Originally Posted by
FlashBazbo
I have a mixed SRAM groupset (including Force crankset and brakes) and my bike weighs out at 14.99 lbs with cages and pedals. The weight difference isn't that big a deal. I have Red shifters. Zero loss isn't that big a deal. (SRAM shifting isn't that great, regardless. If you were into the nuances of shifting performance, you wouldn't be buying SRAM.) Go with whichever you want. Styling is a difference nobody is talking about -- but it may be as important as the other factors. Styling is why I'm riding a Force crankset -- I can't stand the stamped sheet metal look of Red chainrings.
You must have Red derailleurs if you have Red shifters. Red isn't compatible with any other group set because it uses a different cable-pull/derailleur movement ratio. Force is actually exactly the same as all other SRAM groupsets but Red in mechanical design. It's just nicer because of weight and materials used.
This is information directly from a SRAM rep.