New SRAM Red group set with integrated Quarq
SRAM unveiled the 2012 Red group to the world today and we have the first pictures here. Integrated power meter, light weight and improved shifting are some of the highlights and shifters, rear derailleur, front derailleur, brakes, cranks and cassette are brand new.
Yes, SRAM Red is 10-speed and not running on electronics, but the 2012 SRAM Red group managed to come in at a stunning 1737 grams in the BB30 version according to SRAM, and SRAM calls this the lightest groupset ever. SRAM also offers a Quarq power meter RED Crank and and that would add another 221 grams to the total weight of the group.
Coolest part of the group might be the new front derailleur. Like other front derailleurs the new RED one swings in and out, but unlike others it also rotates on a vertical axis to maintain a consistent angular relationship with the chain eliminating the need to trim. SRAM calls this Yaw technology.
The new crankset is hollow all the way to the spider and that helped the group to shed some of the weight. The X Glide chainrings were optimized to work with the new front derailleur.
The cassette was also completely revamped and features elastomers between each cog to reduce vibration and noise.
The group will be available in early March and retail for $2575.
We had hoped to see the rumored hydraulic SRAM Red brakes, but while SRAM finally confirmed that they are indeed working on both a hydraulic disc and rim brake for this group and even shared some details, they did not lift the veil.
The hydraulic rim brake will be controlled with the DoubleTap shift/brake lever and according to SRAM is supposed to have tire clearance for up to 28c tires and not surprisingly have Firecrest rim compatibility. The hydraulic disc brake will also be drop bar DoubleTap lever actuated and run on 140-160mm discs. But neither of these hydraulic Red level units will be available before the fall of this year and neither pricing nor weight was given.
Comments
Very cool! As a reminder, I'm a Quarq dealer and can generally get you about 10% off of retail.
Somer neat features with the new SRAM Red Quarq:
SRAM RED Quarq Power Meter
A lighter, more accurate power meter completely integrated with the philosophy and performance of SRAM RED. Advances in technology and performance paired with unrivaled ease-of-use.
The sleek new geometry reduces system weight and delivers clearance for oversized frames and aerodynamic chainrings. The only visible power component is the low profile, all aluminum battery case. New stress flow lifts accuracy to +/- 1.5% and makes power measurement independent from chainring selection. Integrated electronics minimize interconnections and reduce exposure to the elements, bringing unmatched durability and reliability.
To read more about the SRAM RED Quarq power meter, see the blog.
Features
Compatibility
The SRAM RED Quarq power meter has been designed and integrated into the RED group set. It is only compatible with 2012 SRAM RED chainrings and must be combined with the 2012 SRAM RED Yaw™ front derailleur and shifters. It uses existing SRAM RED GXP and BB30 bottom brackets.
Options
Availability and Price
53/39 GXP - April 2012
50/34 GXP, 53/39 BB30 and 50/34 BB30 - May 2012
MSRP: GXP $1995, BB30 $2045
The SRAM RED Quarq power meter will only be available through SRAM and Quarq dealers.
SRAM Dealers and Distributors
Quarq Dealers
To read more about the SRAM RED Quarq power meter, see the blog.
Rich might be helpful to know what one could get the whole groupset for with the Quarq. Especially now that WB said they want us buying through them(you).
I was just at Rich's shop talking pricing on Zipp and Hed aluminum training wheels, a carbon Reynolds option, PT Pro and G3, and Quarq stuff. I should have numbers for everyone soon!