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Mixing SRAM rings with other components

Brad MarcusBrad Marcus
in General Training Discussions
After some debate, I think I'm finally making the move to a Quarq power meter. In doing so I'll likely end up with a Quarq with SRAM rings and cranks. My tt bike is a Cervelo with all Shimano components except for the current rings/cranks which are FSA. I noticed on the Quarq website under "compatibility" that they have SRAM listed for front deraileur. I spoke with a rep at Quarq who told me he doesn't expect problems with what I would like to do, but he told me that mixing SRAM rings with Shimano derailleur and chain isn't perfect. I think that the SRAM rings are an upgrade over the Ones I have, but don't want to start with changing out other components.

I would imagine that some of you have done precisely what I'm planning on, and wanted to see if there were any issues encountered (shifting, chain drops, etc)?

All comments welcomed. Thanks!

Comments

  • jfields74jfields74
    I'm doing exactly what you describe above on a P2. I had several instances of chain drops with this setup. It doesn't happen very often but it has happened. I'm not sure why and haven't been able to pin point the exact cause, like maybe shifting to fast/slow but it is annoying when it happens.

    I got a new wheel set and I installed a SRAM cassette on it. I also installed a new SRAM chain which significantly reduced the noise from my drive train.
  • manconamancona
    mix away. Sram/Shimano 10-speed is very cross-compatible and I've been mixing for years. The only items that should match are your shifters and derailleurs because the amount of cable they pull is different in indexed mode. Having clean, lubed, properly adjusted components is SO much more important than what brand.

    Are you going from a standard to compact crank?

    Keep in mind the higher the drop in teeth from big to small ring the harder it is on the FD. 53-39=14 whereas 50-34=16. Therefore the shifting on a standard will just about always feel better and be faster than on a compact no matter what brand/model FD, rings, chain, etc. Plus, the larger drop for the chain makes it more likely to drop the chain.... a $30 chain keeper is a great investment if you have this problem.
  • harrastharrast
    Chain drops happen unless you get one of the chain keeper gadgets that Matt mentioned. I run all SRAM components including the chain, quarq (compact), shifters, cassette, derailleurs, and I still occasionally drop my chain--I did at IMFL on a fairly flat course with very little shifting. Drops can be minimized by proper placement of the front derailleur, of course. I wouldn't see any issue with using a SRAM crank and rings that you wouldn't also have with any other crank/ring combo. FWIW.
  • robin sarnerrobin sarner
    As below. Works great. I prefer shmano der with sram rings and cogs. Get chain guard regardless.
  • Brad MarcusBrad Marcus
    Jamie, Matt, Steven, Robin - Thanks for easing my mind on this topic. Will note the chain guard as being a good idea!
  • harrastharrast
    Decided to eat my own dog food and bought a chain guard today on amazon for $18.60 (yellow anodized)--not a bad price for not dropping the chain. http://www.amazon.com/K-Edge-Chain-Catcher-Braze-on/dp/B0040PT9WG/ref=pd_sim_sg_31

  • jfields74jfields74
    Thanks Matt and Steven...I'll be ordering one also!
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