Shimano to SRAM

[Sylv]

Anyone made the leap?

[img]http://www.theroaddiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Leap-down1-400x299.jpg[/img]


Considering it after 8 years with Shimano. Groupset getting old on its 4th season, was never quite satisfied with 7900 and don't want to ditch all my wheels for 11-speed compatibility with the new/improved DA.

Can't seem to find anything to fault with the 2nd gen Red reading about it, except having never tried it, bit worried I won't like/get used to the shifting action.

[Keith]

Tried SRAM for the first time last week; very impressed. The "shifting action" took about 10 seconds to master.

[Andrew G]

Hal made the jump I believe and didn't have any problems riding LEJOG in five days on it . I recall Huw telling me once he liked it too when his Look came with it. They've run it for years now so worth dropping them a line as they do enough quantity and quality riding to judge it fairly.

[Sylv]

Cool thanks, think you've achieved to convince me Keith (and Andrew)

[Keith]

Did a 20 minute ride on an R5 with SRAM. Rear mech was equal to DA7900, front mech far superior (although that ain't saying a lot).

[Sylv]

Ooh how was the r5?! Online shop has it 45% off here ..

Tried the 9000 DA too and it works superbly too, better lever shape front shifting etc. Too bad about the new freehub standard.

[Ant]

Hi Sylv

I am now running SRAM on both of my better road bikes, party due to a jammed Ultegra shifter (not the first time I have had problems with 6700). I had a pair of Rival shifters and a rear mech gathering dust in my spares collection so had to press them into service on the Cube. In terms of shifting and feel, then Shimano is much smoother but SRAM is very lightweight and precise. My only slight criticism of SRAM is that the downshift from big chainring to small feels a little snappy / plasticy. The weight saving more than makes up for this, imho.

Cheers

[Sylv]

Cheers Ant. I assume you have mk I Red, seems like the new one has all kinds of improvements. My front shifting currently takes a lot of effort to go up and could be described as very "snappy" going down, not sure it was always like this. But I like the idea of the more audible clicks with Sram than Shimano.

[Ant]

I am a cheapskate, Sylv... no Red for me
I have Rival on the Cube and Apex (it'll probably be upgraded at some stage) on the Cannondale.

When I was checking the SRAM website specs, I saw barely any weight difference between Apex and Rival (they're both lighter than 105 / Ultegra, certainly in terms of shifters). With this in mind, I have left the Apex on my new Cannondale, in the interim and plan to gradually upgrade to perhaps Force or Red, if/when my wallet can stretch to it

In terms of the generation of shifters, not sure which Rival ones I have - the levers have the Doubletap logo on the side and RIVAL printed on the main brake lever (?).
It's certainly more audiable when you shift, in comparison to Shimano. Nowhere near as 'agricultura'l as Campag though

[Wal]

SRAM Red is about to go 11 speed too...

But if you're wanting to keep your 10 speed wheels I reckon Red is a better bet than replacing your 7900. Shifting action will take no time at all to get used to, and you'll save some weight.

However, quite a few wheels can be upgraded to 11sp with a freehub swap and re-dish, so I'd investigate that before ruling out DA9000, the reviews for which have been unanimously approving.

[Rogan]

Hi Sylv, Sram Red takes no time getting used to - it's very intuitive. Red 1 was a bit of a nightmare though. You may recall noisy cassette (not so horrid) to a rear mech that needed adjusting every two weeks (really horrid). The front mech was not much better. I hear they have sorted these issues out now and added a trim feature to the front mech that was much needed.

That said, I transitioned to 9070 and it's incredible (certainly by comparison to Red 1) although, rather frustratingly, I've only been out on it once. The 9000 breaks are sublime.

Good luck with your choice selection - although I don't think you can go wrong with either these days.

[Sylv]

Just let me build the bike guys and I'll report back

But what are you calling your own bike now then Rogan?

[img]http://www.teamred.at/media/pix/start_logo.jpg[/img]

[Rogan]

[quote="Sylv"]
But what are you calling your own bike now then Rogan?

[George]

In the heat of a cyclocross race I prefer shimano for sure engagement of the correct gears, I had sram on my boardman cx bike it wasn't as nice on the gear changes for me.

[Sylv]

Well Red works flawlessly so far .. first race done on it today. Let's see how it handles a 1,200m climb tomorrow

[img]https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/970367_10151399033106822_2087647868_n.jpg[/img]