cone
 Cyclocomputer: an electronic accessory that measures and displays instantaneous and
cumulative speed and distance. Often provides other measurements such as heart rate
 Derailleur hanger: a piece on the rear dropout that the derailleur attaches to.
 Derailleur: an assembly of levers, usually cable actuated, that moves the chain between
sprockets on a cassette or chainring assembly
 Down tube: tube on the bicycle frame that runs from the head tube to the bottom bracket
 Dropout: a bicycle rear fork end that allows the rear wheel to be removed without first
derailing the chain. The term dropout is often incorrectly used to refer to any fork end, but not all
fork ends are dropouts
 Dustcap: any cap serving to keep dirt and contamination out of an assembly. Common over
crank bolts, often plastic
 Dynamo: bicycle lighting component, also known as generator
 Eyelet:
1) attachment point on frame, fork, or dropout for fenders, racks, etc.
2) a hole through which a spoke nipple passes through the rim so it may attach to a spoke

 Electronic Gear-Shifting System: not simply a type of shifter or a type of derailleur, a

complete system with switches instead of levers, wires instead of Bowden cables, and
motor-driven derailleurs that must all work together
 Fairing: a full or partial covering for a bicycle to reduce aerodynamic drag or to protect
the rider from the elements
 Fender or mudguard: curved pieces of metal or plastic above the tires which catch and
redirect road spray thrown up by the tires, allowing the rider to remain relatively clean.
May come in pairs
 Ferrule: a metal or plastic sleeve used to terminate the end of a cable housing
 Fork: a mechanical assembly that integrates a bicycle's frame to its front wheel and
handlebars, allowing steering by virtue of its steerer tube
 Fork end: paired slots on a fork or frame at which the axle of the wheel is attached. See
also Dropout
 Frame: the mechanical core of a bicycle, the frame provides points of attachment for the
various components that make up the machine. The term is variously construed, and
can refer to the base section, always including the bottom bracket, or to base frame,
fork, and suspension components such as a shock absorber
 Freehub: a ratcheting assembly onto which a cog or cassette is mounted that allows the
bicycle to coast without the pedals turning
 Freewheel: a ratcheting assembly that incorporates one or more cogs and allows the
bicycle to coast without the pedals turning
 Gusset: plates added to the outsides of frame tubes to strengthen joints. These are
more commonly seen on BMX and mountain bikes
 Hanger: part of frame or an attachment to the frame to which the derailleur is attached
(see Derailleur hanger)
 Handlebar: a lever attached, usually using an intermediary stem, to the steerer tube of
the fork. Allows steering and provides a point of attachment for controls and accessories
 Handlebar plug: see Bar plugs
 Handlebar tape: a tape wound around dropped handlebars so as to provide padding
and grip, usually cork or cloth, sometimes foam rubber
 Head badge: manufacturer's or brand logo affixed to the head tube
 Head tube: the tube of a bicycle frame that contains the headset
 Headset: the bearings that form the interface between the frame and fork steerer tube
 Hood: the rubber brake lever covering on bikes with drop style handle bars
 Hub: the core of a wheel; contains bearings and, in a traditional wheel, has drilled
flanges for attachment of spokes
 Hub dynamo: a generator inside one of the hubs for powering lights or other
accessories
 Hub gear: a gearbox mounted inside the hub, 3-speed is common, 5, 7 are available
("Sturmey-Archer") and Rohloff make a 14-speed hub. Cable operated by one or two
cables
 Indicator: a turn signal
 Inner tube: a bladder that contains air to inflate a tire. Has a Schrader,
"Woods"/"Dunlop" or Presta valve for inflation and deflation
 Jockey wheel: one of two small sprockets of the rear derailleur that guide the chain
 Kickstand: a folding attachment used for assisting a bicycle to stand up on its own.
Usually mounts to frame near bottom bracket, sometimes near rear dropouts
 "Lawyer lips": also called a "lawyer tab", a retention device on the dropouts of the
front fork to prevent inadvertent loss of the front wheel in the case it is not properly
secured
 Locknut: a nut designed not to loosen due to vibration
 Lockring: a ring, usually metal, of varying design, that serves to retain a component in
place
 Lug: a metal connector used to align frame components where they join each other
 Luggage carrier: any accessory equipment designed to carry tools, gear or cargo
 Master link: a bicycle chain accessory that allows convenient removal and reconnection
of an installed bicycle chain without the need for a chain tool
 Nipple: a specialized nut that most commonly attaches a spoke to a wheel rim. In some
systems, it provides attachment to the hub
 Pannier: cloth zippered storage bags that mount to sides of luggage racks.
Pronounced pan-ear, or pan-yer (an old English word, not French)
 Pedal: mechanical interface between foot and crank arm. There are two general types;
one secures the foot with a mechanical clamp or cage and the other has no connection
to lock the foot to the pedal
 Peg: short metal tube, about 6 inches (15 cm) long and 2 inches (5.1 cm) fastened to
one or both ends of the wheel axles to either enable the rider perform certain tricks or
provide a place for extra riders to stand or rest
 Portage strap: a strap (usually made of leather) attached to the inside of the bike
frame, designed to make carrying the bike over one's shoulder easier
 Quick release: a skewer with a lever on one end that loosens when the lever is flipped.
Used for releasing wheels and seat posts
 Rack: a rack that attaches behind the seat, usually with stays to the rear dropouts, that
serves as a general carrier
 Reflector: reflects light to make bicycle evident when the illuminated by headlights of
other vehicles. Usually required by law but held in disdain by many cyclists
 Removable training wheels: used for assisting balance. Comes in pair. Useful for first
time bicyclists
 Rim: that part of a wheel to which the tire is attached and often forms part of the braking
mechanism
 Rotor:
1) the disc component of a disc brake.[1]
2) another name for a detangler - a device that allows the handlebars and fork to revolve
indefinitely without tangling the rear brake cable.

