My head is spinning after reading ST about the different groupset options for my road bike that I use for training. My tri bike (p2c) has Ultegra with FSA crankset and I want to make sure that I can swap wheels between the two bikes without swapping cassettes. According to the ST archives, SRAM Rival looks like the best bang for buck. Is Rival about the same as Ultegra as far as quality, shift quickness and precision, durable, trouble free, etc. Should I just stick with Ultegra on the road bike to ensure compatibility between the two bikes? Do you think going to Force level is worth $350 +/- over Rival?
You know, I really don’t think there is a problem with mixing drivetrain components except when talking about shifters with rear derailleurs.
Now some people can notice a difference in the quality of shifting when using same-brand chains and cogs…but I don’t. Besides, that’s when the chain and crank don’t mix well.
I’ve never really known there to be an issue with rear cassette mixing…and if there is an issue it would be with the chain, not the rear derailleur.
So if you build up the bike with any group, your rear wheels should still be pretty well interchangeable.
You know, I really don’t think there is a problem with mixing drivetrain components except when talking about shifters with rear derailleurs.
Now some people can notice a difference in the quality of shifting when using same-brand chains and cogs…but I don’t. Besides, that’s when the chain and crank don’t mix well.
I’ve never really known there to be an issue with rear cassette mixing…and if there is an issue it would be with the chain, not the rear derailleur.
So if you build up the bike with any group, your rear wheels should still be pretty well interchangeable.
X2 - almost. I definitely notice the difference with chains. (but not cassettes)
The SRAM and Shimano cassettes are interchangeable (same spacing), so don’t worry about wheel swapping, no problem.
I just put Rival on my wife’s new bike, and she really likes it, as do I. It’s lighter than Ultegra, and feels and looks nicely made. Plus, it was a screaming deal at $650 for the groupset.
It’s a different feel from Shimano, with louder shifts but more positive feedback. SRAM has more cable pull per shift and seems to be easier to tune and keep tuned. The shifter and hood shape is quite different; the SRAM hoods seem better suited to small hands IMO. I wouldn’t spend the money to upgrade to Force, personally. Maybe if I could spend a bit to get the Force cranks instead of the Rival, especially if I were going BB30.
I also just upgraded my bike to Ultegra 6700, and I almost wish I’d bought another Rival groupset for myself. I stuck with Shimano because I have multiple road bikes and didn’t want to have to switch between the two shifting styles, but I might switch soon anyway.
I just put Rival on my wife’s new bike, and she really likes it, as do I. It’s lighter than Ultegra, and feels and looks nicely made. Plus, it was a screaming deal at $650 for the groupset.
I have Rival, Force, and Red on different bikes. I regularly use Ultegra cassette and Shimano chains. No problems with shifting performance. I think the Shimano chains are better, but I can’t quantify it. I have had a couple of right shifter problems with Force and SRAM took care of them right away.
Rival is definitely the best bang-for-the-buck at the moment.
One of the guys who posts regularly on bikeforums runs a side business; his website is www.psimet.com. I know he doesn’t quote prices on his site, so they are probably supplier dependent and change fairly often, but he’s a nice guy and it’s worth an email. He also built a Kinlin rim w/Powertap for me at a better price than I could find elsewhere.
One of the guys who posts regularly on bikeforums runs a side business; his website is www.psimet.com. I know he doesn’t quote prices on his site, so they are probably supplier dependent and change fairly often, but he’s a nice guy and it’s worth an email. He also built a Kinlin rim w/Powertap for me at a better price than I could find elsewhere.
Thanks!