So, whats all the buzz about the SRAM road components we hear so much about? I suppose I should preface myself by stating that I've been wrenching on bikes for both shops and local cycling teams for about 13yrs. Ive used and seen most everything that's been around and come around in the industry for years.
Shimano and Campy have been the two mainstays in the industry for decades. Most cyclists lean towards Shimano given that on the majority of prebuilt bikes, that's what you find installed. Campy has its "cult" status, and is a fave of many racers and europhiles because of its rebuild ability and ergonomics. That being said, SRAM has had a large following in the MTB realm due to its components in that market. Sram is one of those companies that typically doesn't put a product on the market unless they are thoroughly sure of its reliability and user friendly application.
SRAM took the best of BOTH Shimano and Campagnolo and put it into Gruppos that are going to be the measuring stick for years to come. Let me say that "out of the box" all 3 companies' products work great. There are a few things that set Sram apart from the rest however.
SRAM took the ergonomic benefits of Campy, which allow for a more positive grip on the shifter hoods and for those with smaller hands, as well as the cleanly internal routed cable and housing set up. They also kept the use of the Shimano splined freehub body, which makes for a much easier choice in wheel usage. This also makes it easier to switch from Shimano to SRAM when a customer is ready to make the move in components. The rebuild ability aspect was taken from Campy as well. I don't know about you, but when a new shifter costs above $200 to replace, being able to buy the parts you need for a few dollars to fix it would make me turn my head in that direction. Shimano shifters have tons of internal parts which with the exception of a few parts, cannot be readily and easily changed out at your local shop. SRAM and Campy both have that ability. Durability-wise...its awesome! When the Rival and Force groups hit the market over a year ago I decided to see just what was so special. I installed the Rival Group on a Cyclocross bike and took it to some races. After purposely crashing it, since at the time I wasn't in placing shape, I was hooked! I never had to readjust anything on it with the exception of a bent rear derailleur hanger that i replaced. The shifting stayed true, and the SRAM 1:1 shift ratio(which means that for every 1mm the shifter leaver moves the rear derailleur moves 1mm) vs the Shimano 2:1 ratio made it that much better. Cable stretch isn't nearly as much an issue as it is with other systems.
Price and weight...these are the two things most customers are concerned with as well. The Rival Group(SRAM's "entry" level group) costs in the area of what an Ultegra Group would yet is much much lighter. SRAM's Force Group is lighter than Dura Ace and is more cost effective as well. SRAM's new Red Group is a bit of a different story. It's the most expensive group on the market however, is the lightest to date.
When all is said and done the bottom line is SRAM has made a great product all the way around. Dependability, reliability, shift quality, price and weight are all areas they have carefully thought about. You won't go wrong or be unhappy should you decide to try the new kid on the block! We love the stuff and have definitely taken steps to educate and pass on to our customers all the benefits! So come in and give it a try on some of our favorite bikes here in the shop!
Rocky Demo truck and bikes ready to go!
Ephraim...our local RMC rep hard at work
Thane...this guy travels the country 7 months out of the year doing this gig!
a row of Rocky's ready to go!
Pete getting ready for his 1st full suspension ride ever!
they scream...RIDE ME!!!!!!!!!!
Thane's "office"
Pete having "fun" on Apex!
Pete with his "free ride"...and "clearing" his throat
Pete in action...coming down in twilight
