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SRAM Red Groupset Review

One of the most renowned groupsets known in the cycling world is the SRAM Red groupset. One of the best created by SRAM, the Red groupset is one of SRAM top tiered groupsets and possesses features ideal for professional riders.

Arguably one of the best groupsets available today, SRAM have eliminated any previous minor problems to create a faultless new Red groupset. One of the most impressive aspects of the SRAM Red is its shifting performance. Fitted with Double Tap levers, which are notably stronger and longer, the new carbon shift paddle is larger, while both the brake and shift lever are reach adjustable, ensuring that they are easier to manage and significantly more comfortable. The brake lever adjustments are easy to undertake due to the Allen head bolt, although the shift lever adjustment is slightly more complex in comparison. With a variety of upgrades, in particular the new Zero Loss technology, the Red delivers fluid shifting throughout every ratio. The lever throw is significantly less than SRAM’s Rival and Force groupsets, ensuring that riders can achieve faster and more concise shifts.

The front shifting of the Red groupset works well. SRAM have equipped the Red with an outer chainring trim position, removing the inner trim position. The design of this front shifting however does create cross- chain rub in the inner ring; one of the only minor faults of the Red groupset. The new Red crankset possesses a carbon over aluminium spine construction with a sleek and narrow profile, for an impressive level of rigidity. While the GXP bottom bracket is fitted with standard durable and maintenance free ceramic bearings.

The front derailleurs are one of the biggest changes to the new Red groupset. The front derailleurs now feature a titanium cage, which has reduced the overall weight of the groupset by 30 grams. While SRAM’s have ensured that the Red derailleur is compatible with both compact and standard cranksets, with the derailleurs working perfectly on either option. Although some testers commented on the derailleurs unusual shape and the flexiness of the new titanium cage, it works impeccably even under intensive power. The rear derailleur possesses a carbon fibre inner link and aluminium outer link, both of which reduce the weight of the component by 31 grams, while also ensuring that it functions perfectly. The introduction of ceramic bearing-equipped pulleys does reduce the amount of friction in spin.

Another great feature of SRAM’s Red is the new OG-1090 PowerDome cassette, which has been constructed using pioneering methods. Created using a single forged form of steel, which is heated then shaped using complex CNC-guided machines, the lightness of the cassette is created because the cassette is hollow, yet the thick aluminium backing ensures that power is effectively transferred into the freehub body. Overall, the PowerDome design does help increase the rigidity of the cassette, while the OpenGlide tooth profiling design ensures relatively smooth and precise shifting.

The braking callipers of the latest Red groupset are truly remarkable. The new callipers now possess the suitable amount of spring tension and center adjustments, while the triangulated upper arm adds rigidity. Many testers stated that they could feel the difference the new callipers make, offering riders powerful, precise and controlled braking.

The success of the 2009 Red groupset has meant that SRAM have also released a limited edition of the new Red groupset. While it is fitted with the same features and offering riders the same benefits, the limited edition Red groupset has undergone a complete redesign to pay homage to the Tour de France. Every part of the original black anodized finish has been transformed to slick silver, red graphics become yellow, while SRAM’s 1090 R2C and 900 aero shift levers will also feature a black-yellow makeover. The SRAM Red is perhaps one of the most ultimate groupsets ever produced.