You need to figure out what your budget is. Then you need to add everything up that you need. Groupsets can be expensive or inexpensive. Handlebars, saddle, seat post and especially wheel sets can add up to more than a groupset.
I will probably always be Shimano or SRAM for groupset choices. But if you need to stay in budget, then just stick with stuff you can actually find installed on current low tier (less expensive) production bike offerings from Trek, Giant, Specialized, Cannondale, Kona and etc. If the bike manufacturers shun a cheap brand, then maybe you should too.
Last edited by Iride01; 09-15-21 at 10:29 AM.