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Buyer's Guide: Accessories & Components

With so many manufacturers offering thousands of alternative products for your bike, sometimes the choice can seem daunting. We can’t tell you what product is right for you, but, we can explain a little about what to consider when buying. Here’s a few tips:

1. OE v Aftermarket — Original Equipment (OE) is the name given to accessories or components that are fitted to a bike when it’s being built at the factory. Aftermarket, is the name given to the same products that are available in the shops to buy, either to build a bike up from scratch or to replace worn out components on your bike.

Some bike shops and online stores will offer products at substantial reductions — these may be OE products that they been able to buy for a discount. Just be aware that with OE purchases, the product may not be boxed, or come with instructions. Always double check with the shop that the guarantee is the same as an aftermarket equivalent.

2. DIY v Bike Shop — bike componentry has advanced significantly over the last decade. With many products being built out of light weight carbon and metal composites, incorrect fitting may cause significant damage that invalidates your guarantee.

If in doubt, get your local bike shop to fit the product for you. If you have bought the product from them, then you may be able to get a discount on the fitting cost, or even get it fitted for free.