SRAM Groupsets - Feedback - Critique

ROK ON

I have been cycling on Shimano groups for years. Various Ultegra groups and a Tiagra one. Never had an ounce of bother from them.

Looking at getting a new groupset for a frame that I have just purchased.

SRAM Rival (and maybe Apex) look to be really good value versus Shimano Ultegra or 105.

Have any users of Rival any feedback or critique stemming from their use if the product. Anything that people don't like.
I have heard stories in the past regarding SRAM chains and brake calipers.

Ryder

Have had rival for 4years. Very reliable and compares well to ultegra in terms of price

Plastik

I've been using Rival for the past 12/18 months and have no problems with the chain or brakes. I love the shifting process compared to that of Shimano - I've 105 on my other bike. Google the Sram Rival shifter snapping off problem and you'll find a fair bit of coverage. I've had it happen to me and i had it replaced under warranty, though it took about 6/7 weeks to do so (bought with Planet X, warranty had to be sent via UK etc.). A few others on here have had it happen to them also.

I think Force is probably the pick of the bunch in terms of spec v cost/replacement parts. I think the shifter problem is much more common with Rival than with either Force or Red.

Dubba

I've roughly the same experience as Plastik but got my broken shifter replaced within a week thanks to great after sales PX service.

SRAM are very good at keeping things light as well, here's a breakdown of 2011 groupsets weights:

http://www.totalcycling.com/component-weights.html

edit: worth keeping an eye on second hand SRAM stuff too, I saw a Force groupset going for €600 a couple of months back - gone now tho.
You could try putting a wanted post in the Cycling Adverts forum if your interested.

furiousox

I asked a similar question a while back.
More feedback for you here...

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=78183276

Raam

Rok On, a man likes you needs Campag. We both know this. Close the thread please.

ROK ON

Raam wrote: »

Rok On, a man likes you needs Campag. We both know this. Close the thread please.

I'll make the switch after you do. You're still on Shimano?


Guys thanks for the advice - from what I am picking up, SRAM make great groupos apart from the "slight" inconvenience of the shifters breaking off.
This isn't exactly a USP.

Raam

ROK ON wrote: »

I'll make the switch after you do. You're still on Shimano?

Wilier was switched to Super Record over a month ago. So, which Campag gruppo you gonna get?

granda

Why do you feel you need to change?
if it's not broken don't fix it, that's what i say,why not try this instead
http://www.bike24.com/p224768.html

ROK ON

Raam wrote: »

Wilier was switched to Super Record over a month ago. So, which Campag gruppo you gonna get?

Super Record is out of what I can justify.
But I will have a look. It's for a Ti frame. Wanted SRAM but there many cycling forums talk about shifter failure.
If I go campy I would the have wheelsets that are incompatible - that and I detest most things Italian (other than espresso and suits).

Raam

Don't make a liar out of yourself.

ROK ON

granda wrote: »

Why do you feel you need to change?
if it's not broken don't fix it, that's what i say,why not try this instead
http://www.bike24.com/p224768.html

It's for a frame I purchased. So I need a new group.
I don't agree with the concept of electronic shifting.

Raam

You can get Chorus for about 900 or so. BTW, I was originally against the electronic stuff, however, having had a go of EPS... man it's very very sweet. I bought my Super Record of a guy who went EPS.