SRAM Rival Groupset
07-22-09 | 01:48 PM
#27
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 3
From: Miami, FL
Bikes: 2009 BMC SLX01/2016 Santa Cruz Bronson
07-22-09 | 02:32 PM
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 118
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I rode a bike with rival when I was test riding stuff, and I liked it a lot. The shimano shifted a bit smoother, and it was quieter, but neither of those are really important, especially the noise. I have seen where some people complain that the SRAM is too loud, which seems pretty stupid. Why does it matter if it's loud, as long as it gets the job done. For the value, it's a great deal, and I don't think you can really go wrong. If you are looking at bikes, ride some with both groups and see which you prefer. Both brands make top notch stuff.
07-22-09 | 02:36 PM
#29
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,198
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From: Houston, TX
Bikes: 2007 Orbea Onix, 2007 Windsor The Hour, 2008 Kona Jake
I rode a bike with rival when I was test riding stuff, and I liked it a lot. The shimano shifted a bit smoother, and it was quieter, but neither of those are really important, especially the noise. I have seen where some people complain that the SRAM is too loud, which seems pretty stupid. Why does it matter if it's loud, as long as it gets the job done. For the value, it's a great deal, and I don't think you can really go wrong. If you are looking at bikes, ride some with both groups and see which you prefer. Both brands make top notch stuff.
07-22-09 | 02:56 PM
#30
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 169
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Being someone who has owned Ultegra and now SRAM Rival '09, I can say after thousands of miles on each, Rival is better. IMO, it comes in just a hair under DA 7800 overall. The crankset on Rival has a better stiffness to weight ratio, it's lighter than Ultegra SL, and shifter/brakes work better. I can see why many pro teams are moving to SRAM, their groups are solid. I'm not a Shimano hater either, love their stuff, but I really like Rival both for performance and price.
And I'm not a Rival hater either, I just wasn't happy with the finish, and question the long term durability (rival '08). Rival is a worthy investment however, for the price.
The double tap is goofy, but to each their own.......
Of course, I still prefer my downtube shifting bike on certain occasions.
07-22-09 | 03:06 PM
#31
Banned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28,387
Likes: 3
From: Santa Barbara, CA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac SL2, Specialized Tarmac SL, Giant TCR Composite, Specialized StumpJumper Expert HT
