Southern California - Who's got SRAM on their roadie?

Anyone got SRAM instead of Shimano? I'm wanting to buy a new bike and the one that I'm interested in which is basically the '07 version of my '04 Specialized Roubaix comes equipped with a full SRAM gruppo. My current bike has full 105 and I can honestly say that I've had almost no major issues in 13k. I was kinda hoping to stick with Shimano but I also wanted to get past the 105 level. The salesman had nothing but good things to say about the SRAM Rival gruppo when I expresed my concern about switching to a brand that I didn't know much about. Does anyone here currently ride with this gruppo? If so, what are your feelings about it? What level Shimano does the Rival gruppo compare to? Any info would be much appreciated. Specialized does offer an Ultegra version of this model, but I don't particularly care for the color scheme, and the Dura-Ace equipped model is out of my price range. It just so happens that the color that I want comes with a gruppo that I don't know much about.

I don't have any long term experience with SRAM Rival but I have liked the test rides I have done with the gruppo. It seems to be about on par with Ultegra in terms of cost, finish etc. Re. your color preferences, my LBS was willing to swap component groups between the red Roubaix Comp SRAM compact version and the blue/black Ultegra triple version at no extra cost. Perhaps yours would be willing to do the same if you prefer Shimano but like the red frame.

I haven't tried the Sram Rival gruppo but I did I test ride an Orbea Opal equipped with Sram Force. Loved it. Shifting was crisp and smooth and it wasn't too difficult getting used to the new system. The hoods are comfortable and since I have small hands, it is really nice to be able to shift up or down without moving your hand position (Shimano levers were a bit of a reach for me, even with shims to help).

I was doing some homework and found this review, which was helpful:
http://www.glorycycles.com/srforogrre.html

I asked my mechanic his opinion on Sram. He said the gruppo was top quality but durability is still an unknown, as it has only been on the market for a short time. I am still doing more homework, but my next bike will most likely be Sram-equipped.

Maddmike does.

Anyone got SRAM instead of Shimano? I'm wanting to buy a new bike and the one that I'm interested in which is basically the '07 version of my '04 Specialized Roubaix comes equipped with a full SRAM gruppo. My current bike has full 105 and I can honestly say that I've had almost no major issues in 13k. I was kinda hoping to stick with Shimano but I also wanted to get past the 105 level. The salesman had nothing but good things to say about the SRAM Rival gruppo when I expresed my concern about switching to a brand that I didn't know much about. Does anyone here currently ride with this gruppo? If so, what are your feelings about it? What level Shimano does the Rival gruppo compare to? Any info would be much appreciated. Specialized does offer an Ultegra version of this model, but I don't particularly care for the color scheme, and the Dura-Ace equipped model is out of my price range. It just so happens that the color that I want comes with a gruppo that I don't know much about.

Aren't they able to swap the components, the roubaix expert triple and compact rival have the same list price, you'd think they could put the ultegra components on the color scheme you prefer. Did they give you the option for that, or just want to charge you more?

The rival series is supposed to be Ultegra level.

I have a partial SRAM Force grouppo (Levers and derailers).

They work great. A cross between Dura-Ace and Campy.

After using them for 7 months now, I am sold on SRAM :)

Go test a bike with SRAM and see how you like it. The Rival and Force work the same in design.

I just picked up my Specialized Roubaix on thursday and had the firsts ride yesterday (3/17). I must say I was prett impressed witht the SRAM Rival. It was very sharp and clean. The double tap system takes all of about 5 minutes to get used to, them it seems much simpler than the shimano system of the brake lever as a gear shift lever. Mine was a little out of adjustmemt but it was pretty simple to adjust. I did manage however to break the chain going up a short hill although I don't think this was related to the shifters at all. My only concern is that the front derailleur might not allow for use of both steps. I think it might be just a matter of adjustment though. Remember, I've only ridden 80 miles on it so far, but, I was pretty impressed.

Updated April 4 2007:

Okay, I've had the SRam Rival gruppo for about 400 miles now and I absolutely love them. It's so nice to be able to shift gears from the hoods and in the drops -- even while breaking! When I first got a bike with the Shimano Levers I thought the whole idea of using the brake lever as a shifter was a bad idea and now I'm convinced even more that it's a horibble idea. I think SRam has it right with the double tap system.

I've just recently built my PF with full SRAM Force (about 5 days ago). I've put about 120 miles so far and I am not 100% on SRAM v. Shimano and have never ridden Campy. I like SRAM as it looks better then Shimano but as fars functionality - easy to get used to, shifts quickly, light etc. My drive train is a little too noisy for me at the moment and may need an adjustment. My personal opinion - I would stay with Shimano or go Campy and I say that because both Campy and Shimano have had real world testing and experience on road parts. SRAM road gruppo is still too new and will go through several design iterations.

The usual discaimer apply here - I've never owned a carbon frame, my wheels are an upgrade and never ridden campy.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/sshakari/pf1.jpg

That's a slick-lookin' ride!

I installed a SRAM Force group on my Ti-GT Edge a couple of months ago, and I like it a lot! I had Ultegra before, and while I did have reasonable service from the Ultegra, I like the SRAM much better, esp. for the shifting ease.

I have the compact crank and the shifting for all 10 speeds in the rear and the two in front are crisp and clean; very fast and no problem. The only option was the addition of compressionless housing, since the shifting was a tad (but I could tell the difference) slower and less precise with the SRAM casing.

I have 34-50 front and 11-26 rear and it's worked out well for me. GMR was no problem until I got about half way up to the ski lifts; then I was wishing for my Shimano triple!

