SRAM Red or DA

[itsnotarace]

Ok so I am now considering my next bike™ build and am considering a SRAM Red build both for cost and weight reasons, however I was wondering how it compares to DA (asides from obvious differences such as double tap) in terms of actual functionality / long term usage / general wear and tear / overall running costs / serviceability etc.

Have been a Shimano rider literally forever so am well versed in their offerings in both road and MTB. I tested but didn't enjoy SRAM Rival back at the beginning of the year - seemed a bit clunky in terms of shift quality and although I'm sure I would get used to doubletap quickly, I'm just a bit wary if Red is no better aside from component weight.

I have done a fair amount of research myself and it seems that the cassettes are obviously costly to replace and the front mech is a bit weak, so was considering the 8 piece groupset from Fudges to save costs a bit further, and maybe use a Shimano cassette instead.

Lastly, are the brakes any good?

FWIW I would rather save up a bit longer and get DA if the shift quality is that much better, despite the weight penalty

[Raven Flyer]

I would have thought the cassette was the jewel in the crown.

Double tap makes Shim shifters feel like friction levers. At this level, be it Red or DA, you are talking serious competition designed kit that has had every superfluous gramme of unobtanium cnc'd away. Just don't expect it to be quiet.

[itsnotarace]

Raven Flyer said:

Just don't expect it to be quiet.

How come dude? I have ridden DA and it's almost silent and the indexing is really slick, really fast shifts in both directions. I'm hoping that Red is pretty close

[Parsnip]

Try both - The one reason I prefer DA to Red (I'm assuming I would get used to double tap, so not holding that against the SRAM) is the shape of the hoods - DA I like, Red I do not.

[Raven Flyer]

Indexing on both will be precision but the lack of material in the cassettes means that there is no density to kill the noise. Its not loud, but it is louder.

[LRdriver II]

Have you tried the new 7900 DA? Or is finish/texture/colours important for the look of the next superbike build?

[neilski]

Neither. Campagnolo Super Record 11S it where it's at.

http://www.r11.campagnolo.com/en/index/index.jsp

Or Record if you're a bit of a pikey.

[itsnotarace]

Raven Flyer said:

Indexing on both will be precision but the lack of material in the cassettes means that there is no density to kill the noise. Its not loud, but it is louder.

Gotcha, thanks. Not so much of a concern as dropping large on cassettes is not high on my list. I'd take durability/cheap replacement cost over weight in that area so would be looking at Ultegra/Force in that respect. Have always found the best investment is in the shifters/brakes rather than the mech's/cassettes

LRdriver II said:

Have you tried the new 7900 DA? Or is finish/texture/colours important for the look of the next superbike build?

Yes have tried DA and XTR, but only Rival in SRAM's range. I'm currently riding on 105 5600 which I am perfectly happy with but would feel a bit substandard on a £1500 frame if that makes sense

[anonymous-user]

Parsnip said:

Try both - The one reason I prefer DA to Red (I'm assuming I would get used to double tap, so not holding that against the SRAM) is the shape of the hoods - DA I like, Red I do not.

the shape of the hoods is crucial, i have big hands and cant get comfy on campag shifters but shimano stuff fits like a glove. never tried sram for a long period of time so cant comment.

[HundredthIdiot]

Force is better than Red, preferably with a Shimano cassette. The Red BB has absurd servicing requirements and the Red cassette is shockingly loud in a really irritating way.

I've not used DA, only 105 & Ultegra (and Campag Veloce), but prefer the "positive" SRAM and Campag shift quality.

[lou_m]

I went from DA7800 to Sram Red levers and rear mech. Love the shifters, want to get some cheap rival ones for my winter bike now. The Red cassette on the other is loud compaired to shimano cassettes or lesser Sram ones. I have a few different wheel sets all with different cassettes and the Shimano Ultegra is probably the best value/performance. Red does look bling though!

I've done over 3500 miles since fitting the levers and have no issues what so ever.

[option click]

neilski said:

Neither. Campagnolo Super Record 11S it where it's at.

+1

[itsnotarace]

option click said:

neilski said:

Neither. Campagnolo Super Record 11S it where it's at.

+1

Ummm.... no thanks

Edited by itsnotarace on Friday 15th October 10:40

[neilski]

itsnotarace said:

option click said:

neilski said:

Neither. Campagnolo Super Record 11S it where it's at.

+1

Ummm.... no thanks

Pah! That's chump change compared to one of these which I have on my bike. Funnily enough, it doesn't get replaced annually.

So you fall into the "unless you're a pikey" category then?

[itsnotarace]

If money was no object (and I had a Colnago frame to put it on), then yes - my heart would choose Campy SR every time including the re-tooling required to work on it myself. Alas, it's way out of my price range and I can't bring myself to buy a third tier groupset (Chorus) instead of either Red or DA at the same(ish) price point.

Think I need to test ride a Red equipped bike to see if I could live with it

[CerbitonFlyer]

I can't comment on SRAM Red as I've never ridden it, but as far as the DoubleTap levers go I absolutely love them. The biggest bonus with them is the fact that you can shift into a higher gear whilst on the drops, whereas with Shimano you need to be on the hoods. Perfect for when you are absoltely steaming along

[Tomatogti]

Best answer is to test ride both as they are quite different and it's very much personal preference (as the range of responses is showing). I'll let you have my preference anyway(!) - I would rather take Shimano over SRAM every time (and that's as a SRAM sponsored road racer). If you like a light action I would recommend Shimano, if you prefer a more solid action then would recommend Campag (Record or Chorus if Super Record is outside budget) - likewise both Ultegra and to some extent 105 are still v. good groupsets (make sure you're getting latest versions released over last couple of years for Ultegra/105).

[Mr Will]

CerbitonFlyer said:

I can't comment on SRAM Red as I've never ridden it, but as far as the DoubleTap levers go I absolutely love them. The biggest bonus with them is the fact that you can shift into a higher gear whilst on the drops, whereas with Shimano you need to be on the hoods. Perfect for when you are absoltely steaming along

You can shift both ways from the drops on everything from Tiagra up in the Shimano range, unless I'm missing something

[Parsnip]

Mr Will said:

CerbitonFlyer said:

I can't comment on SRAM Red as I've never ridden it, but as far as the DoubleTap levers go I absolutely love them. The biggest bonus with them is the fact that you can shift into a higher gear whilst on the drops, whereas with Shimano you need to be on the hoods. Perfect for when you are absoltely steaming along

You can shift both ways from the drops on everything from Tiagra up in the Shimano range, unless I'm missing something

I suspect he has got campag and shimano confused...

[neilski]

Parsnip said:

Mr Will said:

CerbitonFlyer said:

I can't comment on SRAM Red as I've never ridden it, but as far as the DoubleTap levers go I absolutely love them. The biggest bonus with them is the fact that you can shift into a higher gear whilst on the drops, whereas with Shimano you need to be on the hoods. Perfect for when you are absoltely steaming along

You can shift both ways from the drops on everything from Tiagra up in the Shimano range, unless I'm missing something

I suspect he has got campag and shimano confused...

But you can shift both ways from the drops on Campag Ergopower shifters, unless I'm missing something.