How to compare components?

stockybod

Hello all,
Ok, here's my first post.
I am looking a more aggressive Hybrid bike in the $500-$700 range and would like to compare the quality of the various components used. It looks as thought they are somewhat similar. The problem, some use Shimano Alivio, or Deore, Scram, and different model in those line. Sooo, is there a website where I can at least get an idea of which may be better? When I go to the Shimano site, sure everything is listed it's I just don't know which is a higher grade.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

alfeng

Deore is marginally better than Alivio ... but, there is nothing wrong with Alivio.

Absolutely AVOID SRAM regardless of what the salesperson says -- parts compatibility in the future may be a problem if you need to replace almost ANYTHING ... there were some SRAM setups which were Shimano compatible, but I think they were phased out of production a couple of years ago.

FWIW. When looking at bikes in the price range you have indicated, you can probably look at the crankset to determine which bike is "better" than another ... of course, that presumes you can ascertain the differences -- really inexpensive cranks will have chairings that are riveted to the crank arms (avoid these) ... intermediately priced cranks will use chainring bolts to attach the chainrings, but often have steel chainrings (nothing wrong with that) ... better cranksets will have better chainrings (look at some $2000 bikes, then look at some $1200 bikes, then look at the bikes in the price range you are thinking about) + better bottom brackets.

dhk2

Just buy the bike that fits you best from the dealer you like the best. Proper advice on bike/wheel selection to match your weight and intended usage is important. Fit and service after the sale is more important than any "information" you'll find comparing components. Besides, none of this stuff is expensive to replace should you wear it out.

garage sale GT

The mountain components are listed in descending order of quality on the shimano site except for deore lx at the end.

If I was going hybrid, since I have mastered the few steep hills around this relatively flat area, I would look into a road group like 2200. If you don't need to clear a large 32 or 34T rear sprocket, they're supposed to shift more crisply.

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