SRAM Red is quickly becoming the premier road group on the pro tour, and for good reason. Astana, Saunier Duval-Scott, and Agritubel will be riding Red for the 08' season. Red is chalk full of fea...
Bike Setup: Landshark carbon frame, Ksyrium ES wheels, Look KEO cromo pedals, Specialized Toupe saddle, Michelin Pro 2 tires, FSA Wing handlebars
Summary: I've used Shimano groupsets most of my cycling life until buying my most recent bike that came with the SRAM Red groupset.
I ride compact gearing and I think there might be some issues with the front derailleur shifting. I've thrown my chain to the inside a couple times. Most recently I broke the FD cage while shifting to the small chainring. The chain caught the FD cage in a way that yanked it and broke a weld that holds both sides of the cage together. I've heard of this happening to other riders lately, and don't know if SRAM corrected this design flaw yet.
Mechanically Red funtions fine although not as smooth as Dura Ace as other reviewers have noted. With the softer ti cage on the FD, it feels like I need to use a bit more force on the shift lever to get into the big ring. FD shifting doesn't feel as positive or smooth as with DA. RD shifting seems fine but a little clunkier than DA. Braking action is very nice.
Double tap shifting really wasn't a problem getting used to. However, when in the largest rear cog, accidentally tapping the shifter will automatically drop the gearing into the next higher gear. This can be a little annoying, but familiarity with this system makes this less bothersome. I think DA has the advantage over Red in this regard though.
Trimming the FD to go further out while in the big chainring requires more force (double tap activation) to ensure proper positioning, otherwise I'll drop into the small chainring if the shift lever is accidentally single tapped.
Overall, SRAM Red functions nicely and is a fun and interesting diversion from the Shimano system. However, if I was given only one choice between groupsets, I'd prefer DA and sacrifice the slight weight advantage of Red. I think DA is generally is more mechanically sound and smoother than Red.
Strengths: Components are light weight and function well. Power transfer in the drivetrain is also very nice.
Weaknesses: Flimsy FD cage (breaks!) and mechnically shifting seems rougher compared to DA. At times, the double tap system might also accidentally put you in a gear you don't want to be in.
Similar Products Used: Shimano Ultegra and DA (9 and 10 speed), old Campy Record and ancient Suntour.
Summary: Having Shimano Ultegra and DA it was difficult getting use to the double tap shifting. Also, the drive train noise was different than DA. However it took a couple of rides to adjust to the double tap and now I will not go back to anything else. Red is now the top of line above S and Campy!
Strengths: Weight
Quick shifting
Great egronomics on the hoods
Brake system - equal braking power
Weaknesses: Drive train noise
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Bike Setup: 09 Orbea, Red, Reynolds Attack wheels, FSA bars and seatpost.
Summary: I have only had Red for a few weeks now but I can't say enough good things about it. I read many "mixed" reviews on this website and was reluctant to purchase it. I took my chances and could not be happier. I recommend to anyone that wants a quick shifting, light, cool looking groupo. Shifting is a touch louder than DA but I got used to that very quickly. Also love the double tap shifting. Got used to that in about 10 minutes. I have not had any problems with adjustments either...know others out there have. All in all a great product!!
Strengths: Light, quick shifting, great graphics, ceramic bearings in BB and rd pulleys, and double tap shifting.
Weaknesses: None yet
Similar Products Used: DA
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Bike Setup: Carrera Estremo, SRAM Red, Mavis Aksium Race
Summary: A little bit dissapointed. Have had Campag Chorus/Record on previous 3 rides and had minimal adjustment problems. However it seems I need to make adjustments every 200 ks. Double tap is great and shifting and smoothness is fine but constant maintenance is a pain. Shifter setup is comfortable but no better than Campag.
Strengths: Ease of Shifting, Ergonomics
Weaknesses: Requires constant adjustment
Similar Products Used: Campag Record/Chorus
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Bike Setup: Bianchi 928 Super Light
Full SRAM Red
ITM K Sword bars stem and post
Ksyrium SL wheels
Selle Itialia SLR Carbon Flow seat
Nokon Cables
Summary: Awesome groupset! This is the fastest shifting group on the market. Looks awesome and is superlight. The hoods are in my opinion the most comfortable on the market as well. Double tap is the only way to go!
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