Where Should Your Bike Budget Go? Frame, Drivetrain, and Touchpoints Explained

When customers come in looking for a new bike, the first question is often price.

The better question is:
Where do you want your money to go?

A bike is made up of three main structural systems:

1. The Frame

2. The Drivetrain

3. The Touchpoints

Each plays a different role. Each carries a different cost. And only one of them is permanent.

Let’s break it down.

1. The Frame: The Foundation You Can’t Change

The frame is the fixed structure of the bike. Everything else bolts onto it.

It must be:

• The correct size

• The correct geometry

• The correct style for your riding

A downhill mountain bike at an unbelievable price is still the wrong bike if you’re training for a triathlon. A triathlon bike is not a gravel bike. A gravel bike isn’t a commuter.

Fit and purpose come first.

Material (carbon vs aluminum) influences ride feel, weight, and price — but geometry and intended use matter more than marketing terms.

If you invest well here, you can upgrade around it for years.

If you don’t, you’ll eventually replace the whole bike.

2. The Drivetrain: The Engine

The drivetrain includes:

• Shifters

• Derailleurs

• Cassette

• Chain

• Crankset

Brands like Shimano and SRAM offer tiered systems — from entry-level to professional-grade.

Higher tiers generally mean:

• Smoother shifting

• Lighter weight

More durable materials

But here’s the key:

Drivetrains wear out.

Chains stretch. Cassettes wear. Chainrings need replacing.

This system is upgradeable. It’s also replaceable.

If your budget is limited, it’s often smarter to choose a strong frame with a mid-tier drivetrain than the reverse.

3. The Touchpoints: Where Performance Meets Comfort

I call these the “touchpoints” because they are exactly that.

• Saddle (you touch it)

• Handlebars (you control from them)

• Wheels (they touch the road)

These dramatically influence how the bike feels.

A better wheelset can transform ride quality.
A properly fitted saddle can make long rides enjoyable.
Handlebar shape and width change comfort and handling.

The good news?
These are the easiest components to personalize and upgrade.

Many riders replace at least one touchpoint within the first year.

So How Should You Prioritize?

Here’s a simple framework:

Frame first.
Drivetrain second.
Touchpoints personalize.

If the frame fits your body and your goals, everything else can evolve over time.

The “best deal” is rarely about the biggest discount.
It’s about buying the right structure for the riding you actually want to do.

If you’re shopping for a bike this season, start with your goals.
We’ll build the rest around that.