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SRAM components

SRAM components

When the world thought thumbshifters, SRAM dreamed up the Gripshift: a robust and simple way to change gear. As cycling appeals to an ever-wider audience, innovative thinking, simplicity and reliability are more important than ever. 'Comfort cycling' has arrived. A 'comfort' bike is rider-friendly: that means components which function perfectly with as little hassle and maintenance as possible.

SRAM's own expertise in designing components with these qualities has been extended by their acquisition in 1997 of Sachs, for many decades Europe's largest manufacturer of cycle components. SRAM now supply a complete range of components for both 'comfort' bikes and MTBs, including gear components, cranksets, brakes and chains. The 'Spectro' range builds particularly on the engineering expertise and reputation of Sachs, while SRAM puts its own name on derailleur drivetrain components.

The Spectro range covers an impressive range of hub gears and brakes, perfect for city and 'comfort' cyclists, offering wide gear ranges without the complexity of a derailleur system. Ranging from three to twelve speeds, Spectro hub gears are easy to use and low maintenance. The idea is to make life as easy as possible for the customer. SRAM have paid particular attention to the ergonomics: the shifting 'feel' is improved, dual-density grips offer more comfort, and it's easy to remove and reassemble the rear wheel: no adjustment is needed. Just snap the 'click-box' back on, and off you go.The range is completed by the Spectrolux universal dynamo, the '3x7' combination hub/derailleur system, and a front drum brake.

SRAM have rethought the way derailleurs work, not taking for granted that decades of road-bike derailleur developments are appropriate for MTBs. The ESP mountain-bike derailleurs have a '1:1' ratio of lever movement to derailleur movement, giving lower than usual cable tension, and more reliable indexing. The changer is bolted in a fixed position on the dropout, allowing a stronger idler cage spring to control chain-slap and chain-suck.

'Plasma' derailleurs do away with the strange 180º bend performed by most rear derailleur cables, and the more direct cable routing leads to correspondingly lower shifting effort. The ESP and 'Plasma' ranges complement each other nicely: while the ESP shifters and derailleurs work together perfectly as a finely-tuned system, the Plasma range is compatible with most current shifters. Both shift smoothly and fast, but there's a diffferent 'feel'. If you can, try them both!

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