Groupset
Groupset generally refers to the moving parts on your bicycle. A true or complete groupset is one where these parts are all manufactured by the one company and are all of the same series. Shimano, Campagnolo and SRAM are groupset manufacturers who off a range of groupsets for different styles of bicycles and different uses. The most common styles of bicycles that full groupsets are available for are; road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, flat bar bikes and recreational bikes.
A groupset consists of, gear and brake levers, brake calipers, gear and brake cables, front derailleur, rear derailleur, chain, cassette, bottom bracket and crank set (or chainwheel). Some manufacturers offer matching components like, headset, seat post, hubs, pedals and wheels.
Purchasing a complete groupset rather than individual pieces is usually cheaper. Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo are the major suppliers of groupsets internationally and locally. Quality and pricing vary greatly depending on the materials they are manufactured from, their weight and strength, how new the components are to the market, the technology required manufacturing them, where they are made, what they are designed to do and the level of performance that is required. Components of a groupset are available separately so you can replace them if they are accidentally damaged or worn out through use. Mixing differently grouped components is not usually recommended, this is because groupsets are engineered to function and work as a single unit.
How long a groupset lasts will vary greatly. The biggest factors are whether the groupset is suitable for the riding conditions, who assembled the groupset onto your bike and how well it has been maintained. Over the years I have seen high quality and expensive groupsets perform well below their capabilities simply because they were not fitted correctly, poorly maintained or when it came time to replace worn out parts, incompatible components have been used. Alternatively, I have seen solid mid level groupsets last years longer than they should simply through loving care and regular servicing.
