What is a decent source (if any) for learning about various [bicycle] components and how they compare?
What makes a good component good? Non-machine-made? Material (and which)?
I'm completely new to understanding what makes something quality vs shit when it comes to bicycles.
>inb4 feed me
I am willing to read, I just need a general direction.
sheldonbrown.com
>>949167
alright, alright
I'll just still to the Holy Source...nothing produced within the last 8 years compares though?
OP I don't know of any single resource that answers all of those questions, but one page I really like is the Disraeli Gears site, which is all about (mostly older) rear derailers. If you read through it from start to finish with all the commentary you'll have a very good start on understanding a lot of what separates a good RD from a bad one including tidbits on materials and manufacturing, and most of those principles apply to other components.
For other stuff, I don't know what else to recommend beyond google and reading everything you can find. There's a wealth of unorganized information online between various forums, sites like Velobase, and scattered personal pages with loads of info or pics, like these two:
http://sonic.net/~ckelly/Seekay/weird_bike_stuff.htm
http://pardo.net/bike/pic/fail-009/000.html
http://www.ibiscycles.com/support/technical_articles/metallurgy_for_cyclists/
>>949169
Bikes have not changed in the 8 years since Sheldon went to bike Valhalla.
99.5% of riders still pull on a cable to change gears. They pull on a cable to push fluid to move the brakes. Wheels are still round, and people still pedal clockwise. SB is an excellent resource for older bikes.
>>949163
>I'm completely new to understanding what makes something quality vs shit when it comes to bicycles.
The hierarchy of bikes is unchanged
>pro race bikes(dura ace, RED, super record)
>race bikes(105-ultegra, force-rival, chorus-athena)
>enthusiast recreational bikes(105-tiagra, rival-apex)
>recreational bikes(anything below the above)
>BSO(sporting good and big box stores)
Shitty frames don't get nice drivetrains, and shitty frames don't come with nice drivetrais. These generally hold true as things get older to a point. 10 year old ultegra will lose out to new 105 because of price/performance ratio and part availability.
The biggest advantages of newer components are integrated shifters and 9-10-11 speed cassettes
>What makes a good component good? Non-machine-made? Material (and which)?
For materials
>carbon, titanium, and high end steel like Reynolds 953
>aluminum for all round performance at an affordable price
>steel if you are real... or a hipster
For individual metal parts
forged>machined>stamped
The biggest factor in bike performance is the rider. The pros will smoke you on anything with 2 wheels and pedals.
