-
New product -65%Sprocket Miche compatible with Campagnolo 9s 10s- €2.45
- €6.99
-
New product UsedShimano Ultegra chainring- €83.99
-
New product UsedChainring Specialites TA Zephyr 110 mm- €34.99
-
New product -36%Campagnolo Veloce cassette 10 speed- €36.47
- €56.99
-
New productScrew diameter 2.8 mm length 10 mm- €0.70
-
New product -45%Square taper bottom bracket Shimano Altus 116 mm- €6.04
- €10.99
-
New product -65%Sprocket Miche compatible with Shimano 9s 10s- €2.45
- €6.99
-
New product -21%Campagnolo Centaur cassette 10 speed- €88.61
- €112.16
-
New product -35%Chainwheel 46 teeth Vision FSA Powerbox ABS and SL-K ABS 10 or 11s- €26.64
- €40.99
-
New product -10%Sram chain 10s PC1130- €22.49
- €24.99
-
UsedShimano Dura ace chainring- €44.99
-
New productSunrace CNQ10 quick connect for chain 10s- €1.90
-
New productQuick connect Sram chain- €2.99
-
New productShimano RX100 front derailleur- €19.99
-
New productLever Shimano 105 ST-5510- €69.99
-
New productCampagnolo chain rivet- €6.49
-
UsedLook Zed 2 crankset- €169.99
-
New product -36%Rear derailleur Shimano Tiagra 10s- €34.55
- €53.99
-
New product UsedCassette Shimano Ultegra CS-6600 10 speed- €9.99
-
New product UsedShimano 105 CS-5600 cassette 10 speed- €10.99
-
New productStronglight CT2 chainring 9 to 10 speed- €29.99
-
New product52 teeth chainwheel Stronglight 86 mm- €19.99
-
New product -25%9s chain KMC X9- €11.96
- €15.95
-
New product -45%FSA Powerbox power meter BCD 110 mm- €296.99
- €539.99
-
New product -30%Pulley set Shimano Deore 105 SLX 10s- €7.34
- €10.49
-
New productMiche Primato Shimano 10s cassette- €39.50
-
New product UsedLeft crank Shimano Ultegra 170 mm- €64.99
-
New productStronglight Powerglide 53 teeth chainring 130 mm 9/10 speed- €15.90
-
New productGears levers Shimano 105- €34.99
-
New productShimano RSX derailleur- €14.99
-
New product -48%Shimano Claris ST-2400 shifter 8s- €60.31
- €115.99
-
New product -30%Bottom bracket Shimano SM-BBR60 ultegra 105- €20.29
- €28.99
-
UsedCampagnolo Veloce cassette 10 speed used- €14.99
-
New product -25%Chain quick connect Sram 12 speed Eagle power lock- €3.15
- €4.20
-
New product -18%10s chain Taya DECA-101- €20.49
- €24.99
-
New product -25%Bicycle chain 10s GPA Cycles- €20.21
- €26.95
-
New product2 screws for cranks axle square- €4.49
-
New product UsedBottom bracket Shimano 105 BB-5500 Octalink- €25.99
-
New productCampagnolo Record bottom bracket- €49.99
-
New productCampagnolo Centaur shifter 10s carbon- €129.99
-
New product2 Campagnolo 10-speed bicycle chain links- €9.49
-
34 teeth chainring- €7.99
-
UsedShimano Exage 500EX crank- €8.99
-
New product -43%Right crank FSA CK-745 Yamaha motor- €29.64
- €52.00
-
CustomizeNew product UsedShimano Ultegra ST-R8020 shifter 11s disc- €79.99
-
CustomizeNew productChainring 9s 130 mm- €24.99
-
New product -28%Campagnolo Super Record 11s ultra torque crankset 52 39 teeth- €647.99
- €899.99
-
New product -55%Pulley set Shimano Ultegra RD-6800 / 6870 11s- €10.12
- €22.49
-
New product -25%Chain quick connect Sram 11 speed power lock- €3.15
- €4.20
-
New product -12%Front derailleur Campagnolo Veloce 10s braze on- €29.04
- €33.00
-
New product -45%Front derailleur Shimano Ultegra FD-R8000 11s- €34.64
- €62.99
-
New product -30%10s chain bbb BCH-102L114 links- €24.49
- €34.99
-
New product -38%Shimano chain 11s CN-HG701-11 116 links- €30.94
- €49.90
-
UsedFront derailleur Sram Red Yaw 11s- €49.99
-
New productChainring 44 teeth 110 mm 5 to 7s- €7.99
-
UsedShimano Ultegra CS-6700 cassette 10s- €14.99
