Bicycles are increasingly fine-tuned and complex machines. This has allowed people to ride further and faster, with greater efficiency. This does mean that, particularly on fine-tuned race bikes, the parts have become increasingly specialized.
Replacing your worn components with the correct Shimano Original Parts will ensure that your bicycle continues to function smoothly and ride as it did when it was brand new. They also play a critical role in your safety, are engineered to last and will help maintain the value of your bike.
These are the five key Benefits of Shimano Original Parts:
- Shimano Original Parts are engineered to last.
- Keep your bike fast and functioning perfectly with Shimano Original Parts.
- Shimano Original Parts work together flawlessly.
- Every Shimano Original Part plays a critical role in keeping you safe.
- The high quality of Shimano Original parts maintains your bike's value.
Brake pads, for both disc and rim brake systems, should be replaced with they become too worn. For rim brake pads this is when the pad is worn to the depth of the grooves in the pad.
For disc brake pads, check whether they are down to about 0.5mm. If they are worn unevenly and part of the brake pad is at risk of rubbing through onto the metal housing, it’s also time to replace them. Installing Shimano original brake pads will ensure that you retain the stopping power of your Shimano brakes.
Your drive train is precision-engineered to function as a single unit. Each link of the chain is designed to match perfectly to the teeth of the chainring and cassette. This ensures that every possible watt you generate to be channeled through the pedals, through the drivetrain, into the rear wheel.
Replacing a stretched chain or worn cassette and chainring with the appropriate Shimano Original Parts will help lengthen the lifespan of the other components in the system. In case of a crash or accident, replacing damaged shifters and brake levers with Shimano Original Parts will also maintain the integrity of your set-up.
Small features that you might not have considered include the ergonomics of your cockpit. You are probably very accustomed to the position and feel of your brakes and shifters. Changing those will not only affect the comfort of your ride but can hinder your ability to instinctively operate them while riding or racing.
Shimano has produced a thorough Original Parts Selector, listing the components and series developed to function together – as a single, all-encompassing cycling unit.