SRAM: German-American innovative strength
Impression of SRAM
Corners and edges characterise the design of the products, with the Americans using many different materials and contrasting surfaces. In comparison, the parts often appear bulkier than those of the competition. The differences between the groups are quite large: while all the stops are pulled out for the top Red group, the design effort for Force and Rival is significantly lower, which is reflected in large differences in weight.
Ergonomics from SRAM
Just one large shift paddle on each side of the handlebars makes operating the electronic shifters simple and intuitive. Many people with small hands find the rather large grips of Red and Force less than ideal; the latest generation of Rival (pictured below) is somewhat slimmer and more hand-friendly. The levers of the mechanical shifters seem stiff by today's standards; their development has not been pursued for years.
Circuit
When everything is right, SRAM drivetrains run perfectly. However, small disruptive factors can quickly spoil the riding pleasure. The electronic derailleurs are difficult to adjust, and the Force derailleur in particular tends to drop the chain if it is not precisely adjusted. The Force cassette was also noisy at first. The single-speed drivetrains tend to grind with a short wheelbase if the chain runs at an angle in the outer gears. The number of teeth of the electronic gears, which differs from traditional gear ratios, must be taken into account: Because the sprockets and chainrings have been reduced in size and the fastest gear only has ten teeth, you have to "convert" the number of teeth. Overall, however, more options are possible than with other manufacturers.
Brakes
Apart from the weight, the brake systems of the individual groupsets do not differ noticeably in terms of handling. The steel discs can withstand a lot of heat, the response behaviour is good, but not quite as sensitive as that of the competition. In the wet, the brakes tend to squeal and the pads wear out quite quickly. However, bleeding is not a problem.
Service and costs
The focus on wireless shifting makes SRAM groupsets comparatively expensive. The wide variety of gear ratios and the compatibility of the products are good: almost everything can be combined with each other within the electronic AXS environment, allowing customised drivetrains to be created. The range of accessories such as power meters, additional and time trial shifters is large. One point worthy of criticism is the less customer-friendly spare parts policy: individual sprockets cannot be replaced, a bent rear derailleur cage requires a new rear derailleur, additional shifters with a permanently installed battery have to be replaced once the battery life has expired - examples like these can be found throughout the entire product range.
Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo: Can parts be mixed with each other?
As a rule, components from different brands cannot be combined with each other. There are only a few exceptions; for example, the drivetrain parts of the ten-speed and eleven-speed generations from Shimano and SRAM are interchangeable. This can be interesting because Shimano wear parts are cheaper and more readily available and also more durable in this generation.
Parts from one manufacturer can be combined across the groups within certain limits. If the number of sprockets on the cassettes is identical, the parts also fit together mechanically. For example, wear parts from cheaper groupsets can be used to save money. The cranks from higher-quality groupsets, for example, can reduce the overall weight somewhat.
The gear ratio can also be adapted to your own needs with the help of parts from other groupsets. Cheaper groupsets often offer cassettes or chainrings that are more suitable for uphill riding. However, the capacity limits of rear derailleurs and front derailleurs must be taken into account; rear derailleurs of more expensive groupsets may not be suitable for large sprockets.
Jens Klötzer
Editor
