COMPONENT QUALITY - INTRODUCTION

Bicycle components are the individual items which, in combination, allow the bicycle to be ridden.  It is rare that a component will stand by itself.  More often than not a component is really an assembly of parts designed to work together.  For the sake of simplified discussion, components and component assemblies will be referred to as components.

Vintage bicycle Primary Components include: Saddle, Seat Post, Brake Cable Guides, Front and Rear Brake Callipers, Tires, Wheel Rims, Spokes, Freewheel, Rear Derailleur, Drive Chain, Crank, Crank Rings, Front Derailleur, Shifters, Headset, Steering Stem, Cable Clamps, Steering Stem, Brake and Transmission Cables, Brake Lever Hoods, Brake Levers, Front Brake Calliper, Front and Rear Hubs, Pedals and Hub Quick Releases.

Secondary Components, more commonly referred to as accessories include, at a minimum: Saddle Bags, Fenders, Package or Luggage Racks, Water Bottles and Holders, Mirrors, Safety Levers, Spoke Protectors, Pedal Clips and Straps, Air Pumps and Pump Holders, Computers, Head Lights, Tail Lights, and the bane of all vintage road bicycles, the dreaded Side or Center Stand.

I cannot help but believe that there are other obscure secondary components but those mentioned are the ones that I am familiar with.  Though I have never used them all on one bike at the same time, I have had occasion to use them all, at one time or another - except the dreaded Side or Center Stand.  I absolutely will not mount these horrible accessory items on a vintage road bicycle!

Good components work well!  They do what they are supposed to do and do so without invasion.  Shifts should be smooth, predictable and executed without thinking about it.  Braking is sure, near effortless and without alarming shudder or squeal.  The proper saddle does not make its presence known.  Better components offer control of the bicycle, without you’re even being aware of it.  Without invading your thoughts, hence the term non-invasive.  Better components offer ease of maintenance and precise adjustment opportunities.  Better components offer pleasing cosmetics.  Better components do not wear out quickly.  Better components are often rebuildable.  With all this in mind, the question becomes - What is Better?

NEXT - COMPONENT QUALITY -

 WHAT IS BETTER?