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SRAM Force Groupset Review

SRAM have announced that the SRAM Force groupset is the ideal group for both amateurs and professionals and our testers have
concurred this. Packed with high quality features, SRAM have ensured that Force is slowly meeting the high quality look and performance offered by SRAM flagship Red groupset.

One of the SRAM’s Force most impressive aspects is its shifting performance. The levers, modelled from Red’s levers, the only noticeable changes are the new unidirectional finish on the carbon brake lever blades and sleeker graphics. The levers on the Force possess an ergonomic design with reach-adjustable brake lever and longer blade design makes it easier when braking from the drops. The shift paddles on the lever are perfectly sized, therefore easy to use from the drops and the hoods. The Zero-Loss shifter internals only requires a short lever movement when changing to the larger cog, while the other lever without Zero-Loss still offers short throws. Although some testers commented that the shift levers felt small compared to other brands, the well-known SRAM spring tensions make the levers encouragingly firm.

The rear shifting performance of the new Force model has been slightly developed compared to the previous model, primarily to adjust to the new PG-1070 cassette, and is impeccable. The new PowerGlide has included several teeth that were omitted on the previous OpenGlide design, ensuring that the Force offers riders smooth and quick shifts. The most noticeable improvement in the remodelled Force is the sound quality, it is noticeably quieter and smoother, effectively silencing past critics of SRAM’s Force groupset.

The front shifting performance is good with extra rigid SPR outer rings, although a few testers noted that compared to other manufacturers outer rings SRAM Force requires a little more refinement.

While new brake callipers created using aluminium forgings and a new heavily triangulated upper arm and brake pads by SwissStop, the Force’s overall power has dramatically improved. Riders can feel confident with these brakes, knowing that they offer concise and powerful braking in all weather conditions.

The crankset of the new Force also features new updates; in particular the crank arms are now created using unidirectional carbon with an internal alloy spine. The rigidity of the new Force remains the same as the previous models, ensuring that riders can enjoy a solid feeling underfoot and an effective amount of power transfer between rider and the road. The most noticeable difference in the Force is the new BB30 variant which is extremely rigid whilst also reducing the cranksets overall weight by an impressive 145 grams.

The impressive and high quality features of the SRAM Force and low weight means that riders can enjoy all of the latest technological advances of this groupset but at a much more affordable price.