SRAM just took the covers off its newest version of its Force group today at Sea Otter. The new group offers a new finish and logo, redesigned brakes, lighter shifters with unidirectional carbon, a new BB30 option, and not mentioned in the press release but perhaps the biggest upgrade is the inclusion of the low-maintenance Gore RideOn Sealed Cable System, a $130 value (SRAM says this will not be a part of the new group). Surprisingly, the gruppo does not increase in price. The Zipp wheel division also announced a cyclocross version of its Zipp 303 wheelset. More details on that in a bit. Also see the new cyclocross gear we uncovered yesterday at the expo, round 1.
Photos and SRAM’s Force press release below [Ed Note: we believe some Shimano 7900 weights that SRAM lists are incorrect]:
New SRAM Force offers RED Inspired performance
For 2010 SRAM’s original top-end professional road gruppo, SRAM Force, reclaims the spotlight with exciting upgrades, lighter weight, while continuing to deliver race-proven performance.
The New SRAM Force admittedly borrows from SRAM’s professional RED gruppo, including race-inspired graphics, featuring its distinctive white logo against black carbon. The aluminum is anodized with a sleek ‘zephyr silver’ finish that sharpens the visual package. And, like RED, the SRAM logo will be featured on the inside of both crankarms.
SRAM Force moves to unidirectional (UD) carbon throughout, which adds strength and provides a better substrate for graphics. The aluminum parts of the gruppo are now forged, providing more strength, lower weight, and a more robust finish.
While all the technologies including DoubleTapTM, ZeroLossTM and Exact ActuationTM remain unchanged, the road brakes get a significant upgrade with a RED-styled skeletonized Dual Pivot design featuring spring tension adjust and center adjust. SRAM Force brakes lose weight, improve stopping power, and ease adjustability and set-up.
SRAM Force will be priced exactly as it was in 2009. S1399 (US) for the complete gruppo. Additionally. 2010 SRAM Force sheds 10 grams, weighing 2097 grams in the GXP version while reaching 1951 grams with the BB30 crank option (new for 2010).
Upgrades:
- Unidirectional carbon throughout
- Forged 6000 aluminum series parts
- Brakes – center adjust and spring tension adjust
- Bold graphics and anodized finish
- Greater value – more features, same price
Technologies:
- DoubleTap
- Exact Actuation
- ZeroLoss
Details:
- Speed: 10 rear/2 front
- Weight: 2097g (GXP), 1957g (BB30)
- Materials: Carbon fiber. Aluminum, Magnesium, Steel
- Bottom bracket: GXP & BB30
Weight and Price Comparison:
2010 GXP SRAM Force | 2010 BB30 SRAM Force | Shimano 7900 | |
SH | 302g | 302g | 378g |
RO | 174g | 174g | 198g |
FD | 83g | 83g | 104g |
FC | 791g | 645g | 886g |
BR | 280g | 280g | 295g |
CS | 210g | 210g | 156g |
CN | 257g | 257g | 259g |
Total | 2097g | 1951g | 2276g |
Difference | -179g | -325g | |
MSRP | $ 1,399 | $ 1,399 | $ 2,599 |
What do you think? Add your comment in our forum discussion.
Photos: