munk

I've been gone from bikes 10 years, at least. I've come back to a new world. I see Shimano still on top and this Sram...a challenger, different, better, Old China against Old Japan? WHat!?

Someone tell me!!


munk

Dannihilator

Sram is known for their gripshift parts, 9.0, X.0, and soon to be X.9, it works in a 1:1 ratio.

munk

You mean a movement on controller device will result in equal movement/travel on shifting device?

They make cranks, too.


munk

Dannihilator

No, but that is the nice thing about sram, you will be able to use what ever crankset you want, Race Face, Truvative, etc... Where in a couple of years you will only be able to use shimano parts with other shimano parts.

munk

I don't get it; why? How does the crank determine what derailer you use?



munk

Dannihilator

To translate what I said:
Shimano is starting to monopolize.

munk

No translation neccesary. The question still remains.

munk

Dannihilator

Look at the 2003 Shimano XTR, in a few years if you want to use a shimano bb you will have to use shimano cranks, in order for the xtr brakes to work you need to use shimano's shifter, which is sti, the brake lever doubles as the shifter, the disc brakes can only be used with xtr hubs, which will soon only be able to be used with XTR wheels, and each year each level will become like this. It is also rumored that shimano is developing the front deraillieur to be somehow integrated with the crank set. Don't forget a price increase with the parts. It's a long and confusing process. So the time is now to get an xt crankset, because in 2004, xt will be like xtr.

Bokkie

danka24 - you put that really well. Like you mentioned and it's almost quite subtle, but so many Shimano parts are intended to be used on specific drivetrain setups and configurations and it's very expensive to switch over to other Shimano setups later...unless of course, you contemplate a complete replacement as a package...at great expense.

It should not be like that. We should be able to mix-and-match as we want, within reason, but I've long suspected that the Big S has reasons for it's technology roadmap that does not necessarily benefit the biking community.

khuon

Hmmm... must have been quite a bit longer than 10 years. SRAM arrived heavily on the scene in 1990 although they had been around for a few years prior. then again, maybe I was more exposed to them by being in the Chicago area where they're based.

Bokkie

khuon - what's with your avatar? It looks a bit like a spaced out jelly. You on drugs or something?

Chi

It would be REALLY nice if SRAM made a front derailleur.

khuon

It's called The Useless Blob and somehow I felt it was appropriate.

munk

OK, that's what I was afraid of- Shimano designing their stuff so it just won't work or won't work well with other manufacturers components.

I'd initially thought it was the deal where if say, Trek, wanted a Shimano rear derailer they'd have to buy the crank too or nothing. There are many restrictions of trade in the US despite laws to the contrary. Many firearms manufacturers won't allow a distributor or shop to carry their brand and get the good guy price unless they agree not to carry so and so. Then you get Browning illegally establishing a ceiling price you cannot sell below.

In which case- more power to Sram. They are from China, right? Wrong? I'd like to see Japan lose it's stranglehold anyway.

as for me and riding, yes, somewhere in 90, 91, 92 or so I pretty much stopped. I got off the bike- and bought a truck. So ended a special time in my life. I'd ridden without a vehicle for 4 years.

Thanks all for the data, especially Danka. Forgive my bonehead questions.

munk

khuon

SRAM is a US company... started in Chicago, IL, USA. They now own Sachs and RockShox and they have offices and factories worldwide in such places as Ireland, Mexico, Germany and Taiwan.

munk

Even better.



munk

fubar5

SRAM kicksass and busts heads at the punk rock show. I switched to it from *****mano and haven't looked back..Except for my road bike.

KevinG

Campy young jedi, Campy!!

fubar5

The day will come.

KevinG

My day came today!!

Scooby Snax

Never knew Bianchi's came in another colour than that Green, JK, thats a sexy ride.

a2psyklnut

The question should be, "Why would you buy a Bianchi in any color BUT Celeste Green?" J/k KevG. Nice bike, for a roadie!

L8R

munk

What does a Bianchi Campy bike cost nowadays?



munk

KevinG

The Veloce retails for $1499.00.

fubar5

Whats' with the pansy spoke guard??

NIce bike dude