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Componentry I
We refer to just about everything other than the frame and fork as componentry. Parts such as derailleurs, shifters, hubs, brakes, etc.

Just about every bike you are looking at will be using primarily Shimano componentry.

We are often asked questions such as which components are better than others? I hope this chart helps.

Shimano components

Other manufacturers of components

Shimano Component Line	Quality Level	Found on Bikes Costing...*
Tourney	Entry Level	$200-$250
Altus		$250-$300
Acera		$300-$400
Alivio		$400-$600
STX		$500-$700
STX RC		Expensive Bikes
LX		Expensive Bikes
XT		Expensive Bikes
XTR	Best	Expensive Bikes

*These price ranges don't always apply accurately to suspension-equipped bikes.

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Other Manufacturers of Components
There are other companies who make brakes, brake levers, seat posts, crank sets, etc. A few are listed here:

Kalloy	Stems, handlebars
Tektro	Brake and brake levers
SRAM	Derailleurs, cranks, and hubs
Campagnolo	Italian, very expensive components of very high quality. Hubs, derailleurs, cranks and brakes.
Mavic	French, like Campagnolo, expensive but very good.
C-Star	Taiwanese-based brake and brake lever manufacturer.
Joytech	Taiwanese hub manufacturer.
Araya	Japanese rim manufacturer.
Sun	American rim manufacturer.
Weinmann	American rim manufacturer.

There are a lot of other companies, especially from Taiwan. The Taiwanese make good parts at a low price. Many are alloy and seem to hold up well under wear.