Can I have some positive feedback on SRAM Force please?

thechangingman

I am just about to upgrade to a very nice carbon bike that I've test-ridden.

Everything about it is great except that the SRAM Force groupset has one problem: i.e. it is inconsistent at engaging the big front ring when I try to shift...

Is this a one-off? Has my bike-distributor just not set it up properly?

I am fully aware of the arguments and opinions that folk have on the three Big Groupsets. I have ridden them all and find the SRAM to have the most comfortable hoods and the most intuitive and just plain easy shifting...

I've heard LOTS of SRAM horror stories but can some SRAM-fans give me the other side. Should I be looking forward to years of trouble-free shifting? Is this groupset as reliable as others?

All (positive) insights and comments appreciated.


Thank you...

kim10

I upgraded from Shimano 105 to Force about 3 month ago and so fare everything has been great. There were nothing wrong with the Shimano but as I have bought a new steel frame which is going to be my winter bike I thought I would treat myself to an upgrade and then use the old groupset for the winter bike.
I really like the shifting of the SRAM, the double tab system is great and I find the hoods a bit more comfortable that the Shimano. I have had no problem with the shifting between small and big ring on the front so maybe yours only need to be adjusted.

As I said it’s early days with the SRAM but so fare so good.

petemadoc

Sounds like your front mech isn't set up right. Pretty normal to fond something not set up correctly on a new bike.

dennisn

Since you already own it I doubt that either positive or negative feedback is going to help.
It's yours and you'll either have to sell it or deal with it. Get someone who knows how to set it up to give you a hand. All of the "big three" work very well, IF, and I repeat IF, they are set up correctly AND IF the operator knows what he's doing. I also don't understand why, if as you say you've heard "lots of Sram horror stories", that you would even consider buying it? What's that about?

WisePranker

I've got SRAM Apex on my bike and there was some issues shifting between front rings.

I got the gears set up properly and it now shifts perfectly. If the bottom of the range Apex works, I'd hope the Force works just as well, if not better!

Gazzaputt

SRAM Red and Force on my bikes.

Front mech shifting is very crisp and I found to be easy to setup.

racingcondor

+1 It's not set up right. Probably the limit screw is limiting the range of the front der slightly too much or the cable is slightly slack.

I had 105 on my first bike, then Ultegra on the second. 3rd bike I bought Force and 6 months later bought a second set for the Ultegra bike. When it's set up correctly it is very good indeed (as are Ultegra and the Campag equivalent at the same £) so it's just a case of what you prefer the feel of.

thechangingman

Thanks for all of these very helpful comments.

I didn't word my original post well - I have a bike on loan for a test but haven't commited to purchase it yet...

Also, fair comment about why would I bother with SRAM when I've heard 'horror stories'...

Well, I've heard such stories about all of the three main sets - it's just brought the SRAM stuff home to me now that I am considering getting it.

I guess it just feels rather strange to be paying £1,700 and still feeling that there's an element of risk in the process!!!

I've now re-packed the bike to go back to the seller and they're going to get their mechanics on it and send it back to me next week. I just keep getting the sneaking feeling that maybe I should 'settle' for the Ultegra as the safe option.... :roll:

rozzer32

Deffo not step up right, my front shifting on my force gruppo is very crisp and never missed a beat

thecm

I put SRAM Force on my new Canyon CF build (having only had Shimano before) and it took a couple of goes to set up correctly, avoiding chain rattle on big ring/small cog while not popping off the big ring on up shift. Now it seems fine and I really like it though swapping between the Shimano/SRAM bikes takes a bit of remembering to shift correctly. Wondering about replacing the Ultegra 6600 on my Roubaix Expert now?

ride_whenever

I have force cranks and shifters with red mechs and cassette.

The front shifting is spot on even though i don't have a barrel adjuster anywhere for the front mech... You do need to be quite aggressive with the front shift though.

mroli

its ace...

hopper1

Been running SRAM Force for about two years, so impressed I have now upgraded to Red across the board (three bikes)... Get it set up, then forget it.

peter101cycle

I've been riding Sram Force for a year after migrating from Shimano.

Easy to setup (other than threading the gearcables through the levers - bit tricky IMHO) but for me, works really well. Recommended.