-
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 product -35%Chainring 42 teeth FSA Powerbox ABS and SL-K ABS 10 or 11s
- €26.64
- €40.99
-
New product -45%Square taper bottom bracket Shimano Altus 116 mm
- €6.04
- €10.99
-
New productScrew diameter 2.8 mm length 10 mm
- €0.70
-
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 42 teeth Vision FSA Powerbox ABS and SL-K ABS 10 or 11s
- €26.64
- €40.99
-
New productQuick connect Sram chain
- €2.99
-
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 product NewCampagnolo chain rivet
- €6.49
-
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 product -25%9s chain KMC X9
- €11.96
- €15.95
-
New productStronglight Powerglide 53 teeth chainring 130 mm 9/10 speed
- €15.90
-
New productChainring 9s 130 mm
- €24.99
-
New product -45%FSA Powerbox power meter BCD 110 mm
- €296.99
- €539.99
-
New product52 teeth chainwheel Stronglight 86 mm
- €19.99
-
UsedCampagnolo Veloce cassette 10 speed used
- €14.99
-
New product -30%Pulley set Shimano Deore 105 SLX 10s
- €7.34
- €10.49
-
New product -25%Chain quick connect Sram 11 speed power lock
- €3.15
- €4.20
-
New product -25%Chain quick connect Sram 12 speed Eagle power lock
- €3.15
- €4.20
-
New productMiche Primato Shimano 10s cassette
- €39.50
-
New product UsedLeft crank Shimano Ultegra 170 mm
- €64.99
-
New product -30%Bottom bracket Shimano SM-BBR60 ultegra 105
- €20.29
- €28.99
-
New product -12%Front derailleur Campagnolo Veloce 10s braze on
- €29.04
- €33.00
-
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 product -30%10s chain bbb BCH-102L114 links
- €24.49
- €34.99
-
New product2 screws for cranks axle square
- €4.49
-
New product UsedBottom bracket Shimano 105 BB-5500 Octalink
- €25.99
-
New product New2 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
-
Shimano Ultegra ST-R8020 shifter 11s disc
- €79.99
-
New product -28%Campagnolo Super Record 11s ultra torque crankset 52 39 teeth
- €647.99
- €899.99
-
New product -35%Left shifter Shimano SL-R4700
- €32.49
- €49.99
-
New product -55%Pulley set Shimano 105 RD-5800 GS 11s
- €5.51
- €12.25
-
New product -55%Pulley set Shimano Ultegra RD-6800 / 6870 11s
- €10.12
- €22.49
-
New product -45%Front derailleur Shimano Ultegra FD-R8000 11s
- €34.64
- €62.99
-
New product -38%Shimano chain 11s CN-HG701-11 116 links
- €30.94
- €49.90
-
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 UsedShimano Dura ace 7800 cassette 10s
- €42.90
-
New productMiche Supertype 52 teeth chainring 130 mm 9/10 speed
- €24.80
-
New product NewCampagnolo EPS magnet kit
- €49.99
-
UsedFront derailleur Shimano Claris FD-2403 3x8s
- €9.99
-
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 productShimano RSX derailleur
- €14.99
-
New productShimano 12 25 teeth cassette 10s
- €34.99
-
New productOctalink bottom bracket Shimano Dura ace
- €79.99
-
New productCampagnolo 50-tooth chainring 10s 110 mm alu
- €14.90
-
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 -48%Shimano Claris ST-2400-R right shifter 8s
- €60.31
- €115.99
-
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
-
UsedFront derailleur Sram Red 22 Yaw 11s used
- €49.99
-
UsedSram Red 22 2x11s shifters used
- €239.99
-
UsedSram red XG 1190 cassette 11 25 11 speed used
- €49.99
-
UsedShimano Tiagra crankset FC-4650 50-34
- €59.99
-
New productRight crank Shimano Ultegra FC-6503 172.5 mm
- €18.99
-
New productRoad bike carbon cranks 172.5 mm
- €49.99
-
UsedLeft crank FSA K force light carbon
- €19.99
-
New product -30%11 speed chain KMC X11SL Ti N gold 118 links
- €52.49
- €74.99
-
UsedCannondale PX crankset 172.5 mm
- €34.99
-
UsedShimano Dura ace FC-7800 crankset 172.5 mm 10s
- €89.99
-
UsedCarbon left 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 -23%Junction box Shimano Dura ace Di2 SM-EW90-A
- €69.29
- €89.99
-
New product -30%Specialites TA X110 chainring 46 teeth 110 mm
- €54.53
- €77.90
-
UsedLeft crank FSA 170 mm
- €4.99
-
New product -50%Chainring 50 teeth 110 mm TA Nerius 8,9, 10s
- €35.70
- €71.40
-
New product -25%Tenshion & guide pulley set Campagnolo 11s
- €16.87
- €22.49
-
New productChain quick release Shimano 11s
- €8.99
-
New productBottom bracket cups press fit Rotor 4130
- €6.99
-
New product -40%Bottom bracket FSA Mega Exo BB30 Press Fit
- €29.94
- €49.90
-
New product -26%Campagnolo ultra torque OS-FIT cups
- €19.98
- €27.00
Road bike transmission: features, components & how to choose
The road bike transmission is one of the most essential elements to ensure optimal performance, smooth pedaling cadence, and riding comfort tailored to each cyclist. From the road bike derailleur to the road bike crankset, every part plays a vital role in how your bike performs. But which road bike transmission is best suited for climbing, endurance rides, or racing? Let’s dive into the characteristics and options available so you can 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.