Durability - SRAM Red / SRAM Force

[damocles]

My first post, so hopefully will do it right. I am planning to install either SRAM Red or SRAM Force (still doing the math on costing with my LBS) on my Ridley Damocles ISP. Currently running Ultegra 6700. I expect I will keep the Ultegra Groupset set for a while in case I have a change of heart.

Not trying to start one of those threads about SRAM vs Shimano vs Campy, but simply asking the opinion of anyone out there who has been riding Force or Red for a couple of years as to how they rate the durability and wear/tear of those SRAM Groupsets over time.

Comments welcome. Look forward to contributing to the forum.

Thanks,

StewartB

[Dac]

make sure it's the latest version SRAM Red they're selling you, it's just released and probably hasn't made it to your shop yet.

By all accounts a big step up and if not yet available I'd wait until it is

[damocles]

Thanks Dac. I will double check with the LBS.

[mogwaiboi]

I've been using Force on one of my bikes for a few years. Haven't touched it besides a turn or two of the cable tension since the shop set it up new. It's been excellent...the only thing I'll change when it wears out is to replace the SRAM chain with a Shimano as from what I've heard they are a bit quieter, and shifting is slightly better (it came with a Shimano cassette to begin with).

[AndrewBurns]

I have SRAM Force (with a KMC chain and 105 cassette on my CX bike with disk brakes) but can only compare it to the Campy Veloce on my road bike. They both function flawlessly, Force mechanical bits and levers seem nicer though, the shifting action is tighter and a bit crisper but they're different levels of groupset so that's probably to be expected.

[damocles]

Thanks Andrew & mogwaiboi, all feedback helps. I have heard about the higher noise levels but will have to try it for myself. A bit of drivetrain noise doesn't hurt. I may change the cassette and chain to Shimano if it is too noisy for my taste.

StewartB

[Brownster]

I am running SRAM RED and it has done around 12000km. Just the usual adjustments required from time to time.
Still has plenty of life left on all the running gear. I have recently ridden the durace DI2 and love the front chaninring
shifting but still find the SRAM on the rear as good if not slighty better.

[damocles]

Thanks Brownster. That is exactly the sort of feedback I am looking for.

StewartB

[skull]

I ride SRAM Red on my c'dale.

Probably done about 10K km, it is the good except the front derailur is crap. The new Red is suppose to have sorted this issue.

[spinner]

Sram Force for the last 3 years; I'm a convert.
Would dearly love to score the latest version of Red!

[Richard.L]

As long as you dont get the previous version of the sram red cassette, noise shouldn't be an issue. I havent used a sram chain yet but used DA, KMC X10SL with a sram 1070 cassette with no noise issues.

[damocles]

Thanks one and all. Your comments have helped a lot. Now to barter with my LBS!

[sf83]

My dad and I got sram red at the same time, he wore through his rear cassette and mine is still fine - but we train together and have done nearly the exact amount of K's - he rides usually in the big ring on the front and big rings on the back, I am the opposite and prefer small/small ring riding.

All in all though, I have pre-ordered the new Sram Red as of yesterday, so am looking forward to that coming in!

Good luck!~

[GreyhoundCycle]

Just installed my Red Black (not the 2012 version) couple weeks ago. A jump from 105/ultegra mix.

Front derailuer is not super but if it is good for pro rider, it is good enough for all of us RD is a pleasure to use.

Initially I put a shimano ultegra chain on, but it was making a lot noise, took it off and replaced with SRAM 1070 chain, total silence.

Brakes are better than ultegra.

[damocles]

Thank guys. Interesting about the noise issues GreyhoundCycle. I will also experiment with Shimano cassette and chain options. Probably will go for the same set as you - the Red/Black edition as the new 2013(?) is a bit too pricey whereas there are run out specials on the Red/Black at present. Still considering options. Thanks

[GreyhoundCycle]

Totally agree that the new version is way too expensive at the moment. $2700 to $3000 in Australia for the entire set where the Red Black complete set is $1350 from Ribble.

If you want to save a few hundred dollars and low down the bling factor, Force is also very good. I bought Red because Force wasn't in stock.

As for the chain, most people dont have issues with Shimano. It could just be mine was not perfectly tuned or because I washed the chain the night before and it is cosmetically a little bit rusted.

