Bicycles are a popular mode of transportation for people all over the world. They are eco-friendly, affordable, and provide an excellent way to stay active. Moreover, with the increasing demand for better performing bicycles, components need to be of high quality and come from reputable companies.
One of the essential components that make a bicycle mobile is the wheel. Rim and tire manufacturers like Shimano, Mavic, and Continental have long dominated this area. Shimano is a well-known manufacturer of components for bicycles, specializing in gears, brakes, and wheels. They have been providing top-quality wheels for over a century, and their products have been used in various types of bicycles across the world. Mavic, on the other hand, is a French manufacturing company that specializes in high-performance wheels for road bikes. They have been providing riders with some of the most innovative wheels technology, currently revolutionizing the way wheels work. Continental is another German brand specializing in tire manufacturing. They are known for producing durable, lightweight, and puncture-resistant tires that are perfect for road bikes, mountain bikes, and touring bikes.
Another crucial component in a bicycle is the drivetrain. This includes the chain, cassette, and derailleur. Shimano has also dominated this area for a long time, but there are also other brands, including SRAM and Campagnolo. SRAM is a US-based company, and it specializes in drivetrains that are perfect for off-road cycling. Their products are known for being lightweight and extremely high-performing. Campagnolo, on the other hand, is an Italian brand and produces higher-end components, typically found on the most expensive bikes. Their products are sleek, lightweight, and provide excellent performance.
Finally, the brakes are a critical safety component of any bicycle. Two of the leading brake component manufacturers are Shimano and SRAM. Shimano provides both rim and disc brakes that offer excellent stopping power and modulation. SRAM, on the other hand, is one of the newer brands in the cycling industry. They provide unique hydraulic brake systems that are perfect for off-road cycling.
Common Brands Current and Past:
Suntour
Suntour is a Japanese bicycle component manufacturer that was founded in 1912. Initially, the company produced freewheels and other parts for motorcycles and eventually transitioned to making bicycle parts. Suntour gained prominence in the 1970s and 1980s when they became a leading manufacturer of bicycle derailleurs, particularly for mountain bikes.
In addition to derailleurs, Suntour was also known for producing a variety of high-quality bicycle components, including shifters, cranksets, pedals, suspension forks, and more. One notable product from Suntour was the Power Shift derailleur system, which was introduced in 1978 and allowed riders to shift gears without needing to release the handlebar grip.
Suntour was also an innovator in bicycle suspension technology, launching their first suspension fork in 1981, and continuing to develop and refine the technology over the years. By the 1990s, Suntour became one of the largest bicycle component manufacturers in the world.
Unfortunately, in the late 1990s, economic changes in Japan led to financial struggles for Suntour, and the company was eventually acquired by another Japanese bike component manufacturer, SRAM Corporation, in 1998. Since then, Suntour-branded products have continued to be produced by SRAM and remain popular among cyclists today for their quality, durability, and innovative design.
Sturmey-Archer
Sturmey Archer is a British manufacturer of bicycle components that was founded in 1902. At the time, they were one of the first companies to produce 3-speed internal gear hubs, which allowed cyclists to easily shift gears without stopping.
The company was founded by Henry Sturmey and James Archer, who were both avid cyclists and inventors. Their first product, the 3-speed internal gear hub, became widely popular and was used in many bikes throughout the 20th century.
Sturmey Archer continued to innovate throughout the years, introducing new gear hub designs and other cycling components. They also produced a range of other products, including lighting systems, brakes, and other related cycling accessories. Many of these products became staples in the cycling industry, and some are still used today.
During World War II, Sturmey Archer shifted its focus to producing components for the military, including gun components and motorcycle parts. After the war, the company continued to produce bicycle components and expanded their product line to include other variations of internal gear hubs and components for high-performance racing bikes.
In the 1990s, Sturmey Archer was acquired by the SunRace Group, a Taiwanese manufacturer of bicycle components. Under SunRace, Sturmey Archer has continued to produce high-quality internal gear hubs and other cycling components, and they remain a respected and well-regarded brand in the cycling industry to this day.
SunRace
SunRace is a Taiwanese bicycle component manufacturer that was founded in the early 1970s. The company produces a wide range of bicycle components, including derailleurs, shifters, cassettes, chains, and freewheels.
SunRace's early years were focused on developing and manufacturing freewheels and other small parts for bicycles, but the company quickly expanded its product offerings to include drivetrain components like derailleur systems and shifters. SunRace has continued to innovate in this area, introducing new technologies like the RDM clutch mechanism on their rear derailleurs, which helps to prevent the chain from bouncing or slapping against the chainstay during rough rides.
SunRace is also known for producing a range of affordable and reliable components that are popular among cyclists of all levels. SunRace components are used on many entry-level and mid-range bikes, but they also offer high-end components that have been used by professional cyclists in road and mountain bike racing.
SunRace has also invested in sustainability and environmental initiatives, including implementing a zero-waste production system at their factories in Taiwan and committing to reducing the company's carbon footprint through the use of renewable energy sources.
SunRace is widely regarded as a respected and reliable manufacturer of bicycle components, offering high-quality products at affordable prices.
