Long story short, I’m considering SRAM for my road bike. I have a nice workshop built up with tools for Shimano. Will I need all new tools, just some new tools, or does SRAM use all the same stuff?
as far as I know, it’s all the same stuff (bb tools, standard hex wrenches, torx wrenches, etc).
I haven’t needed anything new that was specific to SRAM.
If a tool works for Shimano, it should work for SRAM.
I just got done setting up a complete force group on a new road frame. The only tool that you need for SRAM that I’ve never needed for Shimano is a 16mm allen wrench to set up the crankset. I actually didn’t need it b/c the 16mm bolt was already installed from the factory.
FWIT, the group set up pretty well, although I still think D/A is easier to work on than force - more refined and easier to adjust - especially the brakes. The cable routing of force is cleaner than D/A, though.
Built up a Sram bike and didn’t need any new tools, although I did have to break out the 12mm wrench to center the brake which I thought was a step back in time.
I needed the tool for the bottom bracket’s, but only because I was still using the 9 speed group up until then. It was inexpensive.
As somebody else mentioned, the cable routing gives a much cleaner look. I love the kit. My only complaint has been that the finish on the Rival stuff is not that sturdy. My shifters’ finish is wearing off and the crankset is getting beat up very easily. It works great, but does not look as nice as it did new.