SRAM Force Groupset Update

Nick has read our review on the SRAM road group sets and is interested in getting his hands on some of these goodies, but he has some very important questions that he needs a bit of in-put from us before he makes that big purchase

Question: I have just bought a seven frame and now need to equip it .I have been thinking of the SRAM Force group set on the basis of the reviews I have read and what one person I know has said about it who has actually bought the Force.

The review on bike cycling reviews I read was very positive but I guess the fact that it is just so new (and in the UK very expensive as well for a product which is not very well known) means that I am trying to find out some more about it.

Having not bought a new bike for a long long time, this is a big purchase and if I do not buy the SRAM then I will probably get the Record.

The shifters on the Force sound great and I should be able to try these out at my local shop this weekend but even they say they have not sold a SRAM group set yet so have no feedback.

Other feedback I have read is that the brakes are not so good as Shimano and don’t look so great and also that the cassette does not seem to feel as good as it should for this quality of group set.
So-what I would really like is any guidance or thoughts about choosing the SRAM force. Are you aware of any problems that have been experienced with it, are buyers mixing the basic group set with different brakes etc etc.
Thanks for your help.

SRAM have released the Red group set, it was first used at the very top of the sport by the Saunier Duval pro team on their Scott bikes and now the new Astana team will be using the Red group on their Trek Madone frames for the 2008 season. We managed to get a sneak preview and a short ride on a team bike recently when they were in Spain for a training camp. Read more about SRAM red here…

Nick

Hi Nick,
Were glad you read our review on the SRAM groupsets, but we have the same problem as you, we as yet we have not managed to get our hands on a group set for a proper build-up long term test, we hope to soon but its not easy as I think everyone want to do the same.

By now you might have had a look at the group at your local bike shop and they maybe fill you in on a bit more info. That all said, as with anything new it takes time to get used to, the ‘Double Tap system’ seems to be well thought through and works well.

Shimano are probably the strongest and responsive brake set on the market, I much prefer the Campagnolo for there easy going feel, without having tried to match the SRAM levers with any other brake callipers I cant say they wont work, but I would imagine SRAM would be mad to give them a different pull than other brakes.

SRAM chains are amongst the best you can get and I think the cassettes are of an equal quality, they look good to me, but the best test is time and as yet none of us have had that, the cassette is built to fit a Shimano hub, so it must be interchangeable.

If you have had a good look at it by now you will know it is nice, I was very impressed by the build quality and if you get it I don’t think you would be disappointed, the group is to be raced on next year by the Spanish team; Saunier Duval-Podrir and I had heard they had been testing it on the secret this year, they would not put there necks on the line if the stuff wasn’t up to it for a Pro-Tour team.

If you have any doubts or if you don?t want you friends always playing around with your kit as you will probably be the first to have it, then get the Record group, if you have read my review then you will know my feelings on Campagnolo Record, enough said.

Good luck with your decision and send us a photo of your Seven when you’ve got it all built up.