Weight Weinies, Say Hello to the SRAM Force
Set for release in 2007, the SRAM Force is on pace to set the standard for high end cycling drivetrains. According to SRAM, the Force is going to be 60 grams lighter than the competition, the Shimano Dura-Ace. The new SRAM system will allow shifting with a single leaver located behind the break leaver. For example, a short push will drop the chain to a smaller ring, while a long push will push the chain to an easier cog. The Force is put together with carbon break levers and magnesium shifters, and the cranks are all carbon. The rear derailer is aluminum, magnesium and more carbon.
There is also the little brother of the Force, the Rival. The Rival drops a lot of the carbon for aluminum, but features the same shifting system as the Force. According to SRAM, the Rival will be 233 grams lighter than the Ultegra. The Rival cranks will be hollow-forged aluminum, a new technology for SRAM.
It is a good thing that these won’t be out until 2007 because I am going to need time to save up for them. The Rival system will debut at around $1,100, and the Force will run $1,800 (ouch!) respectively. No word yet on concrete release dates.
Larger shops should already be getting their first couple groups (at least Force), distributors say they should be readily available by mid-October. I’ve seen them in person at 2 separate shops (one in DC, another in Seattle)… they look nice.
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