Most comfortable frame material?

[outlash]

nice .

 

[simon.r]

To echo what others have said re the brakes - I have long reach Tektros on a bike and they're not good, even with decent pads, especially in the wet.

I'm in the process of building up a new steel frame and will be putting Shimano R650 brakes on it. I've not used them, but all the reviews suggest they're much better than the Tektros. Cheapest I've seen them is here: http://www.tweekscycles.com/Product...liper Brakes&gclid=CJamlNTolboCFRMdtAodvBEAxg

 

[vickster]

Are they compatible with SRAM however?

 

[simon.r]

Are they compatible with SRAM however?

I believe so, but I'm not 100% certain. I think SRAM and Shimano caliper brakes / drop bar levers are interchangeable, regardless of the reach of the brake - can anyone confirm?

 

[vickster]

The Shimano R650 57mm brakes are £50 for the pair from Ribble with their current offer code - seems a very good deal

 

[jowwy]

I use sram apex calipers with 2300sti's on my defy 4 and they work really well

 

[vickster]

Issue is I need a long drop for the Genesis frame and unfortuantely SRAM don't make them. Be easier and cheaper if they did as I am going to find myself with spare calipers as they are included in the group set

Likely to have a pair for sale

Next question - what benefit is there to pay extra for a Rival groupset over an Apex set? And is the hood shape and size identical across the two? This is my primary reason to go SRAM as I don't get on with Shimano hoods

 

[Dusty Bin]

I believe so, but I'm not 100% certain. I think SRAM and Shimano caliper brakes / drop bar levers are interchangeable, regardless of the reach of the brake - can anyone confirm?

Any cable-operated brake lever will actuate any cable-operated brake system. Most combinations will work well enough, although some may work better than others.

Our bikes here use SRAM to SRAM, Shimano to Shimano, SRAM to Tektro long reach, Shimano to Tektro short reach and even Shimano to Tektro cantilever - they all work like they should.

 

[vickster]

Thanks

SRAM to Shimano? For an extra tenner, it sounds like Shimano Ultegra will be far superior to Tektro

Thoughts on Rival vs Apex?

 

[Dusty Bin]

Next question - what benefit is there to pay extra for a Rival groupset over an Apex set? And is the hood shape and size identical across the two? This is my primary reason to go SRAM as I don't get on with Shimano hoods

Rival is slightly lighter than Apex as a group (if that's important) and the lever throw is slightly more efficient. Hood shape is the same.

 

[vickster]

Lighter is better on a steel frame, efficiency good - I have Apex at the mo and although a solid feel, this can mean clunkiness

I think it'll depend on cost difference - £100 ok, £200 less so. I am building the best bike I can, and I guess the gearing is the most expensive element

Will need more advice to make sure I get the right bits when I come to order! Will shop around for the best prices. I think I want 50/34 and 12-32 (as the Pearson and Whyte), 172.5mm crank. BB specs I don't understand at all! I think I need a medium cage rear derailleur (although my Pearson has a short one looking at the receipt). There is a kit which includes rear derailleur, cassette and chain.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/sram-rival-climbers-kit-wifli/

When you buy the brakes/shifters, are the cables included?

 

[Dusty Bin]

Lighter is better on a steel frame, efficiency good - I have Apex at the mo and although a solid feel, this can mean clunkiness

All the SRAM groups have a clunky feel to the shifting - IMO that's part of the appeal. The SRAM groups are also lighter than the comparitive groupsets from the other manufacturers.

When you buy the brakes/shifters, are the cables included?

Not necessarily, but you can usually cable a complete bike (inners and outers) for less than £15 anyway.

 

[vickster]

Thanks for your help. I'll undoubtedly be back!

Will need to do some pricing. Wiggle seems to have good deals on SRAM parts at the mo and the 365 days returns appeals if I fall on hard times before the build is done!

 

[vickster]

Apparently the frame is on its way!

My tot up of the following from Wiggle is around £500

SRAM Rival DoubleTap Shift and Brake Lever Set
SRAM Rival Climbers Kit (WiFLi)
SRAM Rival Compact Chainset
SRAM Rival Black Front Derailleur (Band-On) - How do I know if band on or braze on, and does it matter?

 

[Dusty Bin]

SRAM Rival Black Front Derailleur (Band-On) - How do I know if band on or braze on, and does it matter?

If your frame has a slotted guide attached to the lower r/h side of the seat tube, near the BB, that will be for a 'braze-on' front mech. If it doesn't, then you will need a band-on mech. It is possible to fit braze-on mechs to frames without the fitting, through the use of a braze-on adaptor if needs be.