SRAM Force

Price Paid:  $385.00 at eBay

Bike Setup:
S-Works Tarmac SL2 w/ Specialized cockpit & S-Works Crankset
SRAM Force 2010 Shifters, Derailleurs
Zero G OG-07 Ti Brakes
Dura Ace 7900 Cassette
KMC X10sl Chain

Summary:
For starters, it's important to point out that what I'm really reviewing are the 2010 Force shifters, front derailleur, and rear derailleur (these 3 components were bought new off of eBay for the price above). The rest of the group is a hodge-podge of other parts that sufficiently satisfied the weight-weenie in me (not to mention in total the cost of the group came to ~725 w/ all new parts and is significantly lighter than a Red or Super Record group). As it's set up, I could not be happier with this group. The DoubleTap shifting took ~a minute to get used to and is near instantaneous and particularly satisfying to the touch. Front shifting w/ the Force front derailleur & Stronglight CT2 chainrings is flawless as well; feels just about identical to my previous group (Dura Ace 7800). Ergonomics, which get talked up quite a bit, don't disappoint. These shifters are WAY more comfortable than any Shimano shifters I've used in the past (I wear a size Large glove if that makes any difference). Group is also silky smooth - I can't say enough about how nicely it runs together which is more a reflection on the chainrings, chain, & cassette (none of which are Force, admittedly) but which I hope gives reassurance for those concerned about noise like I was previously. For the money I don't think anything else can touch Force (except Rival) - I've ridden Red and there is literally no difference in performance and the few-gram difference can easily be reconciled by swapping the cassette & chain. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Strengths:
Shifting Quality & Reliability
Ergonomics
Price (relative to other groups these days and given the price it can actually be gotten for)
Aesthetics (a matter of taste)
Weight

Weaknesses:
Price: as mentioned in strengths, its one of the best deals out there for a group, but if one takes a step back and thinks about what these bike parts cost, it's still kind of out of control

Similar Products Used:
Shimano Tiagra 4400, 105 5500, 105 5600, Dura Ace 7800, SRAM Red

Price Paid:  $800.00 at lbs

Favorite Ride:
Tantalus

Bike Setup:
Cervelo SLC

Summary:
Front derailleur have broken down twice, it just stopped shifting. That is it after only 300 miles. I have 3 bikes so I did not really use this one that much. My LBS fixed it twice, plus adding a shim to help with the angle of FD hanger. This is terrible. I have used my Shimano 7800 since 2006 with no problem whatsoever. If this is what they call "Make the leap", it is probably "Leap into failure." Rear mechanism works fine and quick. I hate marketing hype and all money they spend on supporting pro tour team and crank out poor products like this group. Guys, stick with Campy or Shimano. SRAM MTB components work fine, though.

Strengths:
Light and not too expensive when it works.

Weaknesses:
Poor durability. Terrible.

Similar Products Used:
Shimano 7800, Campy Chorus 11.

Price Paid:  $850.00 at GVH.com

Favorite Ride:
Smooth Roads / Light Winds

Bike Setup:
2007 Specialized Roubaix Pro
FSA K-Force Stem & Handlebar
Fizik Aliante Saddle
Shimano RS80 Wheels
Vittoria Tires

Summary:
The disparity in the reviews here is amazing to me. Maybe it's the difference between the pre 2010 and the 2010 version? I really don’t know. My experience with this group has been excellent!

I installed the 2010 Force group with the exception of the chain and cassette on a 2007 Specialized Roubaix Pro frame. (I prefer Shimano chains and cassettes.) Fit and finish of the components is excellent and the group installed without a hitch working flawlessly on the first ride and for the last 300 miles. The only adjustments made in that time were for cable stretch.

I put over 6,000 miles on a Red group this year. Yes, you can’t run the small/small cross chain gear on the Red or the Force group. The chain doesn’t rub the derailleur; it rubs the large chain ring in this combination. So who cares? Don’t run that combination. Rear shifting is as solid and positive as the Red group. I think front shifting is even better than the Red group. I’m so impressed with it that I’ve ordered a Force FD for my Red equipped bike. You can’t tell the difference between the Red and Force shifters. They’re both excellent. Yes, they both require more physical force than Shimano shifters but I have grown to like it better than the soft shifting on the Shimano products. The stroke is shorter than the 7800. I have not ridden the 7900.

I use a 50/34 compact crank. That might be a reason for the difference in the reviews. I suppose the Shimano 7800 chain and Ultegra 11-23 cassette could make a difference too. Again, this setup shifts and rides beautifully. I couldn’t be happier.

Strengths:
Performance and looks.

Weaknesses:
None, really..

Similar Products Used:
Sram Red, Shimano Dura-Ace 7800, Shimano Ultegra 6600, Shimano 105

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Price Paid:  $1045.00 at Cycle Club Sports vi

Bike Setup:
2003 Trek 2300, 2010 SRAM Force and Fulcrum Racing 1 Wheels.

Summary:
This is for the 2010 Group. Simply put, this group rocks! I upgraded from Shimano Ultegra with a triple crank to this group with a compact crank. The crank arms are super stiff, the shifting is superb (I installed myself and have had none of the front shifting issues other users have complained about), and the brakes are powerful. To top it off, the group just looks incredible! It's too bad my frame is older, and scrathced up. I test rode Ultegra SL, Dura-Ace and Campy Record prior to purchase, and have found the Force to be every bit as good as the other "top shelf" groupos, and much better than the second line stuff. Compared to either Shimano or Campy, the shifting is lightning quick and responsive.

Strengths:
Great looks, efficient cranks, solid breaks, superb shifting and super light weight (lighter than DA and Record)! This group is light years ahead of my old Ultegra!

Weaknesses:
Hard to find. Hardly anyone has it, or is able to get it. This should be resolved as 2010 model year equipment continues to hit the market.

Similar Products Used:
Shimano Ultegra 6510 (I rode this for several years). Shimano Ultegra SL and Dura-Ace, Campy Record (All on test rides).

Price Paid:  $1441.00 at Colorado Cyclist

Summary:
Where do i start when talking about SRAM force. I got my bike 4 years ago with entry components and this past february i decided to upgrade everything except my frame. After looking i purchased the build kit from Colorado Cyclist for $1441. After that is history. There parts are amazing in every aspect. The double tap shifting has a 5 minute learning curve and by my third ride i was shifting while not even thinking about it. The cables stretch out a little the first few rides but thats typical with any bike. The shifting is smooth even when out of the saddle no jerks and you can accelerate extremely fast through the cassette due to SRAMS sprint groove set up. I commute daily to work and havent had any problems over the 1000 miles ive put on the parts. The shifting is great when going through traffic or even in a group ride trying to catch up or sprint.

The brakes are AMAZING in the gruppo. SRAM has done a great job with them but you need to be VERY careful when you first ride on them because they can be very touchy and you can potentially hurt yourself, i personally opened them a little because they were a little too tocuhy for me. Overall the gruppo is top of the line. From the weight to the shifting to the hidden cable aspect because they come out of the back of the shifters and will run underneath your handlebar tape.

Strengths:
Anything and everything. Shifting is quick and smooth, brakes stop on a dime.

Weaknesses:
just make sure you lube up before and after every ride to make sure it shifts as smoothly as possible.