 Safety levers: extension levers, and interrupt brake levers. Used to apply
brakes in order for the bicycle to slow down or suddenly stop
 Saddle or Seat: what a bicyclist sits on
 Seat rails: a metal framework over which saddle covering is stretched. The seat
post attaches to the seat rails by means of a clamp
 Seat lug: a frame lug on the top of the seat tube serving as a point of
attachment for a clamp to secure the seat post
 Seat tube: the roughly vertical tube in a bicycle frame running from the seat to
the bottom bracket
 Seat bag: a small storage accessory hung from the back of a seat
 Seatpost: a post that the seat is mounted to. It slides into the frame's seat tube
and is used to adjust ride height depending how far into the seat tube it is
inserted
 Seatstay: frame components, small diameter tubes running from top of seat
tube to rear dropouts
 Shaft-drive: alternate to chain-drive
  Shifter: gear shifting control
 Shock absorber: for bicycles with suspensions, a device that limits the rate at
which suspension rebounds after absorbing an impact
 Side view mirror: aids in looking at the sides prior to moving slowly or turning
to the left or to the right
 Skirt guard or coatguard: a device fitted over the rear wheel of a bicycle to
prevent a long skirt, coat or other trailing clothes or luggage from catching in the
wheel, or in the gap between the rim and the brakes
 Spindle: an axle around which a pedal rotates; threaded at one end to screw
into crank arms
 Spoke: connects wheel rim to hub. Usually wire with one end swaged to form a
head and one threaded end. A typical wheel has 36 spokes
 Steering tube: a tube on top of a fork that is inserted through frame and serves
as an axle by means of which bicycle can be steered
 Stem: a bracket used to attach handlebars to steerer tube of fork. Usually
secured by pinch bolts
 Tire: as in common usage. Usually pneumatic. A tubular tire is glued to the
wheel rim; most tires use tubes, but tubeless tires and rims are increasingly
common
 Toe clips: a metal or plastic cage attached to a pedal. Usually has an
adjustment strap. Secures foot to pedal for increased control and more effective
transfer of power from foot to drive chain
 Top tube: frame member leading from steerer tube to seat tube
 Valve stem or simply valve: port for adding or releasing air from the inner tube.
Two types are commonly used: Presta and Schrader. A third type,
the Woods/Dunlop valve, can still be found in Europe and Asia.
 Wheel: as in common usage. Traditionally and most commonly spoked
 Wingnut: for attaching wheels before the development of the quick release
skewer
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_bicycle_parts

Choosing an MTB groupset: price versus

performance
Like most components, groupsets vary in price a great deal. So what benefits
do more expensive groupsets bring?

