Two things make SRAM's most expensive and technically complex component groupset interesting at first glance: firstly, its low weight. It weighs 275 grams less than Shimano's Dura-Ace and 50 grams less than Campagnolo's Record. No component group from large-scale production is lighter - the testers at the TOUR camp in Cambrils, Spain, were impressed by the low complete bike weights that can be achieved. On the other hand, the look is well received, especially the double-tap levers. The testers, who are used to Shimano and Campa, had fewer difficulties than expected with the different shifting principle. The fact that one gear lever allows the chain to be changed in both directions - a short swivel to the smaller sprocket, a long one to the larger one - is quickly memorised, and the levers received praise overall.
While riding, the Red attracts more attention than the top parts of the competition. The chain runs a little louder over the sprockets, the sound of the gear changes is not unlike a bang. High-profile rims and carbon frames with thin, large-volume tubes amplify this background noise. The running noise of the chain diminishes after a few hundred kilometres, what remains are the loud shifting noises; on some frames the chain rang in individual gears.
The Red's elaborate, hollow sprocket body, which acts like a soundboard, is a major contributor to the noise. Optimally laid and maintained cables and meticulous adjustment help to minimise chain ringing. Our conclusion: Whenever you change the wheel, you should check the derailleur and the distance between the guide pulley and the sprocket set, as the Red reacts more sensitively to different dimensions than Campa and Shimano. In order to have a direct comparison, we equipped one of the two endurance test bikes with Shimano's Dura-Ace chain and sprocket after half of the kilometres ridden so far. The gears harmonised well with the third-party products, becoming smoother and quieter - a real tuning tip. The additional weight of around 45 grams with the same gear ratio should be of secondary importance in view of the advantages.
The chains on the endurance test bike, which was fully equipped with SRAM, had to be replaced relatively soon: Chain number one lasted almost 2,800 kilometres, number two only 1,300 kilometres - and neither had to endure more than 100 kilometres in the rain. On the second endurance test bike, which covered almost exactly the same distances, the Dura-Ace chain lasted 4,500 kilometres.
What can occasionally be observed with Shimano and Campa in terms of ergonomics also happens to the Red: As modern racing handlebars are increasingly individual and unusual in shape, there are more and more cases in which the shift brake lever does not harmonise with the shape of the handlebars. In such cases, the SRAM lever shows a pressing edge. The remedy is not difficult: we show you how to do it on page 48, making the grip much more comfortable.
The TOUR readers found the travel of the shift lever to be okay, and the crisp pressure points were praised. What is not possible - unlike with Shimano and Campa - is to check whether the chain is already on the largest (or smallest) sprocket or whether there is still a gear available by briefly tapping the shift lever. If you do this as usual, the Red shifts to the next highest gear due to its double-tap principle - which you can't do without the chain.
especially on the mountain. So you either have to look or get into the habit of performing this control swing long and forcefully - then it works. All of the testers missed the trimming function of the front derailleur for the small chainring (the large one has it), which allows you to vary the front derailleur position in micro-steps so that the chain does not grind. If the frame geometry and sprocket come together in an unfavourable constellation, the chain can grind on the front derailleur from the sixth sprocket onwards; you can then shift to the large chainring, but this does not always result in the right connecting gear.
The modulation and braking power of the brakes were praised, confirming the laboratory test from February. Here, SRAM is on a par with the competition from a standing start. The slight squeaking of the pads on some rims when braking from high speeds subsided once the pads and rim surface had got used to each other.
Overall, SRAM has succeeded in creating a real alternative to the two established providers. Getting used to the shifting principle is quick, but the more sensitive assembly and adjustment requires experienced hands and regular checks, especially if wheels are changed frequently. If SRAM integrates a trimming function for the front derailleur on the small chainring - which is used by the majority of amateur athletes - there will be little left to be desired.
