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S900 v. S975 compact quarq

rah2774rah2774
in General Training Discussions

okay, so, you've all convinced me that the compact crankset is the way to go with my 650s and quarq... but now I have to decide between an S900 or S975. 

I know at least a few of you have the S900... does anyone have the S975?  Todd at TTbikefit told me it was the upgrade model... from what I understand (which may be wrong), it's fully integrated which I think means that it's easier to change out on different bikes (comes with the BB installed and it all pops out as one unit).  Other than that, I don't know the difference.

As a crazy twist of fate, I'm now in the market for a new TT as my LBS found a crack in my frame... so I'm trying to be sure I get the set up I need to be ready for the quarq when the time comes.   This is gonna be a crazy expensive few months for me. 

thanks.

Comments

  • steveperxsteveperx
    Only difference I can tell i that the S975 comes with SRAM Red chainrings. I bought the S900, which I think comes with Force chain rings.
  • TerryOTerryO
    When you are talking about spending that much money, and the price difference is relatively nominal, I think spending the extra money is always worth it. I'm a firm believer in "you get what you pay for". Its not just about weight either. The quality, durability, and technology is almost always better. The only caveat is that it only makes sense if you plan to keep for awhile.
  • manconamancona
    I do not have a S975, but I have the Red crank it is based on and I have an S900.

    The S975 is based on the Red level crank, it is just a S900 but with the crank arms from the Red crank instead of the force crank. Also as Steve mentioned the S975 comes with Red rings (IF you get the standard) I'm almost positive the compact comes with the force rings. Red rings are claimed to be lighter and stiffer, but the only difference you will notice is they look a little nicer. Also the S975 is available in BB30.

    The S900 is the force level crank and comes with the force rings (same ones as the S975 compact). This means it is just a little heaver... I seem to recall the difference is about 80g total between S975 and S900, but I can't find the exact number.

    My understanding is the the fully integrated thing you mention is just the way BB30 works vs a standard thread in BB. Therefore this is a difference between a S975 in BB30 and a S975/S900 in a standard BB, not really a S975 vs S900 thing. It is vey easy to swap the normal treader version on the S900 or S975 as all you do is losen one 8mm bolt and the whole crank comes out.

    Both use the same bottom bracket and you can choose either the standard GXP or Ceramic for either, which you have to purchase separately anyway.

    Therefore ... if you are getting a compact with a standard BB, the only thing you get for the extra money to get a S975 is about 80g less weight. If you needed BB30 or a standard 53/39 it would be a different story and maybe worth the extra money.
  • rah2774rah2774

    thanks, I did a bit more research and came to the same conclusion - the S975 compact uses a Force not a Red, so there isn't that much of a difference... not worth the 150 -- although this will be put off a touch longer as I'm buying a new bike - post Timberman a crack was discovered in my frame....  But when the time comes (Nov), I'll know what I want/need and will be ready to go!

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