Overall though, great group and it's just amazing how far bikes have progressed since my first Peugeot PX-10 in '68!

Best Regs,
Rick / OCRR

PS: Still using Shimano headset, pedals and hubs

I have SRAM cassettes. Granted, i can't really make a comparison between SRAM and Shimano since i've never used Shimano cassettes, but so far so good with all 3 that i've got (all 12-26 on 3 different wheel sets between two bikes).

I don't have any long term experience with SRAM Rival but I have liked the test rides I have done with the gruppo. It seems to be about on par with Ultegra in terms of cost, finish etc. Re. your color preferences, my LBS was willing to swap component groups between the red Roubaix Comp SRAM compact version and the blue/black Ultegra triple version at no extra cost. Perhaps yours would be willing to do the same if you prefer Shimano but like the red frame.

I've been to 2 Specialized dealers so far and none offered to do this for me. I commented to both salesman that I had my heart set on one color but that I really wanted Shimano instead of SRAM. I suspect that the one bike store didn't extend the offer as the most expensive model they stock is about $1500 and all others above that need to be ordered. The other store on the other hand has plenty of the higher end models in stock, but as I previously stated, the salesman made no component swap offer. I was thinking of buyng just the "07 red Roubaix frame and building it up with my personal choice of components, but that frame is $2400 alone and by the time I was done with it I'd be way past my budget.

UC Cyclery in San Diego was the LBS that offered to do it without asking when I commented that I preferred the other color.

I've been to 2 Specialized dealers so far and none offered to do this for me. I commented to both salesman that I had my heart set on one color but that I really wanted Shimano instead of SRAM. I suspect that the one bike store didn't extend the offer as the most expensive model they stock is about $1500 and all others above that need to be ordered. The other store on the other hand has plenty of the higher end models in stock, but as I previously stated, the salesman made no component swap offer. I was thinking of buyng just the "07 red Roubaix frame and building it up with my personal choice of components, but that frame is $2400 alone and by the time I was done with it I'd be way past my budget.

I have to think if you went into the 2nd store (the one with inventory) and said you'd take the red one with the shimano, they'd make that happen for you.

If you live near Santa Monica, try Cynergy Cycles. It's a Specialized Concept store (whatever that means.) I've never bought a bike there, but I go in often and they've always treated me well.

I have to think if you went into the 2nd store (the one with inventory) and said you'd take the red one with the shimano, they'd make that happen for you.

If you live near Santa Monica, try Cynergy Cycles. It's a Specialized Concept store (whatever that means.) I've never bought a bike there, but I go in often and they've always treated me well.

I'll take your advice. If that doesn't work, then I guess I'll be takin a little drive down to SD. It'll give me an excuse to visit family while I'm there.

Thanks for this thread. I recently picked up a Steelman frame at an incredible price. I was leaning towards SRAM over Shimano, and now i'm pretty much sold on it.

Jeff

I have large hands and didn't like the feel of the hoods. Under hard braking I felt like I could slide right over the top. The shifting was excellent and the one click two click would not be too hard to get adjusted to.

My PF is the poor-mans version of sshakaris ;). The SRAM Rival group on this build is my first SRAM kit, and I'm very undecided. I have Ultegra 9 and Dura-Ace 9 on different bikes and the fit and finish on the SRAM stuff is every bit as nice as the Shimano stuff. My only complaints are 1) on Shimano when you're already in the lowest rear gear and you try for that 'please let there be another lower gear back there' click on Shimano you just hit a hard stop with your brifter, with SRAM if you're not careful you'll shift to a higher gear - just exactly what I don;t want when I was already burning 2) the action is a bit it too long for my taste. I'd be very happy if I could adjust the shift distance to be a hair-trigger few mm. You can actually pull the shift lever close to the bar and the action gets more reasonable, but while that may be a good sprinting technique I'm not going to ride that way generally. The upsides are they're cheaper Ultegra vs Rival, and they're rebuildable.

Generally....meh, maybe. If I could adjust them for a hair-trigger twitch-shift I'd be happier.

http://minion.nu/images/PF_New_Build.jpg

My PF is the poor-mans version of sshakaris ;). The SRAM Rival group on this build is my first SRAM kit, and I'm very undecided. I have Ultegra 9 and Dura-Ace 9 on different bikes and the fit and finish on the SRAM stuff is every bit as nice as the Shimano stuff. My only complaints are 1) on Shimano when you're already in the lowest rear gear and you try for that 'please let there be another lower gear back there' click on Shimano you just hit a hard stop with your brifter, with SRAM if you're not careful you'll shift to a higher gear - just exactly what I don;t want when I was already burning 2) the action is a bit it too long for my taste. I'd be very happy if I could adjust the shift distance to be a hair-trigger few mm. You can actually pull the shift lever close to the bar and the action gets more reasonable, but while that may be a good sprinting technique I'm not going to ride that way generally. The upsides are they're cheaper Ultegra vs Rival, and they're rebuildable.

Generally....meh, maybe. If I could adjust them for a hair-trigger twitch-shift I'd be happier.



Great build. I have to agree with you on first point the action and the travel distance of the SRAM. How do you like the frame?

Great build. I have to agree with you on first point the action and the travel distance of the SRAM. How do you like the frame?

I'm still getting it dialed in, but I really like it. I was a bit worried that it would be too stiff, but it's softer than any of my aluminum bikes. I've just been commuting with it but it rides very nicely. Even with a moderate build I'm it's just about 17lbs so I did pretty well weight wise.