What differences does it make?

[Monsieur Remings]

Okay, am currently on a full SRAM Rival set up and looking to upgrade, due to coming into a bit of money. The thing is, and I'll be honest, I may end up buying another bike next year anyway so I'm a bit reluctant to buy a full groupset...but I am looking at upgrading the drive chain.

Now, maybe I've answered my own question by putting forward that proposition but this is what I'm thinking; a new SRAM Red chainset, possibly a BB and front and rear mechs only.

Now, is this worth doing or is it a waste of time if I'm not going to treat those Red bits to the proper shifters too? I'm very happy with the Rival shifting generally and I am also fitted with Goretex cabling. I'm also very happy with the brakes - a good set up already. And I don't see any issue with not buying the 1090 cassette which comes with the full SRAM Red gruppo seeing as mine is currently a 1070 and I can replace as and when it wears out - the same with the chain.

So, what difference will it make if any to my bike and what do you all reckon? Potty, or a worthwhile proposition if it can be afforded?

Thanks for any effort expended.

 

[festival]

Replace when parts wear out. Any difference will be minimal considering the cost.
save your money for the new bike or put it towards upgrade of wheels

 

[Moodyman]

I think you've answered your own question Mr Remings.

If your current kit works, leave it as is and replace after wear and tear

 

[Chrisz]

Wot he said!!

If it all works and you're happy with it - stick with it!

If you want to upgrade, go for it - it will make you feel better and you can always justify the (perceived) improvements on performace to yourself

 

[Scoosh]

Most of the difference will probably be in the weight of the components, as I found out on another thread.

This is about the weight difference in a rear mech for a SRAM Rival or Apex 11/32 cassette:

Foie gras ? £0.15/gm
Royal Beluga Caviar ? £1.33/gm
Truffles ? £5.30/gm
difference between Rival and Apex rear mech ? £7.50/gm

< thinks: weight weenie or fat old git ?>

Apex it will be !

 

[lejogger]

As per usual, the guys above have got it spot on... the performance difference between Rival and Red will be minimal in comparison to the outlay... I have rival on my carbon bike and Apex on the winter/commuter, and yes, there is a difference in the smoothness of shifting between the two, but it may just be the initial build wasn't as good, or the fact that I've got much bigger jumps between gears on the 11-32 cassette than I do on a 12-25?
Yes there will be a weight advantage, but nothing that you would particularly notice unless you're looking to shave off fractions of seconds in races. I doubt very much there will be any other performance gain than a psychological boost for having higher status bling than you did before.
At the end of the day, if you're someone who likes having nice things (as most of us are) then definitely upgrade as and when things wear. If you have cash and are looking for significant, immediate performance gains then you should be looking at things like wheels, tyres and perhaps a professional fitting to make sure you're in an optimum position.

 

[Monsieur Remings]

Many thanks folks, I'll stick with what I've got.

I guess for me it's the trade off between selling on parts that are sellable versus using them till they're done.

Very helpful advice all round either way.