General Cycling Discussion - an ingorant needs education on what all the components and numbers mean

I'm just a casual biker but I've decided to get a new one and have it custom built.

I've already decided to start with either Surly Karate Monkey or Cross-Check frame but I am wholy ignorant of everything that goes into it. Would some people have some links to sites that might explain what the numbers mean in cassette, chainring, crank sizes, etc. and how they effect you.

I'm also looking for any help with quality/brand of products to use. I'm generally looking for mid-range quality. I don't need anything just the pro's would use. Just items that are good/solid/dependable.

I've searched through the forums a bit jotting down notes when there appeared to be a consensus between several posters but any and all help in educating myself about bicycle components would be much appreciated.

Check out www.sheldonbrown.com. That guy knows more about bikes than this entire forum put together (and it's a big forum).

As for components, Shimano is always good. Sounds like you want a bike that'll do road and dirt, alot of Shimano's road and MTB components are compatible (not all, so be careful, and if in doubt ask here or your LBS, or use parts from the same line). Something like Tiagra or 105 road would be more than enough for your needs by the sound of it; I'm not sure what the MTB equivalent is, someone else will know. Every bike shop in the world carries Shimano, so finding the bitrs won't be hard. SRAM is also good, but are pure MTB. Campagnolo are even better, but for the road only. I'd stick with Shimano for simplicity and compatibility.

since your building a mtb and want good affordable parts I would use shimano Deore or Deore LX.

I can answer a few Q's about the nubers:

The numbers on the cassettes (Ex. 12-34T) is the number of teeth on the chainrings. smallest has 12T largest has 34T

Cranks - the numbers (44/32/24T) is the same as the cassette. other measurements (Ex. 170, 172.5, 175) is how long the crankarms are.

I can't explain how they affect you. Im not good at describing things like that and I'd just end up confusing you, sorry.

thanks for the link Johny B, nice little place to start with.

Trying to go from purely recrational casual rider to something more extreme is a bit of a challenge when you don't want to just buy a bike off the rack. The guy at the bike shop I talked too seemed a little leary of telling me what he think I might want but with a bit a research on my end I we'll be able to connect the dots pretty well.

I'm gonna end up with more bike than what I need but hopefully that will just give me more incentive to get out there and use it.

After a bit more research, I'm still mystified by what effect the varying number of teeth have. On a 110mm outer chainring I see anywhere from 36-53T. Is there any big difference in the number of teeth?

I'm gonna end up with more bike than what I need but hopefully that will just give me more incentive to get out there and use it.
If you are like most of the people here, you'll find this statement to be true. Definitely get the very best you can afford - you won't regret it.

55/Rad

After a bit more research, I'm still mystified by what effect the varying number of teeth have. On a 110mm outer chainring I see anywhere from 36-53T. Is there any big difference in the number of teeth?
for the front... the more teeth there are, the taller (or "higher") the gear...
on a double front set, the larger ring usually has 53 teeth while the smaller has 39
on a triple set, they are 52-42-32

the 39 and 42 are really versatile .. its what i use 90% around town. 52/53 is for hammering it on flats or downhills..usually above 20mph


in the rear cassette, it is the opposite. more teeth count equals to lower gear.

After a bit more research, I'm still mystified by what effect the varying number of teeth have. On a 110mm outer chainring I see anywhere from 36-53T. Is there any big difference in the number of teeth?
The 110mm is a measure of the bolt circle diameter (BCD) (the diameter of the circle which would go through the center of all the bolt holes which attach the chain ring to the crank). That determines which chain rings you can put on your crankset. Common BCDs for road cranks are 74, 110, 130, 135. Most common for a double crank is 130.

The number of teeth has a minimum. For instance if the BCD is 130, the smallest number of teeth on the chain ring will be 38. The maximum is only limited by what is available.

I think if you are trying to pick equipment for a bike you are building yourself, you might want to look at the standard equipment on some bikes and go from there. Believe it or not, there are widely varying theories and philosophies on gearing which can be discussed ad nauseum.