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SRAM R2C Shifters

brandonsaidbrandonsaid
in General Training Discussions

Does anyone have any experience using SRAM R2C shifters?  Not really concerned about the aero time saving but more from a usability and comfort perspective.  My buddy has an extra pair that he is giving away but didn't know if they were worth the time and hassle of installing them.   

Comments

  • mpofireklrmpofireklr

    I use them and Love them took a couple rides to get use to the way they work but so far so good

  • GMAN 19030GMAN 19030
    I asked the question on Slowtwitch when I was figuring out what drivetrain to go with on my new Trek Speed Concept (went with Di2).

    All comments on SRAM R2C were negative. Some paraphrased quotes that I recall:
    "An expensive half-assed effort to improve shifting."
    "It a solution to something that doesn't have a problem."
    "The shifters are unreliable and problematic."

    But I've read a lot of people that love them as well. I'd try them for free if I were you. No reason not to, IMO.
  • grosso27grosso27

    I have them & love them.  They are not worth the retail price, but if you can find a deal on them, they are great.  Add in a set of Zipp VukaShift extensions so you don't have to use the expansion barrel & you've got a great setup. 

    Some people have had issues, but I think alot of that goes to poor mechanic skills.  When given a torque spec, use it.  We are talking about ratcheting gears & springs/pawls here, some of which are surprisingly made of plastic.  Never ever unscrew the 5mm bolt all the way, and make sure you torque it to 9Nm when your preferred shifter angle is set.  It's not rocket science.

    I've tried both the Zipp & Sram models, and I prefer the skinny Sram version that I can wrap my fingers around.  The Zipp ones are really bulbous & I wasn't as big a fan.

    So long story short, they are not revolutionary, but they are a nice upgrade.  If you can get them for $100 or less, give 'er a go.  For $300, I'd pass.

  • gopetegogopetego
    I have the Zipps R2C / Vulka's on my first and only (hopefully) new tri-bike - professionally installed - and I really like them - but then again I have nothing to compare it to. My other bike is a road bike. They were an upgrade that was sort of "thrown in" w/the whole bike fit/purchase. When aero I tend to wrap one finger on each hand around each shifter and just leave it there for quick shift changes - which is nice when you rarely ride flat roads...having the shifter in the same position makes this very convenient.. I've had no mechanical issues w/them yet - but have had them for only 7 months w/more trainer rides than outdoor rides to this point...but my guess is, in big picture sense, they are certainly not necessary....but for the right price - sure give them a whirl...
  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    I have 2 tri-bikes, one all Dura Ace 7900 and the other all SRAM Red w R2C ... professionally installed. I prefer the SRAM to the Dura Ace for shifting. It takes less torque to make the shift, and like Ed said, I like how I can wrap my fingers around the small size. I don't believe in wind tunnel test conducted without a rider on the bike, so I would agree with others that say it's not worth the money for the "aero" advantage...if any. But they look cool and I like them! image
  • manconamancona
    I love them. Pain in the ass to dial in the FD indexing on some TT bikes but once they are set up right they work great. A few tips...

    If you are not experienced in tuning derailleurs, don't try and learn with these.
    As Ed said, the vukashift extensions are awesome.
    They break in over he first few weeks and get easier to shift. If it is still hard, set the neutral position up a few degrees as this will give you more leverage.
    Do NOT remove the wrong bolt as if you take the internal mech apart it is a nightmare to put it back together. It's obvious which one is the right one but I thought I would look inside to see how they work... Opps.

    I don't think they are worth $300 but if you can get them OEM or for a discount, go for it.
  • manconamancona
    I love them. Pain in the ass to dial in the FD indexing on some TT bikes but once they are set up right they work great. A few tips...

    If you are not experienced in tuning derailleurs, don't try and learn with these.
    As Ed said, the vukashift extensions are awesome.
    They break in over he first few weeks and get easier to shift. If it is still hard, set the neutral position up a few degrees as this will give you more leverage.
    Do NOT remove the wrong bolt as if you take the internal mech apart it is a nightmare to put it back together. It's obvious which one is the right one but I thought I would look inside to see how they work... Opps.

    I don't think they are worth $300 but if you can get them OEM or for a discount, go for it.
  • jhbinscjhbinsc

    I took a chance when I ordered my Trek SC last year and have loved them. No problems so far....

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