Posted at: Dec 16, 2020
When upgrading your road bike, you may be wondering which parts to upgrade from. In this article, we will compare the prices of different parts based on the list price of Shimano's components for road bikes.
Table of contents
Sponsored Link
Let’s check the parts of Shimano component sets before comparing them.
These are included in what is called a “component set.
Let’s take a look at the prices of the parts. The parts will be compared with the R7000 series, an 11-speed model of the popular race-ready 105 series.
| Parts | Part Number | Rate Price | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| STI levers | ST-R7000 | $257 | 37.4% |
| Front derailleur | FD-R7000 | $44 | 6.3% |
| Rear derailleur | RD-R7000 | $64 | 9.3% |
| Crankset | FC-R7000 | $170 | 24.8% |
| Brakes | BR-R7000 | $99 | 14.5% |
| Sprockets | CS-R7000 | $54 | 7.8% |
| Total | - | &688 | 100% |
The STI lever is the most expensive, at 37.4% of the total price. The STI lever alone accounts for 1/3 of the total price.
Next in second place is the crankset. This is probably due to the large number of parts and metals used. It accounts for about 1/4 of the total cost.
The next largest component is the brake. For brakes, many people upgrade to 105 brakes because of the wide range of compatible upper and lower grades and the high cost performance of 105.
The rest are rear derailleurs, sprockets, and front derailleurs, in that order, which together account for only 22.4%, or about 1/4 of the total.
Sponsored Link
If you are interested in servicing or upgrading your road bike, you may be wondering where to start.
As you can see from the comparison, brakes and sprockets are the most affordable and most accessible upgrades when considering your budget. (The selling price is around $100.) On the other hand, upgrading the base components is not that difficult.
On the other hand, if you upgrade the base components, STI levers, front derailleur, rear derailleur, and sprockets often need to be matched, so be prepared to spend a few hundred dollars.
When thinking about getting used road bike components, there are many parts that are not current and it is difficult to know how cheap they are available.
Knowing the component component prices is a good indicator to determine if each used part is cosmetic or not.
Entry-level road bikes are often “XXmix,” meaning that different grades of components are combined to make a complete bike, and the price difference for each part shows the reason.
First, STI levers, front derailleurs, rear derailleurs, and sprockets, which control shifting, must be the same type. So far, the price share in the component set is 60.8%, which is almost $500 on a list price basis.
Since it is said that the bicycle shop’s purchase cost is 30% (70% of the selling price), considering those distribution costs, the retail/cost ratio of the bicycle would be about 50%. Then, even if you were to purchase a 105/R7000 STI lever, front derailleur, rear derailleur, and sprocket for $250, that would be 33% of the cost of a $1500 road bike, which is $750.
Since a road bike is composed of more than 20 parts, it is up to the manufacturer to show how well the other parts perform and how cost-effective the product is.
Sponsored Link
Shimano Road Bike Components: Brand, Grade, and Identification
A summary of Shimano's road bike component brands, grades and how to identify them. The model numbers and features of each are also included.
Shimano Road Bike Component Compatibility Summary
Compatibility of Shimano Components for Road Bikesa Shimano components for road bikes tend to be confusing with various parts in different grades and generations. In this article, we summarize the compatibility trends of Shimano components.
Road Bike Component Prices by Parts
When upgrading your road bike, you may be wondering which parts to upgrade from. In this article, we will compare the prices of different parts based on the list price of Shimano's components for road bikes.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Road Bike Component Sets
A road bike component set, where you can get all the necessary component parts at once and get a discount. The following is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of component sets and points to keep in mind when purchasing them.
Road Bike Gear Shifting Speeds: Pros and Cons of Upgrading
The higher the grade of road bike components, the more gear shifts are available. In this article, we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of upgrading to a higher grade of component and increasing the number of gear shifts.
When would you upgrade the drivetrain on a road bike?
Surprisingly, it is difficult to know when is the best time to upgrade the drivetrain on a road bike. In this issue, we take a look at when to upgrade.
PCD compatibility chart for cranks and chainrings
We have compiled a PCD compatibility chart to use as a guide when replacing the chainring on your crank.
Relationship Between Bicycle Gear Ratios, Cadence, and Speed
Since the engine is a human being, the bicycle seems to be able to go infinitely fast, but in fact, the gear ratio and cadence roughly determine the maximum speed. In this article, we'll take a look at the relationship between gear ratio, cadence, and speed.
Road Bike Grades and Performance Differences
We have examined whether the difference between road bike grade and performance is large or small, using specific figures as examples.
Understanding bicycle crank sets
The crankset is an important part of a bicycle. The crankset itself is expensive and cannot be removed without special tools, so it is not an easily accessible customization, but it is also a part that has a large impact on your riding.
Gear Ratios: Cross, Wide, and the Deep World
Cross ratios, wide ratios, the world of gear ratios is a deep one. We will take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of changing the number of teeth on the sprocket, and the combination with the chainring.
Road Bike Tires: Types and How to Enjoy Them
Changing tires can change the way you ride! We have compiled a list of different types of tires for road bikes, their respective characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, and how changing tires can make road biking more enjoyable.
