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In a tech crazed world that mourns the passing of Steve Jobs with sadness, but, at the same time, remains deeply let down that the new iPhone wasn't released first, so too will there be bike geeks the world over who instead of celebrating what the 2012 SRAM Red gruppo brings with it, wll instead shrug disappointingly at the lack of an 11th gear or battery driven drivetrain.
As SRAM continues to make steps towards their eventual IPO, it's clear that they faced a few dilemmas. They need as much hype and publicity to maintain investor interest. However, apparently, they also faced a shortage of time to make the jump from a mechanical drivetrain to either an electronic version (to compete with Shimano and Campagnolo), or one that at least offers an 11th gear (to compete with Campagnolo).
And so in terms of the all-out tech battle, the Chicago based company is forced to take the low rung on the podium. But to solely focus on what they don't have is to be like the irritated Apple-ophile who begrudges Steve Jobs for having the gall to not announce a new phone before he had the temerity to die.
People, there are still some recognizable gains made here - especially the loss of an additional 100 grams, making the lightest component group lighter still. The new front derailleur (with a chain catcher) should hopefully silence even those who yammer on about how crappy the 2011 version works even though it really works just fine.
No batteries and no extra gear, but guess what? You'll still see SRAM Red equipped bikes winning some of the biggest races in the world, largely because the old stuff did so as well. On paper at least, lighter, quieter, more efficient, are tangible improvements. Look for a ride review soon to see how real it all is.
HERE'S WHAT SRAM SEZ....
"For 2012, SRAM RED continues the tradition as the leader in
light weight, flawless shifting, superior ergonomics, aerodynamics, and
aesthetic styling. How did we improve on the world’s best mechanical gruppo? We
started with everything we knew, and then we literally started over. Each
component was engineered with the twin goals of eliminating the superfluous
while focusing on an overall synergy that translates into unmatched
performance. Elegant and simple, SRAM RED perfects the riding experience
through genuine innovation."
BUT FIRST, A HYDRAULIC EXPLANATION and UPDATE:
It’s been rumored that SRAM is developing RED level road
hydraulic brakes. We want to confirm this and let you know that we are
currently working on a hydraulic disc brake and a hydraulic rim brake.
Information on pricing will come at a later date and no photos are currently
available.
Key features:
Hydraulic disc brake: RED level / Drop bar DoubleTap lever
actuated / All new master cylinder and caliper / 140-160mm discs
Hydraulic rim brake: RED level / Drop bar DoubleTap lever
actuated / tire clearance up to 28C / Firecrest rim compatible
AS FOR THE 2012 GROUPSET:
There are six brand new components: Shifters, Rear Derailleur, Front Derailleur, Brakeset, Crankset, Cassette with a combined weight of 1739g (with BB30) -the lightest groupset ever - 100g lighter than the SRAM RED 2011
THE BIG NEWS - NEW FRONT SHIFTING TECHNOLOGY:
Instead of simply moving back and forth, the SRAM RED derailleur cage actually rotates to maintain a consistent angular relationship with the chain. We call it Yaw Technology, and it eliminates the need for shifter trim.
• Revolutionary Yaw Technology eliminates trim
• Fast and precise optimized shifting
• Refined materials for stiff and lightweight cage
THE NEW CRANK
The new SRAM Red Exogram Crankset is completely hollow all the way to the spider. Its hidden bolt pattern makes better use of carbon fiber to further improve stiffness and shed weight. The stunning X Glide chainrings are optimized for use with the Yaw™ Technology in the front derailleur, delivering seamless, flawless performance.
• Featherweight Exogram™ hollow carbon construction
• X Glide R™ chainrings: advanced shifting technology
• Hidden bolt for increased strength and stiffness
A lighter, more accurate power meter completely integrated with the philosophy and performance of SRAM RED. The sleek new geometry reduces system weight and delivers clearance for oversized frames and aerodynamic chainrings. Integrated electronics minimize interconnections and reduce exposure to the elements, bringing unmatched durability and reliability.
• Lightweight and +/- 1.5% accuracy
• Integrated electronics = maximum reliability
• Ease-of-use: Visible ID, LED indicator, replaceable
battery
• OmniCal: Fit TT chainrings without recalibration
THE NEW SHIFT/BRAKE LEVER
The new SRAM RED ErgoDynamics Shifters represent our most advanced thinking yet on perfecting the interface between rider and bike. We have scrutinized everything, including the transition between handlebar and hoods, the grip texture, finger wrap, and the separate interfaces with both the shifter and brake lever.
• ErgoDynamic design: best in class control & comfort
• New reach adjustment to fit all hands
• DoubleTap and ZeroLoss mechanisms for smooth and precise shifting
THE NEW REAR DERAILLEUR
The SRAM RED rear derailleur is designed with our Exact Actuation technology for precise, efficient shifting. We have paid rapt attention to the finer details, like adding a hollow titanium anchor bolt and even refining tooth geometry of the jockey wheel.
• Exact Actuation: fast and accurate shifting
• New AeroGlide jockey wheels for silent performance
• New cage and body design for improved cassette clearance
THE NEW BRAKE
The new SRAM Red Brakeset has been created with a host of wind-cheating features to make the brake body more aerodynamic. The new patented AeroLink arm reduces frontal area while improving braking performance and modulation.
• AeroLink arm: improved modulation and high power
• Sleek profile and aero barrel adjuster
• Aero indexed 4-position quick release
THE NEW CHAIN
The newest PC 1091R chain features more heavily chamfered outer plates for improved shifting and quieter running. The HollowPin construction of SRAM‘s 10 speeD PowerChain provides smooth, precise shifting and weight savings without sacrificing strength.
• HollowPin
THE NEW CASSETTE
The new SRAM Red Powerdome X is the most advanced cassette ever made. It is super light, deadly silent, and delivers an undeniable performance advantage. The eighT cogs in the middle are machined from a single block of high grade tool steel, increasing stiffness while weighing even less than a titanium cassette. Between each cog in the block is a StealthRing™ elastomer to reduce vibration and noise
• Super light 10 speed hollow steel dome construction
• StealthRing elastomers for silent ride
• Aluminum large cog and super durable finish
Here's another angle at the front derailleur that details the built-in chain catcher.
This is where your hand will go. |