Ok, so I was considering swapping my current Shimano 105 stuff for SRAM Rival group. I was holding off until I had a chance to ride it and until I can find a good deal. Well yesterday sierratrading post had Force group for 679 bucks. So on impulse I bought it. Great, but I still not sure if I will like the group. I was wondering if anyone has SRAM bikes in Irvine area that maybe I can ride to see if I like the shifting? Worst case I can probably flip the group on Craigslist.

Thanks.

I think you will like it. I have only tried SRAM twice but I liked the feel of the hoods and the simplicity of the shifting. Maddmike has a Roubaix with SRAM.

I've got a SRAM Force and have been very happy with it.

I tried it and liked it and the owner of the lbs said he has it and will never have anthing else.

Don't worry you'll love it. Last weekend I pulled all the old 105 gear off of my wifes bike and put all new Rival on (with the exception of a Shimano Compact Crank). I was very impressed on my first test ride of the bike and the wife loves it. If you are doing the build yourself you will find it just as easy as Shimano to install and easier to tweak. One thing I really like is how quick and sure the front dr shifting is. The double tap stuff takes about 5 minutes to get used to.

I am amazed to hear about the deal you got! That is smok'n!

Hi Umney,

I agree with the above posters. I have a bike that's SRAM Force and love everything about how it performs. I don't live in Irvine, but I ride with an Irvine based club (OCRR), so PM me and we can set up a time when you can ride my bike and see how you like the shifting.

Don't know what size you ride, obviously, but it's a 54 CM with Shimano SPD-L pedals.

Rick / OCRR

Go to a bike shop, find a bike with that group on it and test ride it.

I've bought a Specialized Roubaix with the SRAM force about six months now and couldn't be happier. I probably have about 3500 miles on it since I got it.

I love the fact you only have to deal with one lever and you don't have to move the brake lever like you do on Shimanno (Always thought that was a weird idea). It takes a little getting used to but, after a couple of rides it will be second nature. It's very responsive and quick. I've only had it adjusted once about a month after I bought it I guess because of cable stretch.

The best think I can say about it is I doubt if I will ever go back to Shimanno.

I live in HB but work in Irvine and can bring in the 58cm Roubaix if you want. PM me if you want to setup a meet.

If you got them with 175 cranks and you don't like the looks of the set when it arrives, just let me know, I'll take them off your hands

Yeah, you are going to hate the group. Why not just send it my way?

I will gladly buy it if you don't like it. seriously.

I missed out on that deal.

Thank you to Eric for allowing me to take his bike for a spin, and everyone for replying. I think I like the double tap action. Specially the ability to shift with a flick of a wrist during sprint! It took couple shifts to get used to it, only thing is up shifting I will need more practice with. One downside is that since the hoods are smaller I can't really grab on to them like I do with shimano stuff. Oh well. I will be switching to SRAM stuff, except the crank, when it comes in. I guess I will have carbon bling on my bike after all. lol.

Enjoy the force - it seems quite a few people are really digging it.

damn. so close. so so close.
It will be mine. one day, it will be mine.

It should arrive tomorrow. Will start stripping my bike off, and cleaning the damn thing. Will see if I can put it back together. First time I will be doing a "build".

www.parktool.com

Only thing I am worried about is the cable housing. I don't think I have correct tools to cut them short, plus I need to get barrel adjusters since now the cables will be running under the bartape (should arrive today ).