Originally Posted by
cj3209
I have had two SRAM Force groupsets and I am def. not impressed. On both bikes, the front derailleur shifting is poor (I'm being nice) in comparison to Shimano GRX and Ultegra. There seems to be an issue with my front derailleur chain stop (maybe it got bent) but the chain kept coming off while I was pedaling hard (this happens on both bikes). This has stopped me from looking at SRAM eTap groupsets.
So far, after nearly 200 miles, Ekar is working very well and the shifts are smooth and I don't miss electronic shifting, at all. The gear range is perfect for me (I usually ride 20-60 miles) on tarmac. I have another 1X gravel bike (Shimano GRX) but the 11-speed range (50/34F; 11-34R) doesn't work on the road for me; although, for gravel, it's fine, and that's what I use it for.
Good to know! I do most of my riding on tarmac and as much as I like GRX on paper, I still haven't ridden a bike equipped with it and it's what I'm leaning towards for the next bike.
I thought I read that the ekar has the option of a "regular" cassette and one for climbing, and I was pretty curious to give em both a shot despite the extremely flat area in which I live.
I'm also a bit surprised with your take on Sram. My brother's bike has a 1x Sram force DT, and I love the way it feels shifting on tarmac. I just can't seem to shift the way I want in bumpy terrain. Either way, thanks for your insight. Definitely more to consider before bike shopping again