While Shimano is all about electronic shifting these days, SRAM is keeping things simple by optimizing their top-end mechanical road group — SRAM RED. Used by top professional teams and winners of countless yellow jerseys, the new RED group is the lightest road groupset ever at 1739 grams.
My time aboard SRAM road groups is limited, but, like SRAM’s mountain groups, the shifting has always been crisp and smooth. DoubleTap does take some getting used to, but those who ride it absolutely love it.
On other fronts, it’s long been rumored that SRAM has been developing road-specific hydraulic disc and rim brakes. Today, SRAM made it official by at least acknowledging they are working on them with a tentative launch of Fall 2012.
Read below for a bit more information on the new 2012 SRAM RED groupset and a link to the PDF spec sheet.
From SRAM:
For 2012, the new SRAM RED continues in the SRAM tradition as the leader in light weight, flawless shifting, and ergonomic advantage with gorgeous aesthetic styling. How did we improve on the world’s best mechanical gruppo? We started with everything we knew, and then designed a brand new drivetrain from scratch. Each part 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. SRAM RED changes everything.
SRAM RED Highlights:
- 6 BRAND NEW COMPONENTS:Shifters, Rear Derailleur, Front Derailleur, Brakeset, Crankset, Cassette
- NEW FRONT SHIFTING TECHNOLOGY: Fast / Efficient / Low noise
- FULLY INTEGRATED POWERMETER: New Quarq Technology
- AMAZING NEW FINISH: Two-tone Falcon Grey and Black look
- SRAM RED TOTAL WEIGHT: 1739g (BB30). The lightest groupset ever
- MSRP: $2575 complete
- Available February 15, 2012
More Info: Visit SRAM.com | Download Spec Sheet – PDF