In personal experience from this installation is SRAM Red is easier to tune compare to Shimano 105 shifter/derailluer.

[schroeds]

anyone know if you can upgrade the old model sram red front derailleur to the new model?

[Richard.L]

anyone know if you can upgrade the old model sram red front derailleur to the new model?

No, refer here
A very reasonable option is to get a Force front derailleur or DA7800 derailleur (7900 hasnt a different cable pull ratio)

There are people saying that Reds bad shifting is due to chain ring stiffness and the titanium cage of the front derailleur combo.

[schroeds]

thanks richard I'll read up. The FD not a disaster on red, but its true its a bit noisy

[sf83]

Totally agree that the new version is way too expensive at the moment. $2700 to $3000 in Australia for the entire set where the Red Black complete set is $1350 from Ribble.

If you want to save a few hundred dollars and low down the bling factor, Force is also very good. I bought Red because Force wasn't in stock.

As for the chain, most people dont have issues with Shimano. It could just be mine was not perfectly tuned or because I washed the chain the night before and it is cosmetically a little bit rusted.

In personal experience from this installation is SRAM Red is easier to tune compare to Shimano 105 shifter/derailluer.

There is a bike shop on bike exchange dot com that is allowing you to trade your old groupset and upgrade to SRAM red for $1,650 - pretty cheap way to upgrade I though.

[damocles]

Totally agree that the new version is way too expensive at the moment. $2700 to $3000 in Australia for the entire set where the Red Black complete set is $1350 from Ribble.

If you want to save a few hundred dollars and low down the bling factor, Force is also very good. I bought Red because Force wasn't in stock.

As for the chain, most people dont have issues with Shimano. It could just be mine was not perfectly tuned or because I washed the chain the night before and it is cosmetically a little bit rusted.

In personal experience from this installation is SRAM Red is easier to tune compare to Shimano 105 shifter/derailluer.

I took the plunge and bought the SRAM Red (Black Edition) - through my local LBS I paid $1600, but Jim set it up and did all the usual adjustments. Had my first ride today - did some fine adjustments and set up issues (I know a bit about bikes and have built 4 or 5 over the past 2 years). Pretty happy so far. First impressions are that the SRAM cassette was a bit noisy, but not too bad. The front derailleur that some riders complain about was not a problem. Very crisp changes up and down the two rings - all positive. I have installed a Shimano cassette tonight and will ride that tomorrow to compare. Overall happy with the SRAM Red.

Thanks to all who have posted with advice and experience information.

[schroeds]

Is this the 2012 edition because they reckon the fd issue has been addressed.

Personally I find thefd changing ok but its intolerant of cross chain and tends to rub. Mine could no doubt be better adjusted mind you.

[damocles]

Is this the 2012 edition because they reckon the fd issue has been addressed.

Personally I find thefd changing ok but its intolerant of cross chain and tends to rub. Mine could no doubt be better adjusted mind you.

schroeds, it is the 2012 edition, but probably it is 2011 / 2012?? I adjusted the FD to stand slightly outwards from the big ring, then went through the gearshifts on my workstand.By outwards, I mean twisting the downtube clamp slightly outwards. All was good. There is some slight rub on the small ring / small cog, but quite ok. On the big ring, no rub at all. I guess the performance is in the "tweaking".

Cheers,

[schroeds]

..and my tweaking skills aren't great, but thanks for the tips I'll try it

you'll know if its the new 2012 because the fd has a tilt adjustment and the chain ring look quite different..and a lot sexier imho

[damocles]

[quote="schroeds"]..and my tweaking skills aren't great, but thanks for the tips I'll try it

you'll know if its the new 2012 because the fd has a tilt adjustment and the chain ring look quite different..and a lot sexier imho

My error. The gear is 2011 because it is not the crank you showed in the photo. Mine is pretty much the flat black look with "powerglide" emblazoned on it. No matter. All seems pretty good. I rode today with the shimano cassette and the experience was quieter. I'll probably stick to the shimano as I have another bike and three sets of wheels all with Shimano hub/cassette combos. That was one of the reasons I went to the SRAM Red - compatibility. The other reason was that the Dura Ace would have strained the budget.