-
New productShimano Dura-ace 7801 Ultegra 6600 10s chain rivet- €2.10
-
New product UsedRace Face Cadence 53 teeth chainring 130 mm 9/10 speed- €24.90
-
New productMiche Supertype 52 teeth chainring 130 mm 9/10 speed- €24.80
-
Used NewRear derailleur Campagnolo Racing T triple 9s- €29.99
-
New productRight crank Spidel 105 175 mm- €24.99
-
New productRight crank Spidel 182.5 mm- €44.99
-
New productRight crank Campagnolo Avanti 170 mm- €29.99
-
New productLeft lever Shimano 105 ST-5601 10s- €59.99
-
New productGears levers Shimano 600 Arabesque- €49.99
-
New productGears levers Shimano Dura ace AX- €79.99
-
New product -50%10s cassette Shimano GRX HG500- €23.00
- €45.99
-
New productGears levers Campagnolo C-Record- €99.99
-
UsedLeft crank Spidel 170 mm- €24.99
-
New productRight crank Specialites TA 3 arms 170 mm- €24.99
-
New productCampagnolo EPS magnet kit- €49.99
-
UsedCampagnolo Mirage crankset- €9.99
-
UsedRight crank Shimano FC-R600- €19.99
-
New product -25%Shimano chain 12s CN-M8100- €26.24
- €34.99
-
New productOctalink bottom bracket Shimano Dura ace- €79.99
-
UsedLeft crank Shimano Dura ace- €44.99
-
New productSram red OG 1090 cassette 11 23 10 speed- €109.99
-
New product -25%Rotor noQ chainring 52 teeth 10-11 speed 110 mm- €67.49
- €89.99
-
UsedRear derailleur Campagnolo Record 12s- €94.99
-
UsedFSA SLK light BB386 crankset 170 mm 34 50 teeth- €139.99
-
Used -30%Internal chainring Campagnolo Super record 34 teeth 12s 112 mm- €65.09
- €92.99
-
New product -45%12s chain Campagnolo Chorus 108 links- €24.20
- €44.00
-
New productFSA bottom bracket adapter BB386 EVO with 24 mm axle- €19.99
-
New productFSA PF30 bottom bracket adapter with 386 EVO- €19.99
-
New product -42%Front derailleur Shimano Dura-ace FD-9000-B 2x11s- €98.60
- €170.00
-
New product -65%Front derailleur Shimano Dura-ace FD-7970 DI2 2x10s- €171.50
- €490.00
-
New product -31%Rear derailleur Sram Force 10s- €79.34
- €114.99
-
New product -35%Shimano Claris SL-R2000 shifters 2x8s- €60.45
- €93.00
-
New product -50%Shimano Dura-ace XTR 11s HG901 chain- €31.50
- €62.99
-
UsedCampagnolo Record 12s ultra torque crankset 52 36 teeth 172.5 mm- €189.99
-
UsedFront derailleur Shimano Tiagra- €12.99
-
UsedSram red XG 1190 cassette 11 25 11 speed used- €49.99
-
New productRight crank Shimano Ultegra FC-6503 172.5 mm- €18.99
-
New productRoad bike carbon cranks 172.5 mm- €49.99
-
New product -30%11 speed chain KMC X11SL Ti N gold 118 links- €52.49
- €74.99
-
UsedShimano Dura ace FC-7800 crankset 172.5 mm 10s- €89.99
-
UsedLeft crank FSA carbon pro team 180 mm- €9.99
-
New product -37%Right shifter Shimano Tiagra SL-R4700 10s for flat handlebar- €39.37
- €62.49
-
New product -35%Left shifter Shimano SL-R4700- €32.49
- €49.99
-
New product -23%Junction box Shimano Dura ace Di2 SM-EW90-A- €69.29
- €89.99
Road bike transmission: features, components & how to choose
The road bike transmission is one of the most essential components for ensuring optimal performance, a smooth pedaling cadence, and riding comfort tailored to each cyclist. It works in perfect synergy with the road bike wheel, the road bike frame, and the road bike fork, which provide stability, rigidity, and precise handling. Added to this are the road bike components and road bike accessories, which contribute to the overall feel and ergonomics of the bike. From the road bike derailleur to the road bike crankset, and including the road bike brakes, each part plays a crucial role in the overall function of the setup.
