Chain
The savings potential with third-party chains is negligible, as Shimano chains (up to 11-speed also compatible with SRAM drivetrains) are cheap and good. We recommend the Ultegra version (36 euros). The cheaper Campagnolo chains are also among the best. The top models of the three manufacturers hardly last any longer.
Cassette
Gear manufacturers charge up to 400 euros for the cassettes of the top groupsets. For less than half that price, you can get slightly heavier but durable cassettes from cheaper ranges from all three suppliers, for example Shimano's 11-speed Ultegra cassette from €85. In contrast to SRAM, worn sprockets can also be replaced individually with Shimano and Campagnolo.
Tyres
It doesn't necessarily have to be a high-end racing tyre for 40 euros. If you accept small compromises in performance, you can save up to 50 per cent. The Continental Grand Prix (24 euros) or the Maxxis Pursuer (24 euros) are also good tyres, just a little heavier. With even cheaper tyres, however, riding enjoyment suffers as they usually roll slowly and offer little puncture protection.
Pedals
A lack of durability is often the problem with the cheapest entry-level models. A metal tread extends the service life of a pedal. Look offers the Keo Classic 3 Plus (51 euros), Shimano the PD-RS5000 (50 euros) as a good pedal at an attractive price. Carbon and titanium pedals hardly work any better, are lighter but at least twice as expensive.
Chainring
Taking the bolt circle and gears into account, cheaper chainrings can usually be fitted to higher-quality cranks from the same manufacturer. Example: A 52t chainring from Shimano's 105 series (45 euros) costs around half the price of the Ultegra model. The disadvantage of the different Shimano families is a different surface.
Bowden cable
When it comes to cables for road bike gears and brakes, top-quality material pays off. The high-quality shift and brake cables from Shimano (54 euros/complete set, also suitable for SRAM groupsets) and Campagnolo (35 euros/complete set) are relatively expensive, but offer the best price-performance ratio. Compared to cheaper products, they glide more smoothly and last longer.
Brake pad
Cheap replacement pads from third-party suppliers cannot keep up with the quality of the originals from Campagnolo, Shimano and SRAM. For rim brakes from the big three, you can expect to pay between €9 and €29, depending on the type, and between €7 and €37 for disc brakes. With Shimano brake discs, the more expensive models are worthwhile as they brake better.
Warehouse
High-quality industrial bearings from FAG/Schaeffler or SKF (15 euros each) can be used to repair both hub and bottom bracket bearings. This saves you having to buy a complete set of bearings, which can be considerably more expensive. You don't need to save money with encapsulated Shimano bottom brackets, the price-performance ratio is right here.
Handlebar tape
Whether thin or thick handlebar tape: useful products cost between 15 and 20 euros. In TOUR 4/2020, the Rose Soft AR 2.5 (€14) came out on top in terms of value for money, just behind the test winner Silca Nastro Cuscino (€50), which was almost four times as expensive. Make sure the material is stretchy, otherwise the handlebar tape can tear when wrapped. In addition, it should not be shorter than two metres so that it reaches the stem on both sides of standard handlebars.
Note: The prices are average prices in online retail in August 2021.
Julian Schultz
Editor