Shimano
Shimano is a Japanese company that is one of the world's largest manufacturers of bicycle components, with a history that spans several decades. The company produces a wide range of cycling components, including derailleurs, shifters, brakes, cranksets, pedals, and wheelsets.
Shimano is known for their commitment to research and development, and their components are widely regarded among the most durable, reliable, and high-performing in the bicycle industry. The company offers various product lines, catering to different types of bikes and riding styles, and continually updates and improves their products based on customer feedback and emerging technologies.
Their most popular groupset lines include the Dura-Ace, Ultegra, 105, and Tiagra series for road bikes, and the Deore, XT, and SLX series for mountain bikes. Each series includes components that are designed to work seamlessly together to provide riders with reliable performance and smooth shifting.
In addition to being a major supplier of components for the bicycle industry, Shimano has also made significant contributions to the sport of cycling. The company sponsors professional road cycling teams, as well as developing various technologies to promote safety and improve the cycling experience for riders of all levels.
Overall, Shimano's reputation for quality and reliability has made it one of the most popular and respected brands among cyclists, and it remains a significant player in the global cycling industry.
Microshift
MicroShift is a Taiwanese manufacturer of bicycle components that was founded in 1999. The company produces a wide range of cycling components, including derailleurs, shifters, cassettes, chainrings, and more.
MicroShift has built a reputation for producing reliable and high-quality components at affordable price points. This has made the company particularly popular among cyclists who are looking to upgrade their bike components without breaking the bank.
MicroShift has developed a range of innovative technologies in their components, such as the Double Advance Shifting mechanism, found in their road bike shifters, which allows for smoother and more accurate gear changes. They have also developed various other technologies that have helped to improve the overall performance and durability of their components.
In addition to their focus on quality, MicroShift has committed to producing environmentally-friendly products, implementing practices like waste reduction and using recycled materials in their production processes.
MicroShift components have been used by both amateur and professional cyclists around the world and have received positive reviews for their performance and value. The company continues to introduce new products and advance their technology, making them a brand to watch in the bicycle component market.
Campagnolo
Campagnolo is an Italian manufacturer of high-end bicycle components that was founded in 1933. The company originally produced components for road bikes, and over time has expanded to include components for mountain bikes and other cycling disciplines.
Campagnolo is known for producing high-quality components that are designed for performance and durability. They offer various product lines that cater to different types of bikes and riding styles, with components that are designed to work seamlessly together to provide riders with a smooth, efficient, and reliable cycling experience.
Perhaps the most recognizable and iconic feature of Campagnolo components is their shifters. The company is known for producing shift levers that are located on the frame's downtube, providing a certain classic and timeless look. Campagnolo's distinct shifters have been adopted by some of the most successful cyclists in history, used in some of the most prestigious cycling races, and contributed to legendary victories.
In addition to their premium components, Campagnolo has also made various advancements and innovations over the years, such as the introduction of the 11-speed cassette for road bikes, electronic shifting technology with EPS, and hydraulic brake systems.
Overall, Campagnolo's focus on performance, functionality, and design has made it a popular choice among professional and amateur cyclists alike, and the brand continues to pioneer technological advancements and maintain its high-end reputation.
Sram
SRAM is one of the leading brands in the cycling industry, known for their high-quality components that are famous for their innovative technology, design, and performance. Founded in Chicago, USA, in 1987, SRAM has grown to become a leading brand in manufacturing bicycle components, such as drivetrains, shifters, brakes, and suspension systems.
SRAM is recognized for their unique hydraulic brake system that provides enhanced stopping power while delivering smooth modulation, making them ideal for mountain biking or any off-road cycling activity. The company operates on the philosophy of “Incremental enhancements; Perpetual improvements;" their approach involves making small changes to improve every component until they reach the optimal performance level.
A significant breakthrough for SRAM was the introduction of their patented Grip Shift technology, which has since become a common feature in mountain bikes. This technology allowed for shifting gear by twisting the grip, making it easier and faster to shift through gears while maintaining control of the bike. SRAM has continued to develop more efficient and user-friendly components, such as their wireless electronic shifting system, eTap, which uses digital signals to shift gears.
SRAM also leads the way in the manufacture of drivetrains. Their components have dominated the off-road cycling scene because they offer simplicity, precision, lightweight, and durability. SRAM's 1x drivetrains feature a single chainring design, which eliminates the need for a front derailleur and allows for better chain retention, chain stability, and improved drivetrain efficiency.
SRAM is a brand that has made its mark as a company that produces innovative and user-friendly bike components. Known for their hydraulic brake system and Grip Shift technology, the company continues to push the boundaries by investing in research and development to bring bold new ideas into existence. Consequently, SRAM has become the go-to brand for mountain bikers and cyclocross riders who seek top-performing components for their bikes.
Quality components are essential
High-quality components are essential when it comes to selecting a bicycle. Shimano, Mavic, Continental, SRAM, and Campagnolo are some of the most reputable brands in the cycling industry. All of these companies have been around for a long time and have proven themselves to be top-quality component manufacturers. Whether you are a road cyclist, mountain biker, or just someone who wants to get around town on a bike, these brands have the components that could meet your needs and make your riding experience more enjoyable.