Weight 
Keith Bontrager famously said of bicycle parts: "Strong. Light. Cheap. Pick
two."

A lighter bike will always accelerate, climb and brake better than a heavier
one, but without sacrificing strength, something has to give. Whether you're
looking at mountain bike drivetrains, wheels or even complete bikes, reduced
weight is often the major factor in increased cost.

Generally, with mountain bike groups, the more you spend, the lighter they
get. Often the performance of the groupset plateaus at the second tier from
the top, with reduced weight being the reason for the extra expense.

For example, the difference between Shimano's top two tiers, XT and XTR, is
around 230g (excluding brakes and bottom bracket), while the difference
between SRAM's flagship XX1 Eagle and second-tier X01 Eagle drivetrains is
closer to 46g (excluding brakes and bottom bracket).

These weight differences are the result of more expensive materials and
refined, or more time-consuming, manufacturing processes.

In addition to further machining, hole-drilling and high precision, more

expensive components often use materials such as carbon fiber, titanium,
lightweight aluminum and ceramic bearings to achieve class-leading low
weights.

Durability
If you're spending more money on a mountain bike group, you'd expect it to
outlast a cheaper option.

Durability does improve with price, but our experience is that durability also
plateaus at the second-tier options. XT in the case of Shimano and XO1 in the
case of SRAM.

In some cases, component durability can actually decline at the most

expensive option, where absolute weight savings sometimes trump product
longevity. 

The more expensive technical components are built with greater precision,
refinement and materials that lend themselves to greater longevity. This is
apparent in derailleurs and shifters, where the cheaper options will develop
play and slop overtime, whereas better parts often remain like new for many
years of use. 
Wear items, such as cassettes and chainrings, however, are often the reverse
of this. Cheaper options are made of heavier, but more durable steels, while
the more expensive versions are made with lighter, but softer, aluminum and
titanium metals.

Performance
In addition to the benefits of reduced weight, more expensive MTB groupsets
find other ways of increasing performance.

Most noticeably, higher priced options provide a smoother, more precise and
quicker shift between gears.

This includes reduced effort at the lever, something that becomes apparent
once you've been on the bike for a few hours. It's an area where electronic
gears are going to set a new benchmark — ultimate precision and speed at
the simple push of a button.

Another performance example is increased crankset stiffness to provide

crisper shifting and more efficient power transfer from the pedals to the rear
wheel. This is achieved with more complex designs and materials that
increase strength and stiffness without adding weight. 

Additional features
Besides offering extra gears, it's common for the more expensive groups to
offer additional features.

Clutch-equipped rear derailleurs, such as Shadow Plus from Shimano or

Type-2 from SRAM are an example of a technology that is offered on these
company's mid- and high-end groups.

The clutch keeps the chain taut, which improves shifting over rough terrain,
keeping the drivetrain quieter, and reduces the likelihood of dropping a chain. 
Both Shimano and SRAM offer clutch-style rear derailleurs, these greatly reduce chain slap noise and the
risk of dropped chains through rough terrain

In reverse of this, gear indicators are a feature often lost as the groupset price
increases. The theory being that more experienced riders use gears based on
‘feel’ and don’t need numbers or indicators to help them.

Discipline-focused options
With mountain biking spanning so many individual disciplines, it shouldn’t be
too surprising to find that what works perfectly for climbing steep hills in cross-
country may not be ideal for descending cliff faces in downhill.

This is why discipline-specific groupsets now exist for the more extreme riding
styles. We’ll cover these below in the individual brand hierarchies.
https://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/buyers-guide-to-mountain-bike-groupsets-42578/