Groupset

The debate about the pros and cons of the groupset has simmered among cyclists since. The argument in favour is that components are manufactured to work efficiently together, while providing a unitary look to a bicycle.

The makeup of the groupset is another important factor in building a road bike. Groupset is a term for most of the other bits that make up your bicycle—the brakes, shifters, dérailleurs, rear cassette, bottom bracket, chain, cranks and possibly the headset, seatpost and hubs. These components are all lumped together because bicycle manufacturers buy them as a group from one supplier to ease their process of building your bike.