SRAM Groupset

[Romanov]

Hi,

Need a bit of advice from the more experienced members.

I've been cycling for about three years. Started out with a Evans Cycles Specialized Secteur Sport (62cms) with Sora triple groupset. Over the years I've upgraded the wheels, Brakes seat post. However my Sora groupset is really starting to wear out. Test rode a few bikes and like the SRam Force double tap groupset. ( can't afford the Red).

My bike is really comfortable so have been struggling with swapping this. Also as fat as I can see. Anything upto £1000 you get a good frame and cheap components. So don't want to fork out £1,500 for a good frame, wheels that I will change and back to shiimano Sora or tiagra.

My thinking is this. Keep the frame. Upgrade the groupset to SRAM Force.

Options on this decision would be very much welcomed.

Second question.

I want to move from a triple to a compact, but when looking at the popular cycling websites there seems to be a million different options and configurations. Can someone advise a good groupset component list. My budget is around £650

Cheers

John

 

[Hacienda71]

Up grading the groupset is not cheap, the shifters and crank being the bits that cost a lot and probably the bits that haven't worn out on your bike. All that said, I bought a Sram Apex groupset for iiirc circa £400 from High on Bikes. It is lighter than a comparable 105 triple and has performed fine. I have had one problem with a shifter but it was replaced in a few days under warranty. My comment would be that going from a triple to a compact you will notice the large drop when dropping of the big ring. I normally end shifting the rear at the same time as the front to compensate. I would look at a 50:36 on a compact rather a 50:34 unless you really struggle on hills.

 

[Romanov]

Thanks Sound advice. I wonder if you could answer the following. Im intending on fitting a 10 speed cassette. What ratio would you recommend?
Thanks

 

[Rob3rt]

SRAM Force would be a great choice IMO.

Wouldn't bother with a compact though.

 

[Hacienda71]

Re Cassette it depends on what terrain you are riding and how fit you are. Do you use the granny ring on your triple much or do you find you rarely need the middle ring and tend to be in the big ring more often than not?

 

[Romanov]

SRAM Force would be a great choice IMO.

Wouldn't bother with a compact though.

Thanks Rob, what would you recommend other than the compact

 

[Romanov]

Re Cassette it depends on what terrain you are riding and how fit you are. Do you use the granny ring on your triple much or do you find you rarely need the middle ring and tend to be in the big ring more often than not?

Fitness wise, not too bad. Average about 14mph on most rides. I live in rural Sussex, pretty hilly in every direction so most rides I take in decent hills. These days I rarely use the centre ring and never the granny.

 

[Rob3rt]

A standard double.

 

[Hacienda71]

If you are not using the Granny go for a double as Rob says you can always start with a 28 on the rear.

 

[Scoosh]

SRAM Force is fairly high up the SRAM chain. I have SRAM Rival and it's fine - though I have had to change the rear hanger for one from Apex, as I needed a 32 ring .

If you are going from Sora, Apex or Rival would be a step up - but don't let me put you off getting what you really want !

 

[Cycleops]

The only problem re changing the groupset is that you won't recover the money come selling time. You'd really be better off selling your bike and buying one with the gear you like on it.

 

[tigger]

As per Scoosh, I'd say Apex or Rival are better suited/value for that frame. 50 34 compact is standard now and works for me. 11 28 or 11 32 cassette will give you a bigger range than your current triple.

 

[Rob3rt]

The only problem re changing the groupset is that you won't recover the money come selling time. You'd really be better off selling your bike and buying one with the gear you like on it.

Not really....

 

[jiggerypokery]

I've had Force 2010 and now have the 2012 groupset and TBH it's worked perfectly in all conditions. Easy to fettle and maintain, shifting is smooth and the SRAM double-tap levers are intuitive to say the least - go for it!

As was stated earlier, Force is an order of magnitude different to Rival and is only just short of Red in terms of the trickle down of technology.

Standard double is fine.