SRAM Red vs. Force

[bazzer2]

I want to get shifters and mechs first to upgrade my nice bike, so I can free up my existing Apex stuff to go to my winter bike.
It's about twice the price to get Red stuff, so I'm wondering if I really should bother. I like titanium, but I'm confident I can change scruffy scabby steel bits with Ti as and when.
Anyone faced a similar dilemma and can talk me out of half the expense?

 

[vickster]

Have a read of some of @Kestevan replies here

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/ribble-r872-vs-gran-fondo.179577/page-3

 

[bazzer2]

Interesting reading! Cheers!

 

[TheJDog]

I've had both, and I think Red is just a bit lighter. The 22 Force is really good. The 22 Red is really good, too, but the price is high.

 

[bazzer2]

I think Force 22 will go better with my bike colour scheme also, so that's a bonus!

 

[Citius]

Force will do everything you ever need and is probably the best price/performance groupset out there (assuming you like the function of the levers). Red is a 'luxury', but offers some further weight savings, if that's important.

 

[bazzer2]

Sanity check then; I can use Force 22 rear mech with Apex 10 shifters, yeah?

 

[jack smith]

Go with force, it will match ti better as yo say too, or go for 10 speed red it is very good and aheck of alot cheaper used

 

[Kestevan]

I believe so, but havn't tried it... as FAIK all REAR derailiers are backwards compatible (but not necessarily forwards, ie you cant run a force22 lever with Apex rear mech) HOWE|VER... I've also heard that the cage is narrower and can cause chain rub.

Front mechs have different design and are not compatible = again I've never tried.

 

[jack smith]

Check with sram for compatibility I think that sounds dodgy, you can get a whole 11 speed rival groupset for 300 ish if that helps

 

[vickster]

Check with sram for compatibility I think that sounds dodgy, you can get a whole 11 speed rival groupset for 300 ish if that helps

Where? New though?

 

[jack smith]

Yes brand new on ebay escgolf i think the seller is called but they actually get dispatched from rutland cycling... Weird i know but ive bought one

 

[vickster]

Do they have force too?

 

[jack smith]

Dont think so just loads of rival 22 stuff and maybe some apex total bargain for rival though i think i even haggled them down to 270 for a whole group brand new

 

[vickster]

Thx will take a look

I guess the question is force worth the extra £300 if upgrading from apex!!