Difference between Road Bike & Mntn Bike components?

[mo fo]

Hello,

i am interested in a hybrid bike (Trek 7700FX). It has components
from the Shimano mountain bike line, such as Deore XT drivetrain
and 520 pedals. What would be the difference between these and,
say, Ultegra, 105 or other Road Bike line components? Any idea?

~Rob

 

[Art Harris]

mo fo wrote:

> i am interested in a hybrid bike (Trek 7700FX). It has components
from the Shimano mountain bike line, such as Deore XT drivetrain and
520 pedals. What would be the difference between these and, say,
Ultegra, 105 or other Road Bike line components?

The mountain bike drivetrain provides a wider range of gears,
particularly on the low end. That's an advantage if you climb steep
hills or carry a touring load. I think the Deore XT line is comparable
to 105 in terms of quality.

Many road riders (myself included) use the 520 pedals and shoes with
recessed cleats. They make walking much more pleasant than traditional
road cleats like Look or Time.

Art Harris

 

[buckyllama]

The gear ratios offered are different. Usually a 44-32-22 triple or
similar upfront with an 11-32 in the back as opposed to 52-39 or
52-42-32 with a straighter block like 12-25.

MTB crank Q-factor tends to be a hair wider to clear the chainstays.

MTB rear hubs are spaced at 135 v/s 130.

Most MTB brake levers these days are set up for V-brakes or disc
brakes.

The "quality" lineup runs more or less like this:

XTR = DuraAce
XT = Ultegra
LX = 105
Deore = Tiagra
Alivio = Sora

The MTB line is a hair less clear than the road line because you also
have groups like Saint and Hone which are for more downhill oriented
riding.

 

[mo fo]

Wow! That was a great reply. Thanks so much!

~Rob

"buckyllama" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
: The gear ratios offered are different. Usually a 44-32-22
triple or
: similar upfront with an 11-32 in the back as opposed to 52-39
or
: 52-42-32 with a straighter block like 12-25.
:
: MTB crank Q-factor tends to be a hair wider to clear the
chainstays.
:
: MTB rear hubs are spaced at 135 v/s 130.
:
: Most MTB brake levers these days are set up for V-brakes or
disc
: brakes.
:
: The "quality" lineup runs more or less like this:
:
: XTR = DuraAce
: XT = Ultegra
: LX = 105
: Deore = Tiagra
: Alivio = Sora
:
: The MTB line is a hair less clear than the road line because
you also
: have groups like Saint and Hone which are for more downhill
oriented
: riding.
:

 

[Tom Reingold]

Thanks, buckyllama.

Long ago, when I was in the business, the wholesale prices between
components was amazingly small. That is to say, the top end stuff was
almost as cheap as the low end stuff. The retail difference is mostly
profit.

I don't know if that's still the case.

I lean towards cheap components except when you know you need something
better. And I don't mean as cheap as possible. I just think the point of
diminishing returns is fairly low for most components.

And sorry for being vague.

--
Tom Reingold
Noo Joizy
This email address works, but only for a short time.