We can’t do posts about Shimano and Sram without doing one (or a couple) on Campy.

Campagnolo has a long-standing tradition in cycling and the name has always been associated with high-end componentry and excellence. Any reputable bike shop will have their components and it’s one of those names that hardcore cyclists say with a bit of reverence. This is one brand that has fierce fans and converts that sing its praises into the headwind.

Veloce

Officially launched in 1988, Sram is a relatively young company with a lot of design ingenuity and the original maker of the Grip Shift. They’ve been making their way up through the bike component industry, proving themselves to be a reliable company providing a reliable product.

And they look good too.

They have also forged biking alliances with several companies, including RockShox, Quarq, Avid, Truvativ and Zipp.

So let’s start from the bottom up.

S-Series

 This is Sram’s entry level components group. Here you will find a series of parts which consist of brake levers, shifters, cassettes, chains, crankarms and derailleurs for road, cyclocross and track bikes. The series comes in 8, 9 and 10 speeds and even offer cantilever brakes from Avid. 

Quarq

Just in case you mtb-ers thought I forgot about you, think again.

Here’s a look at all the component groups for mountain bikes that Shimano has out, starting from the bottom up.

Alivio

This is Shimano’s entry level mountain bike components group. The shifters are ergonomic, with a very visible display so that you can see what gear you’re in. The system offers v-brakes or discs and comes in 9 speeds. There are no brakes that come with this but Shimano makes several non-series parts which you can mix and match with.

Deore

Shimano is a major components company. That said, there are TONS (and I seriously mean TONS) of different options that you can choose from when you buy a component group from this maker.

There are days when you need to get around and maybe don’t have a place to park. Or want to carry around a u-lock. Or don’t want to change out of your clothes. Or have enough space to put it in your car. Whatever the reason, folding bikes are a wonderful option for those who want to run around and have a bike with them. There are also some great options for ladies who want to wear a dress or a skirt and need a frame with a very low down tube to lift the leg over, without too much exposure.

The fact that they fold means that these bikes are going to be able to get compact. For that end, the size of the wheel will be another factor.