But which road bike transmission should you choose to ride efficiently, climb with ease, or beat your personal records? Here is everything you need to know to understand the specifics and make the right choice.
What is a road bike transmission ?
The road bike transmission refers to the set of mechanical parts that transfer the rider’s energy to the rear wheel. In simple terms, it's what makes your bike move and allows you to change gears depending on the terrain.
It consists of several interconnected components:
-
Road bike crankset (with chainrings)
-
Road bike chain
-
Road bike cassette
-
Front and rear derailleurs
-
Road bike shifters
-
Bottom bracket
Key components of a road bike transmission
Crankset and chainrings
The crankset includes one or more chainrings. Most road bikes feature two chainrings, either compact or standard, though single-ring setups (1x) are becoming more common, especially on gravel bikes.
-
Compact (50/34 teeth): Great for hilly routes and recreational riders.
-
Standard (53/39 teeth): Designed for racers and powerful riders.
-
Sub-compact (48/32 or 46/30): Ideal for long-distance touring or bikepacking.
Road bike cassette
Located on the rear wheel, the cassette contains sprockets that usually range from 9 to 13 speeds depending on the groupset. The gear range affects how efficiently you can pedal across different terrains.
-
11-28: Versatile and suitable for varied terrain.
-
11-32 or 11-34: Easier gearing for climbing.
-
12-speed: Smoother gear transitions with tighter spacing.
Road bike chain
The chain links the crankset to the cassette. It must be compatible with your gear count (10, 11, or 12-speed) and properly maintained for smooth and quiet shifting.
Road bike derailleur
There are two types: front (for the chainrings) and rear (for the cassette). Modern derailleurs are highly precise, and many high-end options are now electronic (Shimano Di2, SRAM eTap, Campagnolo EPS), offering ultra-fast, cable-free shifting.
Road bike shifters
Shifters allow you to change gears and brake. They're integrated into the handlebars for ergonomic control. Modern shifters offer indexed shifting (click by click) and some electronic groupsets use wireless systems for clean, efficient setups.
Bottom bracket
Often overlooked, the bottom bracket connects the crankset to the bike frame. There are various standards (BSA, Pressfit, BB30, etc.), each offering specific benefits in stiffness, weight, and maintenance.
Which road bike transmission should you choose?
Your choice depends on your riding style, fitness level, and terrain:
| Rider Profile | Recommended Transmission |
|---|---|
| Beginner / Recreational | 2x10-speed groupset, 11-32 cassette, 50/34 compact crankset |
| Enthusiast / Sportive | 2x11 or 2x12-speed, 11-30 cassette, compact or semi-compact crank |
| Racer / Competitive | 2x12-speed electronic, 52/36 crankset, 11-28 cassette |
| Climbing / Endurance | Sub-compact crankset, 11-34 cassette, lightweight groupset |
Top road bike transmission brands and groupsets
-
Shimano: Market leader with Sora, 105, Ultegra, and Dura-Ace groups.
-
SRAM: Known for wireless eTap systems and Rival, Force, and Red ranges.
-
Campagnolo: Premium Italian craftsmanship with Chorus, Record, Super Record, and Ekar for gravel.
Each brand offers unique tech features to match your performance goals: smoothness, durability, weight savings, and electronic control.
Best road bike transmission: how to decide
Key factors to consider when choosing the best road bike transmission:
-
Reliable and smooth gear shifts
-
Overall weight
-
Ease of maintenance
-
Compatibility with your bike frame and wheels
-
Budget (some high-end groupsets can exceed €1,500)
Tip: Even the best groupset won't perform well without regular care. Clean, lube, and tune your transmission frequently to maintain peak performance.
Conclusion
Your road bike transmission is the mechanical heart of your ride. A well-chosen and well-maintained setup turns every pedal stroke into speed and satisfaction. Whether you’re tackling long climbs, racing against the clock, or simply enjoying a weekend ride, selecting the right transmission can elevate your experience on two wheels.