Anybody use a SRAM groupset?

slowhand1971

I'm toying with the idea of switching my groupset from Shimano 105 to SRAM Rival (sshh, don't tell Mrs. Slowhand :roll: ). Does anybody use a SRAM groupset, anf if so, how do you find the Double-Tap shifting? Is it easy to get used to?

Any opinions gratefully received.

leguape

slowhand1971 wrote:

I'm toying with the idea of switching my groupset from Shimano 105 to SRAM Rival (sshh, don't tell Mrs. Slowhand :roll: ). Does anybody use a SRAM groupset, anf if so, how do you find the Double-Tap shifting? Is it easy to get used to?

Any opinions gratefully received.

Takes about 2 minutes to get used to. It's about as good as Ultegra and I've not had to replace anything on mine in nearly two seasons. Run it on my road and 'cross bikes with no problems.

I'd wait for next season's version though as it's got significant revisions that make it much mnore worthwhile. Things like reduction in the amount of waggle required to shift, adjustable reach etc all trickling down from the Red gruppo.

COVEC

Hi,
Sorry to bring a bit of thread creep, but it is sort of related. Is it possible to just change out the 105 STI's for the Rival's or would you need to switch the derailleurs as well, I ask because somewhere in the back of my mind is a SRAM/Shimano compatability issue.

Cheers
COVEC

slowhand1971

leguape wrote:

I'd wait for next season's version though as it's got significant revisions that make it much mnore worthwhile. Things like reduction in the amount of waggle required to shift, adjustable reach etc all trickling down from the Red gruppo.

Anybody know when the 2009 groupset will be available in the shops? It's not on Wiggle or Chain Reaction Cycles.

brit66

I've got Force and 105.

This might sound strange but I think I prefer my105 groupset to Force in that it feels smoother - and definitely makes less noise.

It's pretty easy to get used to SRAM gear changes but it's harder to select a low gear in the heat of battle. Just my opinion.

PS. The cassettes are compatible but not sure if swapping to Rival STI's will work? Could try it.

CheeseyJoe

You'd need to change the shifters and rear derailleur, everything else is compatible.

Danukgser

I've got the full Sram Red kit on my bike, I love it. Not silent running, not the smooth shift you find with Shimano, but, the double tap is great.

I think my commuter will have to have a full Rival groupset to finish it off..........

slowhand1971

With the double tap can you shift up 3 cogs in one shift like you can with Shimano?

cougie

Thinking about Covecs question - about just swapping the levers over - would you not need to change the calipers too ? I'm sure they'd probably work ok but I bet SRAM and Shimano have different amounts of pull through and stuff ?

rjsmith

Which or any of the SRAM groups have the pad adjustment like the 3mm allen key adjuster on Shimano?
Do you have to use a SRAM bb as I heard they are a bit sticky?

slowhand1971

From what I've read the BB is not preloaded like the Shimano (and Campag?) ones are, so you need to ride for a couple of hundred miles before the seals release fully. After that they spin really freely, apparantly.

neeb

Never tried sram, but I'm curious. Of those who have tried all three groupsets, would you say that sram feels closer to shimano, campagnolo or is somewhere inbetween / completely different?

Tootler

I too was curious about SRAM so I bought some. I also have bikes with Shimano DA, Ultegra and campag veloce.
It's all down to opinion and preference and people like different things but here are some objective titbits from my own personal experience -

The doubletap takes only a few minutes to get used to, and in 18 months riding I think I have only mis-changed 3 or 4 times.

The doubletap levers can be pulled back, away from the brake lever towards the handlebar, which I have never found useful but I do like to do this and then let go - just because I like the clicking sound when I am bored.

The change from inner ring to big ring requires a 'long throw' on the left hand lever. I have no idea why this but it is REALLY REALLY annoying.

The hoods themselves are very comfortable; probably the most comfortable out of all the manufacturers.

The speed of gear change is much slower than the DA; probably about the same as Ultegra on a triple, and slower than the veloce on a double.

So far the SRAM durability and reliability is as good as the others in that nothing has gone wrong with it.

I've never used 105 but based on what I personally know of ultegra,I don't think SRAM rival has anything better to offer - and I guarantee the change from inner ring to big ring will pi$$ you off.