SRAM Red vs. Force

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bazzer2

Well-Known Member
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

Squire
 

TheJDog

dingo's kidneys
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.
 

Citius

Guest
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.
 

jack smith

Veteran
Location
Durham
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

Last of the Summer Winos
Location
Holmfirth.
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

Veteran
Location
Durham
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
 

jack smith

Veteran
Location
Durham
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

Squire
Thx will take a look

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