On Test: 2012 SRAM Red Impressions

I opened up my 2012 SRAM Red review process a couple days ago here, but it was based on the building process and a few initial rides.  After a few more rides and a bunch more miles, I'm remembering why SRAM is so popular in these parts.

For me, there were two major areas to be covered with 2012 Red: front shifting and ergonomics.  Previous generations of SRAM road groups had some lack-luster front shifting that's been covered ad nauseam, so I'll let that one be.  The ergonomics were of concern because I really liked them and didn't want them to change.

Front shifting for 2012 Red, to be straight to the point, is roughly 12,496 times better than before.  My current setup is using Cannondale rings, solely because I had them and didn't want to buy something new, and still shifts wonderfully.  Going from the small ring to the big is smooth, quick, consistent, and light to the touch.  Shifting from the big ring to the small is fast and accurate, and without the trim function on the shifters also requires a much lighter touch.

What is it about this new system that makes the shift that much better?  The Yaw front derailleur no doubt plays a vital role, but I also feel the lever itself helps out.  I'm not sure if it's longer or if the leverage ratio has changed at all, but it seems that a lighter touch is needed to make shifts.

The integrated Chain Catcher is also a really nice touch as it's design allows independent adjustment from the front derailleur.  Chain retention systems have become incredibly popular ever since the Schleck Incident, but we've been using them for some time and this one offers unmatched ease of set-up.

The 2012 Red rear derailleur is mostly unchanged, which in my opinion is a great thing.  SRAM's rear shifting has always been fast and precise, not something I would mess with either.  Graphics have been redesigned to match the rest of the new group but the important stuff is as it should be.

Ergonomics are gladly only slightly massaged.  The shift levers find themselves in a very familiar position, though the brake levers and hoods have been slightly reworked.  I can say if were riding in the drops I probably wouldn't notice much other than an easier reach to the brake lever.

The upturn at the front of the hood concerned me when I saw early drawings, but once installed on my bike I didn't notice the extra height.  That is, I didn't notice the height until I hit a sizable rock on the DPRT that may have knocked my hand off of the hoods with a less exaggerated shape.

Gore housing coming stock is a nice touch, though for my use I'll probably be switching over to the Gore Sealed System for cyclocross.  For this original build of 2012 SRAM Red I wanted to use the cables/housing that came stock for a more accurate representation of what customers will get out of the box.

So far I'm psyched on 2012 Red.  I delayed the switch because I have been very happy with Dura-Ace, but SRAM was smart and addressed the few issues they had, improved on the things that were already good, all while improving their industry-leading weight.

Now, how about making some other colors available aftermarket?  Not all of us are looking for a splash of the color red on our bikes....

On Test: 2012 SRAM Red

I hemmed, and I hawed.  The previous generation of SRAM Red was good, the rear shifting was great, the weight was the best, but the front shifting was just never there.  When perfectly set up, it shifted fine, but not exceptionally.

After a few years of experience, SRAM kicked out 2012 Red, which has addressed all of the major concerns of their top-level group.

Ergonomics were always one of the strongest points of SRAM, so the change to a new lever shape concerned me.  But what works for me doesn't necessarily work for everyone, and we heard some people talking about a sharp edge on the back of the lever bothering some hands.  SRAM addressed this issue by smoothing the transition from the lever to the bars and adding some rubber inserts if someone still feels some pressure at the rear of the lever.

For years I settled on SRAM's front shifting to get it's amazing weight and to support the local boys.  Last winter I strayed to Shimano, drawn in by their industry-standard front shifting.  It was great, Shimano did exactly what they claimed.  Shifting was spot-on every time, front shifting was incredibly fast.

With the introduction of 2012 SRAM Red, the boys down on Kingsbury addressed a number of things but most importantly the front shifting.  The new Yaw front derailleur doesn't move like others, it actually moves laterally and slightly rotates to improve shifting.  In doing this, it also eliminates the need for a trim setting.  I was skeptical, but after being around this system for a couple of months I'm impressed.

The integrated chain spotter is a really nice touch as it's independently adjustable from the front derailleur.  Get your derailleur in place, then use the separate bolt to attach the spotter later.  A brilliant design.

The rear derailleur didn't see the same type of overhaul the front derailleur and shifters saw, which is just fine by me.  The shifts are crisp as always with a light touch but a positive engagement.

So here's the test rig.  If shifting in the stand, or on my short test ride, are any indication, this stuff will be sweet.  Now, if the front shifting remains great under power the way it did in the stand, SRAM will have a homerun with their new Red group.  It's only a matter of (not very much) time before the tech trickles down to Force-level where things will really get great for the masses!

Early Bird Spring Tune Up Special

This mild winter has us hopeful that spring is around the corner.  Maybe you are the type to be prepared, a Boy Scout if you will.  Or maybe your resolution this year was to plan ahead?  We have you covered.  Well, we have your bike covered, the rest is up to you.

Through the end of February we have a special tune up, something like we've never done before. 

Check it:

2 new tires (Michelin City or Continental Super Sport) - $70-80 MSRP

2 new tubes (start fresh, ya know?) - $12 MSRP

2 new derailleur cables - $16 MSRP

2 new brake cables - $16 MSRP

1 Breakaway Tune Up - $100 MSRP

This normally goes for over $200.

Through the end of February all you pay for is the tune up!  

$100 for the tune gets you a ton of new parts to get you rolling for spring.

Pretty simple.  We're ready for you and spring, we'll get you ready as well.  This is only good through February, so act fast!