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Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (107)A relaunch of SRAM’s Force group took place at the Sea Otter Classic in California today. Michael Zellmann, SRAM Road PR Manager, tells us about the changes. We also talk about Team Saxo Bank’s mid-season switch to Red.
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:18 am
Love the SRAM interview but man, could the SRAM guy not call in from the grocery store…?
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:26 am
Just kidding!
April 27th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Well, actually, sometimes the connections sound pretty bad. I realize that many of the folks being interviewed may be on the move and have to use cell phones but if land lines are an option it would make things better. Not complaining, just suggesting.
April 27th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Speaking of components, I am thinking about upgrading my Specialized Allez to be more “race ready”. I know it’s not a great bike, but it was cheap and I was poor, but honestly, I love the frame and I have been considering upgrading the components rather than buying a new bike. It currently has a an 8 speed Sora group and was looking to get a 10 speed. Any suggestions on how to go about doing this? Or would everyone suggest saving my money and upgrade the bike instead? I love riding and can generally hang with the fastest in the group rides and I have thought about racing. Some people have even suggested I try it out, but I am worried I am going to feel inadequate at the race. Any help?
April 28th, 2009 at 6:15 am
Dyno – An entry level SRAM Rival group is a good start. It’s light, works well, and works better than Ultegra in my opinion. At a minimum you’re going to need to purchase front and rear derailleurs, chain, cassette, crank, and levers. You can use your old calipers but won’t get the entire SRAM feel and performance. Oh yeah, you also need a new hub. Might as well upgrade the wheelset entirely to something like a Ksyrium equipe or better. I think the Allez frame is fine and, if it fits you, worth keeping.
April 28th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Hi, for some reason I have compatibility problems with your site, I’m using google chrome. do you support this browser? Thanks guys…
April 29th, 2009 at 5:49 am
Thanks John! I will start looking around for good deal and keep you guys up to date.
Dynomite!
April 29th, 2009 at 6:42 am
Dynomite!- Many shops/online sites are getting rid of their Ultegra 6600 stock as it was just updated by Shimano. I’m sure you can find some great deals and this would allow you the 10 spd that you crave as well as saving some $$ for some wheels.
Good Luck!
April 29th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
As one who has ridden many groupos, and doesn’t have a dog in this fight (hmmm, hmmm), I would agree with the urban hermit. The closeout Shimano Ultegra is beaucoup bang for the buck. Spend the money on wheels; a minimum Ksyrium SL’s (no elites). I do have a dog it that fight…I am, the MAVIC Man.
April 29th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Mavic Man,
Do they sell a Ksyrium SL Premium with a tubular rim? I’m looking for some nice cyclocross wheels but don’t want carbon rims (I’m too poor for that) and would like to replace the bearings with some ceramic ones.
My other option is a custom build with dt swiss 190s dt swiss spokes laced to mavic reflex rims.
Any suggestions?
April 29th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
I see this adding up quickly but I guess the good thing is that you can buy the gruppo and wheels at different times to spread the expense out. I will check out the Ultegra also. Would a 105 be useless?
April 29th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Bridget,
Ksyrium SL c sew ups? Absolutely. Here is a pair you might get cheap. Take the savings and splurge on the ceramic bearings. I’d ask him why they had to be rebuilt however:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Mavic-Ksyrium-SL-2002-tubular-wheelset-Shimano-freehub_W0QQitemZ180350611871QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCycling_Parts_Accessories?hash=item180350611871&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50
Good Luck to you.
http://www.mavic.com/road/products/ksyrium-sl.995720.1.aspx