SRAM Red vs. DA 7900

Triathlon Forum
1

All:

So I’m building up a new bike this summer (Spec Roubaix SL3) and trying to get a handle on whether I want to “make the leap” to SRAM or put DA 7900 on the new ride.

I’ve ridden 7900 for about 20 miles and liked it, but have admittedly not ridden the SRAM yet. I know there is a bit of a shift learning curve on the SRAM, but other than that I know little about performance.

So, if you have experience with either can you give me an idea as to your pros and cons, impressions, etc.

Thanks,

Bob

2

I went from 7800 to Red and love Red. Have only tried 6700 so far - no 7900.

3

All the top boys ride it…just sayin.

4

go with the europeans…campagnolo(?)
.

5

7900 and Red have different shifting actions. It depends whether you want a light click (dura-ace) or more of a spring loaded clack (Red).
I would give front shifting to 7900, with the new hollow chainrings it shifts really well up front. I would give an edge on rear shifting to Red, the 7900 feels a little indistinct to me.
You can go wrong with either. Just make sure you never try Di2…

Kevin

6

Bob,

The one thing that you’ll need to look into a bit is stem length and/or your bar reach. The longer flatter hood profile of both the SRAM and the new 7900 hoods are different than any other preceding Shimano hood shape/design.

Depending on how you like to be set up for road riding you may need to go shorter or longer with the stem or bar reach.

7

You know with CBike offering a 25% off coupon every month or so DI2 has been tempting…It takes it into merely “stupid expensive” but it is tempting…

Bob

8

Thanks Fleck…The reach is one issue my fitter and I have in mind as its one of the problems on my current set up with 7800.

Bob

9

Went from 7900 to red and was worried about the change. Actually changed both my road bike and my Tri the same time. The TT bike has R2C’s on the extensions. Overall impression; it took about two rides to get used to the SRAM and now I like it better than Shimano. The shifts are faster and “harder” with the SRAM. The front d’s work great for me. The only thing you have to get used to is the noisy red cassette. At least my riding buddies now know I’m coming up behind them!

10

I have the 7900 on my 2009 Roubaix Pro and it works great. I wish the brifter levers didn’t extend out so far but the system is damn nice. I probably would have gone for Red just for something new but got a great deal on this bike. Are you running the Specialized S-Works crankset? I don’t think Shimano makes a BB30 crankset yet so I suppose that is one advantage for SRAM. I do kind of like the idea of an “American” groupo on an “American” bike. I know the stuff is made in Asia but at least some profits come back here. Enjoy the bike…it is an awesome ride!

11

I don’t know if I am going to run the S-Works crank yet, but I am not averse to it…I’ve been noodling around for a new bike for about a year and really like the Roubaix from a material and fit perspective.

Bob

12

I rode Red for a couple seasons and just switched to 7900 this year. I’d have to say that I didn’t like the change at first, but now I am happy I made the leap back to 7900. It shifts smoother, is more durable, quieter, stays tuned longer.