Drivetrain

Your bike drivetrain has a pretty important job: It transmits the power you produce with your legs and lungs to the wheels that propel you forward on the road or trail. It’s not one part, but a system made up of the crankset, chainrings, derailleurs, cassettes, a chain, and other small parts — all working together to get you rolling and keep you moving as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

What is the drivetrain of a bicycle?

The drivetrain consists of many components including the crankset, chainrings, front and rear derailleurs, cassette, and a chain that connects it all together. When you pedal, you spin the crankset and chainrings. The chain spins the cassette on the rear which then spins the rear wheel and propels you forward.

When should I replace my bike drivetrain?

The simple answer is when it is worn out. Worn-out drivetrains will shift poorly and won't perform nearly as well as a fresh drivetrain. Luckily, you don't need to replace your entire drivetrain all at once, with some components like your chain wearing out faster than components like your chainrings or cassette. Some tools can help you determine if your chain, cassette, or chainrings are worn out.

What is the difference between a drivetrain and a groupset?

A drivetrain consists of all your components such as a crankset, chain, derailleurs, and chainrings. A groupset is a set of components that are optimized to work best with each other. A complete groupset will come with components that are all from the same family of parts like Shimano XT or SRAM GX Eagle.

How often should you clean/lubricate a bike drivetrain?

You should be cleaning and lubing your drivetrain once every few rides. If you're riding longer distances or you're riding in muddy or dusty conditions, you will want to clean your drivetrain more frequently. Dirt and grime can prematurely wear out your chain and cassette.

What is the best drivetrain to have?

The best drivetrain to have depends on your style of riding. If you are a racer or someone who rides aggressively on the trails, you will enjoy riding with an electronic drivetrain. These drivetrains shift exceptionally well under heavy load for more reliable performance. If you are more of a casual rider, you'll want a mechanical drivetrain.