SRAM MTB Groupsets
SRAM is a well-known and widely sought after manufacturer of “groupsets”. A groupset simply put is the mechanical components of a bike to include, brakes, shift cables, cranksets, and chains. Derailleur gears act as the transmission of the bike and are also found in most groupsets.
History of SRAM
“Ollo Bicycle Components, now known as SRAM, was founded in 1987. The company headquarters is based out of Chicago, IL, but their market reach is ever growing. The first major breakthrough for the SRAM Corporation was the “Twist Shift” gear changing technology, which was introduced to the market in 1988. Shimano, their chief market rival, had a near monopoly on the bike market at the time. 1990, would prove to be a history changing year in the bike world, SRAM filed a lawsuit against Shimano, citing unfair business practices as the reason. Shortly thereafter, SRAM and Shimano reached an out of court settlement. This allowed SRAM to become a major player in the competitive and ever growing world of high-end bikes and bike components.
SRAMS’ newfound market hold allowed their company to grow exponentially, resulting in the acquisition of several smaller bike component companies. This would prove a wise and beneficial business decision as it allowed SRAM to create several new product lines, using and improving upon the existing technology of the companies they acquired. This allowed for a gross income increase of $500 million dollars between 1994 and 2010.
SRAM Mountain Bike Groupsets
The XX is SRAM’S newest product. Released in 2012 it flawlessly combines multiple SRAM components into a capable and respected off-road groupset. The XX comes in at a price of £1.5K+, depending on your exact needs.
The X.0 groupset is built with all around functionality in mind; it has proven itself more than capable in everything from cross-country riding to extreme hill and mountain climbing. The X.0 groupset is slightly less expensive than the XX, averaging £1000+ for the full set.
The X.9 groupset was built for those passionate about uphill and downhill riding. It has been said that it combines the best of the XX and X.0 package, while maintaining a budget friendly average price of only £470.
The X.3 thru X.7 are earlier versions of the current X.9, the quality and reliability of this product line helped to shape the groupset market, and provided a strong foundation for the new and ever improving SRAM groupsets.
SRAM Mountain Bike Groupset Designs
SRAM consistently provides high quality, professional grade groupsets. Since their inception in 1987, they have continually improved and shaped the bike groupset market. Their bikes have been in the top three spots at over 15 large racing events, and have been chosen by elite riders including Lance
Armstrong in the Tour De France. SRAM bikes provide precision shifting, smooth braking, crisp response, and durability.
SRAM provides world class groupsets. Through innovation and business prowess SRAM has positioned their company at the top of the biking world. The market competition from Shimano will continue to drive SRAM and their products forward, benefiting bike aficionados worldwide.
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