Model year
The year to which the manufacturer classifies the bicycle (more precisely, the model range that includes this model).
The significance of this parameter is that the model range is updated every year, and two bicycles with the same name, but from different years, can differ significantly in characteristics and equipment. At the same time, new models (
2024,
2023) usually cost more, and older ones (
2022,
2021, etc.) are sold at reduced prices.
It is worth considering that a later year of manufacture in itself does not necessarily mean more advanced characteristics - manufacturers can change them in the direction of simplification. So
the model of previous years may be in no way inferior to the new bike.
Front derailleur
Model of the derailleur (derailer) installed on the carriage with pedals as standard on the bike. For more information on why you need to know the model of a particular bicycle component, see paragraph "Cassette Model".
Rear derailleur
Model of the derailleur (derailer) installed on the rear wheel cassette as standard on the bike. For more information on why you need to know the model of a particular bicycle component, see paragraph "Cassette Model".
Shifter type
Type of shifters — devices that control gear shifting — installed on a bicycle. To date, the following types of shifters are used:
— Trigger. The design of this type is based on the use of 1 or 2 levers, as well as (sometimes) buttons located in close proximity to the hands of the cyclist. Trigger shifters can have different designs with varying degrees of convenience (usually, this is directly related to the price category of the device), located above or below the steering wheel, however, a number of common features are characteristic of all such models. Their main advantages are the traditional design and comfort when holding the steering wheel — the shifters are located outside the handles (grips) and do not affect convenience. In addition, they are quite simple in design and installation. On the other hand, this type also has a number of disadvantages. Thus, the presence of protruding parts increases the risk of equipment failure or injury to the cyclist in an accident. In many models, especially the low-cost level, in some cases, you have to take your hand off the steering wheel to change gear, which can lead to loss of control. In addition, shifting gears more than 2-3 "clicks" per press in trigger shifters is somewhat difficult and requires skill. However, in most cases, these disadvantages do not play a decisive role, and this type of levers is by far the most popular.
— Grip shift. By design, the grip shift is somewhat reminiscent of motorcyc
...le gas regulators: part of the handle is made movable, and gear shifting is carried out by turning it in one direction or another. Since the grip shift rings are actually combined with handles (grips), you don’t need to remove your hand from the steering wheel to control the gears — just move it a little to the side, and you can switch speed (and in some cases you can even keep your hands on the rings all the time). Such systems are devoid of protruding parts, which increases reliability and safety. Another advantage over triggers is the ease of shifting gears to any number of speeds. The main disadvantage of this type is the increased risk of accidentally shifting gears on a difficult section of the track, when you have to hold on tightly to the grips (especially with large palms and short grips) — you can accidentally turn the shifter, which is fraught with a sharp shift, breaking the chain from the sprockets and loss of controllability. In addition, contact with water or dirt on the ring can lead to slippage of the hand when working with gears, and the rings themselves increase the dimensions of the steering wheel and for some may cause inconvenience in the grip.
— Dual control. An original system that combines the control of brakes and gears in one lever — the brake lever. In this case, braking is carried out by moving towards you, and gear shifting is carried out by shifting up or down. The advantages of such a system are the constancy of the grip of the steering wheel — 2 fingers are enough to control both the brakes and the gears. At the same time, dual control shifters are quite complex in design, as a result, they are expensive and poorly compatible with “non-native” brakes and switches. And the ergonomics of such systems is very ambiguous, ease of use largely depends on the individual tastes of the cyclist. Therefore, this type of shifters is rather uncommon.
— Electronic. The competitive advantages of electronic shifters include the absence of a cable and levers to transfer physical force to the switch. In fact, these are ordinary buttons that send signals to the gearshift control unit. Such shifters work in conjunction with electronic switches that are installed on board advanced bicycle models. They can be placed in any convenient place with quick and comfortable access to the switches.Handlebar type
— Straight. This category includes all handlebars that do not have bends in the vertical plane — in other words, they look straight when viewed from the front. Some of these models may have a curve visible from above. These handlebars are convenient for placing additional equipment, and in general, they are well-suited for various types of bicycles. Due to this, this variety is very common.
— Curved. A variety of handlebars in which the pipe between the grips has bends in the vertical plane — in other words, the grips are located above the point where the handlebar is attached to the stem (see "Adjusting the handlebar stem"). Such steering wheels are designed for a high seating position and are poorly compatible with an additional body kit. Therefore, they are found predominantly in city bikes (see "Specialization (type refinement)"), where you do not need to bend your back and use special equipment, as well as in children's and teenage models (see "Age group").
— Drop bar. This handlebar is designed primarily for road bikes (see "Specialization (type refinement)"), where speed is of the essence. This handlebar allows you to change the grip and fit while riding. So, if good visibility is important, and speed is not critical, you can ride with a high seating position, holding on to the transverse horizontal part of the steering wheel; and at high speed, you can lean forward by holding the "horns" — this improves aerodynamics, that is, reduces air re...sistance, and makes the ride easier. There are other varieties of drop bars. They have a pair of tubes placed forward, and special stands on the steering wheel itself — you can put your elbows on these stands, and put your hands forward. In addition, they are usually not compatible with standard handlebar equipment (shifters, brake levers, etc.) and require specialized components.
— Butterfly. The name of this type is due to the characteristic shape resembling the wings of a butterfly; also such handlebars are known as "tracking". They are considered the most versatile, because without additional adjustments provide about 3 – 4 options for the position of the hands, with varying degrees of inclination of the body of the rider. However the "butterflies" are expensive.
