I am upgrading my P3 from Dura Ace to Red, just curious on thoughts of keeping Dura Ace FD or going all Red. I have read other posts in regards to the shitty quality of the Red FD. Any opinions?
I made that switch about a year ago. I like the Red rear much better than the DA. On the front, honestly, cannot really tell much of a difference. I have never had any bad experiences with the Red front. I guess I was not aware that people were having issue with the Red front.
I like the Red bar end shifters MUCH better than the DA. There was nothing wrong with the DA shifters and I had not issues with them, but, I greatly prefer the Red.
interesting facts as you consider the switch and the FD issue:
-
few sram red-sponsored pro teams (which should be using the whole sram red group) are using the appropriate sram 10-speed red-level chain. most of them are using shimano dura ace chains.
-
and a lot of these teams also do not use red front derailleurs, instead they use sram force front derailleurs, or some seem to be using a one-off red FD with a force steel cage cobbled on to it (with sram red logos, of course) …
Keep the Dura-Ace FD and match up the whole system with a KMC X10 SL chain.
This system has worked wonders. If you are going to be running a Dura-Ace chain them I would suggest matching it up with a Connex link
I personally did not like the Red double tap system. Before you buy, I would definitely recommend test riding them before hand.
Double dittos. Red rocks. DA FD is just fine, and don’t use the SRAM chain, though it isn’t a huge deal either way.
Other advice I would give is to get the set of $50 cables from Competitive Cyclist for SRAM Red from Japan. They are absolutely rock solid, though tough to route as the housing is super stiff.
Think that you need to reply to the OP but I would have to disagree with your comment as I have been running Shimano for better part of 2 decades and after using the Sram road group, will never go back to Shimano.
I bought the Red group and loved it so much that I ended up buying the Force group for me second bike.
interesting facts as you consider the switch and the FD issue:
-
few sram red-sponsored pro teams (which should be using the whole sram red group) are using the appropriate sram 10-speed red-level chain. most of them are using shimano dura ace chains.
-
and a lot of these teams also do not use red front derailleurs, instead they use sram force front derailleurs, or some seem to be using a one-off red FD with a force steel cage cobbled on to it (with sram red logos, of course) …
Actually not so true anymore…most teams are running the new chain, FD are mixed…some force some red.
I have red on my bikes, and it works like a charm. It does seem it it more prone to issues when the mounting bracket is not exactly straight.
I am running my Sram Red and Force with Nokon housings and the stock shifter cables for a great set up. There are a number of housing systems that do not compress as much as the standard housings and I find they just make a great system better.
Actually not so true anymore…most teams are running the new chain, FD are mixed…some force some red.
about both, but about the chains especially, you should take a look at some of the very recent photos of sram red-sponsored team bikes from pro races and stage races. because the photos say that indeed these things are true …
Thanks for all the feedback. Looks like it will stick with the DA FD for now, and I had already planned to stick with DA chain.