SRAM Force 2010 better than Dura-Ace?

nomoreexcuses

I been looking at groupsets as opposed to individual components and noticed SRAM Force for 579. It sounds a good deal. Is it better than Dura-Ace? I was told it's near the quality of SRAM Red but not as light.

hopper1

It's close, but I'd have to say 'no'... Force is good, but not that good.
There are obviously pro's and cons with both.
Comfort is one factor you shouldn't overlook (when on the hoods).
Can you try both at LBS before you buy?

nomoreexcuses

There must be a big difference between Dura-Ace 7800 and 7900 groupsets, there's a £600 difference( merlin cyles) between the two.

inseine

I don' tthink that you can rank them that easily. Better? What lighter, more duraable, better looking?
I'm using 2010 Force after old style DA and I have to say it takes a bit of getting used to and is not perfect. It's much better now i've adjusted the reach, which is a good thing but also on new DA. Worst feature is that if you miss a down shift you can ened up with an up shift which is not a good thing. On the other hand I don't find the DA shifter so comfortable (there are some aggresive edges on the underside).
Ideally try them both and find which is the best, for you.

nomoreexcuses

I was told don't bother with SRAM Red, you can get the same goodness in Force without the cost and is now at the same level as Dura-Ace.

If better than Ultegra 6700 then still at a excellent price point.

nomoreexcuses

inseine wrote:

I don' tthink that you can rank them that easily. Better? What lighter, more duraable, better looking?

Better lightness, lastibilitity, stiffness(performance).

SRAM Force crankset is not as good looking which is a moot point for me, but is it any good for stiffness and lightness compared?

hopper1

nomoreexcuses wrote:

I was told don't bother with SRAM Red, you can get the same goodness in Force without the cost and is now at the same level as Dura-Ace.

If better than Ultegra 6700 then still at a excellent price point.

RED slighty lighter than Force, plus ceramic bearings in BB (jockey wheels, too, I think).
2010 Force is better than 2009 RED!
I have Force and Ultegra 6700... Force wins (for me).
Easier to adjust indexing. Firmer, more positive gear changes. Comfier hoods. Better to look at. Lighter groupset.

nomoreexcuses wrote:

SRAM Force crankset is not as good looking which is a moot point for me, but is any good for stiffness and lightness compared?

DA cranks are probably the stiffest of the main groupset manufacturers.
But, I feel no flex in my Force...
Maybe my legs! :oops:

bristolpete

I upgraded to SRAM Red and note how quickly it shifts, but it is definitely noisier than Shimano in my opinion. It does sound agricultural occasionally, but overall very pleased with it. I am far from an expert but does what it needs to do.

rake

you sound like an expert to me.you have red. i wonder how does it compare with rival?

nomoreexcuses

Dura-Ace 7800 and SRAM Force 2010 are very similar price and SRForce is lighter.

I try them both out at the shop thanks.

dbb

nomoreexcuses wrote:

I been looking at groupsets as opposed to individual components and noticed SRAM Force for 579. It sounds a good deal. Is it better than Dura-Ace? I was told it's near the quality of SRAM Red but not as light.

where can you get SRAM Force for £579?

nomoreexcuses

dbb wrote:

where can you get SRAM Force for £579?

JE James, did not notice until now, it's for the 2009. 2010 is £649 most places.

2010 for £598 here
http://www.cyclepremier.com/product_inf ... 46450db434

pbt150

Pretty good deal for mechs and shifters here:
http://fudgescyclestore.com/index.php?p=105835

dbb

nomoreexcuses wrote:

dbb wrote:

where can you get SRAM Force for £579?

JE James, did not notice until now, it's for the 2009. 2010 is £649 most places.

2010 for £598 here
http://www.cyclepremier.com/product_inf ... 46450db434

now this is interesting. i have just ordered from here http://www.cyclingbargains.com/index.php for the same price. the websites look identical and the company details are the same.

it looks like they are trying to market to two corners of the market, the bargain hunters and the premier buyers - but selling at the same price?

sorry for taking it off track - so if it redeems me, i think force is better (looking).

nomoreexcuses

It looks like dbb. Enjoy the Force.

Other interesting.

Fudge SRAM Red 2010 chainsets are £100 cheaper than CRC. Could be CRC is 2009 but should be lower if so. If it doesn't state it's 2010 it's usually 2009.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=36491
http://fudgescyclestore.com/index.php?p=77590&o=77590

There is a big price difference between the Shimano Dura Ace 7800 and the OE version. They both 10 speed. What don't you get? A box and manual. You still have to buy cups for both.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Shima ... 360012909/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Shima ... 360030350/

hopper1

Fudge Cycles are generally the cheapest for SRAM...
DA - one's brand new in a box, with cables, etc. The other i brand new, but in a bag(s), not necessarily with cables, or with cheaper cables...
Always worth checking the little things, before ordering.

nomoreexcuses

Tried the SRAM Force. It clunkier but faster, slicker gear changing.