Road Bike Component Prices by Parts
When upgrading your road bike, you may be wondering which parts to upgrade from. In this article, we will compare the prices of different parts based on the list price of Shimano's components for road bikes.
Types and Differences of Brakes for Sports Bicycles
Sports bicycles are equipped with various types of brakes. Here is a summary of each brake, its features and differences, advantages and disadvantages, and which brake bike you should buy in the future.
Should I use disc brakes or rim brakes?
Disc brakes are coming of age, and conventional rim brakes such as caliper brakes and V-brakes. This article summarizes the differences between them and which is better.
Wire Types and Differences for Road Bikes, MTB, and Hybrid Bikes
This is a summary of the types and differences of wires for MTB and hybrid bikes for road bikes. The interchangeability of each, and how the wires affect your riding.
PCD compatibility chart for cranks and chainrings
We have compiled a PCD compatibility chart to use as a guide when replacing the chainring on your crank.
TPU Inner Tube: Features, Pros, and Cons for Road Bikes and MTB
TPU inner tubes are gaining attention as the third force in bicycle tires. We summarize its features, advantages and disadvantages of using it on Road bikes and MTBs, and major manufacturers.
Shimano Mechanical Brake Levers for MTB and Hybrid Bike
Shimano mechanical brake levers are now few and far between. The following is a summary of the current model lineup, specifications, and compatible components.
Summary of electric components for MTB
This section summarizes the types of electric components for MTB and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
MTB Dropper Seatposts: Types and Considerations
The dropper seat post is becoming a "must-have" part for MTB. Here we summarize the lineup, specifications, and features of dropper seatposts for MTB from major manufacturers, as well as a comparison of each manufacturer and points to consider when choosing a dropper seatpost.
SRAM Component Grades and Compatibility Summary for MTB
This section summarizes the grades, features, and compatibility of SRAM's Eagle series of components for MTB, as well as the electric component AXS and the latest component, Eagle Transmission.
Choosing SRAM MTB Sprockets: Compatibility and Key Considerations
SRAM components are being increasingly adopted in entry-grade MTB. In this issue, we summarize SRAM's sprockets for MTB and points to consider when choosing one.
12-speed sprockets for MTB compatible with Shimano Free Hub(HG spline)
We have put together a 12-speed sprocket that is not part of Shimano's 12-speed lineup for MTB. With this one, it is possible to convert to 12-speed with a conventional Shimano Free Hub (HG spline) without upgrading the wheels.
MTB suspension fork interchangeability standard! You definitely want to check when replacing.
When it comes to serious MTB customization, suspension fork upgrades are the way to go. However, there are various standards for MTB suspension forks, and if you choose the wrong one, it may not work at all.
Shimano MTB sprocket and wheel compatibility summary
This section summarizes the compatibility of Shimano's sprockets and wheels (free bodies) for MTB, which are a mixture of old and new standards, the latest Micro Spline and the previous HG spline, and what to look out for when purchasing.
MTB End Standards: What to Consider When Buying
Detailed explanation of MTB end standards! What is the boost standard? What is the end width that fits your MTB, points to keep in mind when buying an MTB, etc.
MTB wheel standards and how to choose one without fail.
The following is an overview of MTB wheel standards, their compatibility, and how to choose the right wheel for you.
What is a Tire Insert? Advantages and Disadvantages
This section summarizes what tire inserts are and the advantages and disadvantages of using them, which have been attracting attention along with the spread of tubeless tires and have recently been used in professional road racing.
Shimano disc brake pad types and compatibility
This section summarizes the types of Shimano disc brake pads, the differences between models, and compatible brake calipers.
TPI, Compound, Tread? Understanding Bicycle Tire Specifications
When looking for items to upgrade your road, MTB, or gravel bike tires, technical terms such as TPI, compound, and pattern appear in the descriptions. At first glance, tire specifications may seem difficult to understand, but if you keep only the important details in mind, your tire selection will be enhanced.
Torque Wrench: Advantages and Disadvantages of Torque Management
A torque wrench is a useful tool to have if you want to properly maintain your road bike or MTB. The following is a summary of what a torque wrench is and the advantages and disadvantages of torque management.
Perfect Guide: How to Raise Tubeless Tire Bead
Bead raising is an essential task with tubeless tires. However, there are times when it is easy to raise the bead, and other times when it does not raise at all despite your best efforts. In this issue, we will introduce a method to raise the bead of a tubeless tire that will not raise, considering the cause.
Bicycle Disc Rotor Distortion: Causes and Correction
If you hear a strange "shuffling" noise coming from the disc rotor area of your disc brake bicycle, it could be disc rotor distortion. This section summarizes why disc rotor distortion occurs and how to correct the distortion.
Tubeless Booster and Air Pumps with Booster: Pros and Cons, how to choose
The booster simplifies bead raising, which is the most difficult part of tubeless installation. We have compiled a list of air pumps with booster(boost functions) that are reassuring to have one.
Hookless Rim: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Considerations
Many "hookless rim" wheels are lightweight and cost-effective. What is hookless? We have compiled a list of advantages and disadvantages of hookless, as well as points to keep in mind when choosing.
What is the ASTM standard for bicycle wheels?
What is the ASTM standard for bicycle wheels? We have compiled a list of points to note when choosing a wheel.