Group set questions
Discussion
Hi everyone, I was just wanting to get a few opinions. I currently ride Dura Ace and I've been really pleased, but I've recently purchased a Trek 2.5 frame and will be building it up fairly shortly. My question is, I've heard some really good reports about the Sram groupsets (red) and was wondering if anyone has got experience of riding these, and would it be a genuine alternative to the Dura Ace groupset?
One way to find out - try it. Some people prefer the shifting or the hood shapes, etc. Also try Super Record, as it too has its followers. At this level it's not really down to longevity or build quality, they're all good, so it's what feels best to you overall - not just physically but also psychologically, e.g. SRAM is a tad lighter and looks more carbony for that feelgood bling effect that some people like, etc. Personally I like DA, as it's by far the smoothest and I don't need to continually fiddle around with the settings.
If I were building up a new bike now I'd try to find a deal on Di2.
If I were building up a new bike now I'd try to find a deal on Di2.
I used Red for a couple of years & in the main I was happy with it. The flaws I found in the group were that SRAM chains were weak, I snapped 2. The bottom brackets are rubbish, I ended up using the cheapo Force GXP versions instead & would go thru 2 a season. The upshifts whilst really pressing on the pedals ( stood up climbing) are brutal. I always thought something was gonna let go...never did tho.
On the plus side it's light, looks good, the brakes are excellent. I got on well enough with the double tap system & found it intuitive enough. You'd have to try it & see if you like the feel of it.
I'm back on Shimano now & use DA7900. But with the marginal gains in weight & performance I'd probably stick 105 5700 or Ultegra 6700 on a Trek 2.5, either that or Force.
On the plus side it's light, looks good, the brakes are excellent. I got on well enough with the double tap system & found it intuitive enough. You'd have to try it & see if you like the feel of it.
I'm back on Shimano now & use DA7900. But with the marginal gains in weight & performance I'd probably stick 105 5700 or Ultegra 6700 on a Trek 2.5, either that or Force.
+1 for trying them.
I rode DA for ages and was tempted by Red, tried it in a shop and wasn't even on the saddle before I decided I hated the way the hoods felt - wrong shape for my hands.
Similarly, I hate the campy "thumb shift" as I can't reach it from the drops the way I hold them.
Never played with Di2, but if you are looking at a top of the line groupset (which you obviously are) then it would be mad to not consider it.
I rode DA for ages and was tempted by Red, tried it in a shop and wasn't even on the saddle before I decided I hated the way the hoods felt - wrong shape for my hands.
Similarly, I hate the campy "thumb shift" as I can't reach it from the drops the way I hold them.
Never played with Di2, but if you are looking at a top of the line groupset (which you obviously are) then it would be mad to not consider it.
Parsnip said:
+1 for trying them.
I rode DA for ages and was tempted by Red, tried it in a shop and wasn't even on the saddle before I decided I hated the way the hoods felt - wrong shape for my hands.
Similarly, I hate the campy "thumb shift" as I can't reach it from the drops the way I hold them.
Never played with Di2, but if you are looking at a top of the line groupset (which you obviously are) then it would be mad to not consider it.
Di2's in a completely different league to even Dura-Ace really.I rode DA for ages and was tempted by Red, tried it in a shop and wasn't even on the saddle before I decided I hated the way the hoods felt - wrong shape for my hands.
Similarly, I hate the campy "thumb shift" as I can't reach it from the drops the way I hold them.
Never played with Di2, but if you are looking at a top of the line groupset (which you obviously are) then it would be mad to not consider it.
With you on hating campy shifting, don't get it at all.
I really liked the double tap stuff but would choose Shimano if pressed. SRAM is lighter though, worth bearing in mind.
OP; give it a go, it really is personal preference.
shalmaneser said:
With you on hating campy shifting, don't get it at all.
Like you say - personal preference.The way I hold the drops when giving it the beans - on the horizontal bottom bit of anatomic bars - it is impossible for me to hit the campy shift lever, with Shimano I can just reach it.
I'm not a Shimano fanboy by any stretch of the imagination, just Campy doesn't really work for me.
At the end of the day, all of the big 3 are pretty similar (Di2 is obviously a bit unique) and all do the job, so something as small as the shape of the hoods or a few grams saved is often the decider.
Thanks for all the feedback everyone, interesting comments about the Sram hoods. Will try it out, but little things like that make a bit difference to the overall riding experience, so it will be interesting. I've ridden Campag also for many years, but I just prefer the 'feel' that Shimano give, so with that in mind I'm erring towards the Dura Ace. We shall see.
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