Star ratings explained

Spec

This star rating represents the level of components or 'groupset' a bike is equipped with. This can comprise of a range of components from different groupsets e.g. Shimano SLX shifters and Shimano Deore XT rear derailleur or a full complement of components from a single groupset.

A low star rating indicates entry level components and a high star rating indicates top level components.

	SRAM X3, Shimano Tourney, Shimano Altus
	Shimano Acera
	Shimano Alivio, SRAM X4, FSA Dyna Drive, Shimano 2300, FSA    Vero, Shimano Sora
	Shimano Tiagra, Shimano Deore, Shimano Nexus, FSA Omega, Shimano Alfine
	SRAM X5, FSA Energy, Shimano Deore LX, SRAM Apex, Shimano 105, Campagnolo Veloce
	SRAM Rival, Shimano SLX, SRAM X7, Shimano Deore XT, Shimano Ultegra, Campagnolo Athena, Campagnolo Centaur
	SRAM X9, SRAM Force, FSA SL-K
	SRAM X0, Shimano Ultegra Di2, SRAM Red, Shimano Dura Ace, Shimano XTR, Shimano Saint, SRAM XX, Campagnolo Chorus, Campagnolo Record, Shimano Dura Ace Di2, Campagnolo Super Record, SRAM XX1

Value

This star rating shows how a complete bike compares to other similar bikes of the same type and price range in terms of value for money. The value score takes into account everything from the frame material to the level of equipment (gears, brakes, derailleurs, chainset, cassette, forks, wheels etc) a bike is spec'd with.

A low star rating indicates that a bike is either expensive or that you are paying a premium for the brand / technological innovation and a high star rating indicates excellent value for money.

	30% more expensive than comparable bikes
	20% more expensive than comparable bikes
	10% more expensive than comparable bikes
	Averagely priced compared to comparable bikes
	5% cheaper than comparable bikes
	10% cheaper than comparable bikes
	20% cheaper than comparable bikes

Frame type and material

The type of frame and the choice of frame material will also affect the price of a bike. Below is a guide to the price increases you can expect for different frame types and materials over a fully rigid aluminium bike.

• Hardtail bikes are up to 15% more expensive than rigid aluminium bikes.
• Carbon frames are typically 20% more expensive than aluminium frames.
• Full suspension bikes are 20% to 35% more expensive than rigid and hardtail bikes.
• Titanium frames are typically 30% more expensive than aluminium frames and 10% more expensive than carbon frames.