What to expect from SRAM’s new Force & Rival range
At Fawkes Cycles, we’re always keeping an eye out for new systems and innovations in the cycling world, so we can ensure our community is informed about potential upgrades. With the announcement of SRAM’s new Force & Rival range comes potential for cyclists who are always keen to maintain high performance standards to raise them further.
In our comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the new features and improvements made by SRAM as they aim to supersede all their previous efforts with a collection that promises to be their best yet.
Table of contents
- What is SRAM?
- What’s new in the SRAM Force & Rival range?
- Building upon the Red AXS E1
- Upgrade with SRAM’s new collection at Fawkes Cycles
What is SRAM?
SRAM is one of the most forward-thinking and illustrious brands in the cycling industry. Significant steps have been taken in the four decades since SRAM’s humble beginnings in Chicago, Illinois, and their development has not only elevated the company, but cycling as a whole.
In 1987, the company’s founder, Stan Day, had been training for and racing in triathlons and became frustrated at the shifting mechanisms of his bikes. Day was convinced it would be more efficient to have the shifter on the handlebar rather than the downtube and pitched this idea to a friend and engineer, Sam Patterson.
Trials following this conversation led to the invention of grip shift, changing cycling forever. SRAM had its signature product, but Day and his team weren’t settling for merely a breakthrough. SRAM became established when they adapted the grip shift for mountain bikes and developed its first drivetrain.
Recent years have seen SRAM continue to boost their innovative reputation with high-performance product ranges appealing to all kinds of riders, including the new Force & Rival range.
What’s new in the SRAM Force & Rival range?
In their new Force & Rival range, SRAM promises “all performance, no compromises”. Groupsets included in the collection are designed to ensure that your output represents 100% of what you put into every ride.
We’ve broken down the key features in the range that will help you feel more rewarded after your rides with components that work for you.
Lightweight drivetrain
Drivetrain efficiency is of the utmost importance to SRAM, so developing features and components that focus on achieving an efficient drivetrain became a priority. Front derailleurs in this range have been upgraded for superior performance, featuring a narrower cage that allows for efficient movement. Rear derailleurs have been optimised to be lighter and faster than ever before, ready to take on the steepest climbs and descents.
Design choices in this collection have been made to simplify functionality and reduce weight, thereby enhancing the aerodynamic potential of your rides. Force cassettes even offer the chance for riders who know exactly what they need from a bike to customise their drivetrain, with 12 speeds available in a 10-28T, 10-30T, 10-33T, or 10-36T range.
Effortless braking
The new HRD shift-brake system, introduced as part of the new Force & Rival range, was developed based on over four years of rider feedback. This system provides an even wider range of riders with the same level of comfort and control as previous editions, while also eliminating the possibility of finger pinch under hard braking.
Stiffer calipers, one-finger braking from both hoods and drops, and a textured surface make the system easy to use and control. Designed to minimise effort, reduce hand fatigue, and give a lighter feel, SRAM’s Force & Rival braking systems offer riders more powerful, comfortable, and safer braking with every ride.
Faster front shifting
While riding, your entire focus should be on your performance. For this to be the case, your bike needs to work for you, taking care of all the intricacies so you can pay complete attention to the ride. Faster front shifting enables you to move through gears more quickly than ever, thanks to intuitive and easy-to-access buttons that allow for rapid gear changes.
Chainring kits in the Force & Rival range help transfer your power to the pedals quickly, thanks to one-piece construction that enables faster, smoother, and more secure shifting. Careful engineering throughout the collection, led by SRAM’s top team members, enables the delivery of flawless shifting in ranges that meet your needs in a lighter and easier-to-control complete system.
Building upon the Red AXS E1
A key reason why this new range has been so highly anticipated is to see how SRAM would follow up on the launch of their flagship groupset, Red AXS E1, in May 2024. The technology introduced by Red AXS E1 included optimised ergonomics, effortless braking regardless of conditions, lightning-fast response time, and flawless shifting.
Cycling Weekly showered the groupset with praise a year following its release, claiming that “Shimano is forced to share the throne.”
While brands like Shimano are known for taking their leading technology, designed for top professional riders, and making it accessible to everyday cycling enthusiasts, SRAM has historically taken a different direction. Until now.
Red AXS E1 technology is present throughout the Force & Rival range, allowing riders to experience nearly identical performance to that of the exceptional equipment used by World Tour stars for a fraction of the price. While the range features slightly more weight than its professional siblings, for amateur enthusiasts, it will still maintain a lightweight feel and performance capabilities previously unheard of.
Upgrade with SRAM’s new collection at Fawkes Cycles
Now you know the ins and outs of the new SRAM Force & Rival range, you can make an informed decision on which upgrades are relevant, or in some cases essential, to your development and performance. At Fawkes Cycles, we stock a wide range of SRAM products, including their new collection, so you can explore all available options.
Ensure you make the right upgrade choices for you by browsing our full range of components, including high-quality brakes for better control, drivetrains for smoother gear changes, and saddles for added comfort and support. However and wherever you ride, trust Fawkes Cycles to provide you with industry-leading products and expert advice on optimising every aspect of your journey.
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