what are "generic components" ?

[Rahul S]

What is the meaning of "generic components" on bikes ? Why are they
considered to be inferior in quality ? I tend to think of 'generic
components' as standard components which fit on any bike and which are
not custom made for a bike - isn't it a good thing if a bike is built
from such components ?

-Rahul

[Vasu]

Hi,

I did not understand the question. Can you please elaborate or give an example.

Thanks

Vasu.

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[George Joseph]

While your question is vague or open to interpretation ... here's my opinion:

First of all my definition of generic components are those with out any product name (i.e. Ultegra) or even brand name (i.e. Shimano)

They might be "considered" inferior in part due to effective marketing - or just plain hype. Or they might be considered inferior due to negative stigma, since in some unrelated products, no name brand products to tend to be built to cheaper materials that aren't meant to last as long BUT you shouldn't assume this.

I know that a few years ago some of the tires sold in the US were consider generic and thus inferior but it turned out they were just as good.  The other thing to mention is a lot of these generic products are made at the same plant as the brand name product - they're known as "private label" (doesn't that sound so much nicer?, thats marketing!)

Bottom line, you really need to look at each instance individually. Maybe check with others who have the specific part.

 
George Joseph
gjos...@gmail.com
IN cell: 91 94-83-501169
NA cell:1-847-859-9591

[Rahul S]

For example, I heard some time back that schwinn (I don't remember
which model) is not as good as Trek-7.1 because they use "generic
components". I have also seen this being used in other bicycle
reviews. It is generally used to say that the parts are not very good.
I have also heard that the bikes at Decathlon use "generic
components".

-Rahul

[George Joseph]

That just sounds sweeping generalizations... and marketing hype.  :)

Rrek makes some (debatably) advanced bikes and yes they do make some frames that are better than most Schwinn but those technologies and/or materials don't trickle down all the way to their cheapest bike.... but thats the halo effect most brands go for.

Unless you go to the really high-end frame technology and material the biggest difference is parts.

George Joseph
gjos...@gmail.com
IN cell: 91 94-83-501169
NA cell:1-847-859-9591