I've decided to run 7950 double chainset with SRAMR shifters(0 loss movement), SRAMF brakes and derailleurs plus cassette. It's a great compatible setup and even better if used with a Dura-Ace chain. Dura-Ace chains wear out quicker but are cheaper. The chainrings last for donkeys(20,000+) so a decent chainset is justified.

hopper1

nomoreexcuses wrote:

Tried the SRAM Force. It clunkier but faster, slicker gear changing.

I've decided to run 7950 double chainset with SRAMR shifters(0 loss movement), SRAMF brakes and derailleurs plus cassette. It's a great compatible setup and even better if used with a Dura-Ace chain. Dura-Ace chains wear out quicker but are cheaper. The chainrings last for donkeys(20,000+) so a decent chainset is justified.

That sounds like a good selection, giving the best of all worlds. It's probably not the cheapest way of buying a groupset, when you mix n match, but hey, at least you'll get what you want.
I'd have probably gone for a KMC 10SL gold chain...

nomoreexcuses

The SRAMR shifters are just £20 more.

Hearing more disappointment of SRAM RED chainsets, GXP BB and ceramic bearings than Dura Ace 7950. The hollow design should give good power transfer and is durable.

I take your advice and get the KMC. Thank you.

hopper1

Deal on here
Shimano DA here

I just got two DA chains for the price of one (privately, though)!

nomoreexcuses

How good is that KMC?

2 DA chains public is near to the price of a KMC .

nomoreexcuses

hopper1 wrote:

It's probably not the cheapest way of buying a groupset, when you mix n match, but hey, at least you'll get what you want.

No more discount but might use the mix and match option of SRAM Red and Force on Fudge.

Nope can't do that needs the crankset.

I can't see a cheap way round it.

Will they do a groupset deal without a crankset, BB and chain?

hopper1

KMC looks nice, but not been used yet... Have heard a lot of good about them. Though with the discount on the DA 7900, that's hard to beat.

nomoreexcuses

I give them a ring. If i can't get a deal on the lot, then looks like i'm resigned to the 3 Piece deal and buying the cassette seperate, settling for SForce shifters.

I stick to the original plan, go with DA. 2 chains are better than 1.

bendertherobot

Tried mine for the 1st time this morning. 6 miles. 20 this evening.

Wow. Love it. It just works. I mean that's the way to shift. I love everything about it.

What I WOULD say is that it is "clunkier." But that's no bad thing. Every bike I've ever had, however well set up, sometimes has issues getting in the right gear. THis doesn't. In some ways it's like an MTB setup. It drops into gear and never needs any adjusting. I think the LBS has mine spot on at the start. Which is nice.

Evil Laugh

I swapped my rear mech from force to red and the gear change is much nicer. Less clunky but still positive and fast. Still not sure on the knobbly hoods of SRAM.

nomoreexcuses

nomoreexcuses wrote:

There is a big price difference between the Shimano Dura Ace 7800 and the OE version. They both 10 speed. What don't you get? A box and manual. You still have to buy cups for both.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Shima ... 360012909/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Shima ... 360030350/

OE gone, mistake pricing? must be, 120 difference. Dura Ace for 130 nahhh. Cables don't cost that much 30 max.

nomoreexcuses

bendertherobot wrote:

Tried mine for the 1st time this morning. 6 miles. 20 this evening.

Wow. Love it. It just works. I mean that's the way to shift. I love everything about it.

What I WOULD say is that it is "clunkier." But that's no bad thing. Every bike I've ever had, however well set up, sometimes has issues getting in the right gear. THis doesn't. In some ways it's like an MTB setup. It drops into gear and never needs any adjusting. I think the LBS has mine spot on at the start. Which is nice.

Few basic tips for future on setting up SRAM Force.
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/w ... orce-25902

dennisn

To be honest, at least for me, these top tier items are all the same. What exactly is the difference between a Rolls and a Bentley. Quality? It doesn't get any better than either /or.
Dependability? For the money, both had better be d*mn good. Bling / showoff appeal??
None better to announce you've got the money.
You're buying top shelf bike stuff. It's no different than fancy cars. If you've got the money and you want the "stuff", well............

bendertherobot

My calipers seem a bit lacking in stopping power at the moment. Bedding in period?

dennisn

bendertherobot wrote:

My calipers seem a bit lacking in stopping power at the moment. Bedding in period?

I doubt it will help your calipers but bedding in sure sounds better than getting up early.
Nothing like a few extra ZZZZZZZZZ's.