Anyone using a SRAM Force compact crankset with 6700 or 7900?
 

I'm curious about how much of Shimano's amazing front shifting is due to the chainrings. Is the front shifting dependent on using a complete matching set of components?

In particular . . . is anyone using a SRAM Force compact crankset with 6700 or 7900 chain, front derailleur, front brifter, etc? If you are, how is it going? How good is the front shifting with this setup?

Please bear with my rookie knowledge...

I'm not sure if SRAM does this too, but I know that on Dura Ace, Shimano machines the teeth on the big ring so the chain can hop up easier.

I have an Ultegra SL crank on a bike that is otherwise SRAM equipped.

SRAM cranks suck.

Yeah, that's what I suspect. I'm wondering if anyone has challenged the fates and actually tried it, though.

I run a Rival compact rank on my Ultegra bike.

No problems.

-Z

Is it a 6700 Ultegra bike? And . . . "no problems" is one thing . . . how crisp is the shifting?

Thanks for the reply.

As crisp as the air on a cold winter's day...

Look, I've been around this deal for... well, for a long time. I'm pretty jaded.

Shifting performance is in the mind of the rider. What you call "crisp", another rider may not like.

To answer your question directly, I don't know the group number. Its old 9-speed Ultegra. I hit the lever, it moves the chain. Fast. Every time.

I've ridden the new Ultegra and D-A, I can't tell the difference. SRAM seems to do a nice job of sourcing their chainrings. The bigger factor is how well the front der. is tuned.

Not sure if that makes you feel any better, but its all I got. You really can't go wrong here, but you COULD make yourself crazy overthinking it. Many here do.

-Z

That communicates, Z. We disagree.

IMLTHO, 6700 offers front shifting unlike anything I've experienced in 40 years of cycling. Very slick and fuss-free. Now . . . as for rear shifting? I'm in your camp. Nothing new under the sun there.

I have one bike with older Ultegra 9 speed and one with Ultegra 6700. The older one shifts up front at least as well as the 6700. You've got me worried that something is wrong with my newer group, even though it shifts extremely well.

I prefer either of the above to the shifting of my Rival equipped bike (which is still good).

That is great!

-Z