SRAM Force

[Triskeliongirl]

Talk to me about SRAM Force. I am considering a closeout on a bike that I really like that is already equipped with SRAM Force. It is *very light*. I am used to ultegra-9. Do you guys think it will be hard to adjust to the different shifting? If you are riding this group, do you like it?

The casette it comes with is 11-23 but I noticed I can get an SRAM Red casette 11-28 which sounds perfect. Is it safe to assume this will be compatable?

[celerystalksme]

Talk to me about SRAM Force. I am considering a closeout on a bike that I really like that is already equipped with SRAM Force. It is *very light*. I am used to ultegra-9. Do you guys think it will be hard to adjust to the different shifting? If you are riding this group, do you like it?

The casette it comes with is 11-23 but I noticed I can get an SRAM Red casette 11-28 which sounds perfect. Is it safe to assume this will be compatable?

Yes, you can use the Red cassette with your Force group.

As for SRAM...I had Rival on one bike...and now I have Red on one of my bikes. I also have Dura-Ace 7800 on a bike...and another bike with a mix of Dura-Ace, Ultegra, Ultegra SL, and 105 (frankenbike).

Functionally, the only difference is the SRAM Doubletap system. It's super easy to get used to. And personally, I think I prefer it over Shimano. But overall, it's just not that big a deal. You'll notice SRAM shifts a little rougher...you hear and feel the shift more than with Dura-Ace...in that way, SRAM is more similar to Campy, neither have that silkly smoothness of Dura-Ace. And even that is personal preference...some people prefer the more 'organic' feel of SRAM/Campy...others prefer the ninja like performance of Shimano.

I prefer SRAM over everything. They're affordable...light...and reliable. What more can you ask for? And their Doubletap system is actually a minor improvement, in my humble opinion.

[Andrea]

I switched from Ultegra 10 to Sram Red on my road bike, and the doubletap shifting only took a couple of rides before it became totally natural to me. It just takes a little practice to get an exact feel for where the "2nd" click is to shift to a lower gear. Until then, you'll likely try to downshift a gear, not push the lever over far enough, and end up upshifting a gear instead! You may also, out of habit, push on the side of the brake when you want to downshift...
I'd say go for it! I can now switch between my SRAM road bike and my Ultegra 9 cross bike with no confusion.

The 11-28 is compatible with all of the SRAM rear derailleurs, and it does come in the Rival-level group, so if you don't want to shell out the $$ for the red one, look around for it.

[Triskeliongirl]

Oh thanks for the great info. I just got off the phone with my dealer who also offered to build it up with durace for me if I prefer.

Its a cervelo R3. He is having trouble getting rid of the2008 XS frame cuz it has 650c wheels, so is willing to be very accomodating, while that is exactly the frame I have been drooling over, but didn't want to pay full price for.......

As a shimano gal durace will feel more familiar.

I currently ride terrys with the 24" front wheel, and had been looking for a bike with a slack seat tube angle to accomodate my long femurs and 650c wheels to get me good handling without tco (I know this doesn't matter to some of you but it does to me). Soooooooooooooo, I am just sooooooooooooo tempted.

[ilima]

Its a cervelo R3. He is having trouble getting rid of the2008 XS frame cuz it has 650c wheels, so is willing to be very accomodating, while that is exactly the frame I have been drooling over, but didn't want to pay full price for.......

I don't think the R3 came with 650c wheels, only the RS. I think either would be a great bike, but they are slightly different and the R3 frame cost a bit more.

Just an FYI to be sure you know what kind of deal you're getting. Competitive Cyclist has a 2008 RS with Dura Ace for $3K. The 48cm is all they have left. Wish I had $3K!

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...RODUCT.ID=4530

[Triskeliongirl]

I don't think the R3 came with 650c wheels, only the RS. I think either would be a great bike, but they are slightly different and the R3 frame cost a bit more.

Just an FYI to be sure you know what kind of deal you're getting. Competitive Cyclist has a 2008 RS with Dura Ace for $3K. The 48cm is all they have left. Wish I had $3K!

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...RODUCT.ID=4530

Thanks for the correction, yes its the 48 cm RS, and he is willing to match the comp cyclist price. Plus, he'll fit me to it and let me customize my stem length, seatpost (setback is an issue w me), casette size, etc. which comp cyclist won't. I think its a great deal on a bike I drooled over for a long time.

[Triskeliongirl]

What do you guys think of running an SRAM 11-28 casette on a durace 10 drivetrain? I like the slightly better gear ratios of the 11/28 (w 650c wheels 12/27= 30.6-101.3; 11/28=29.5-110.5) vs the durace 12-27, but will the shifting be crisper if I stick with all durace?

[ilima]

I think its a great deal on a bike I drooled over for a long time.

I've been drooling over the RS ever since it was introduced, too! And I like the 2008 color better than the 2009.

[Miranda]

I can't comment about the SRAM, but I will in your other thread about the bike. SWEET!