SRAM Force 1

by Simon · 02/06/2015

SRAM Force 1

Simon Whiten

The SRAM Force 1 groupset wins in London

We don’t usually do a lot on triathlon on CycleTechReview.com but with the bike leg now resembling a road race as opposed to a time trial at the Olympic distance, triathlon is changing. SRAM are keen to tell us that 2012 Olympic Champion Alistair Brownlee took victory at the World Triathlon Series in London and more importantly did so on the new single chainring, SRAM Force 1 groupset…

We have already discussed SRAM’s cyclocross CX1 single chainring set-up. Paul has been using CX1 on his cross bike for sometime now and is a huge fan. Many of the top cross riders have switched over to a single chainring set-up. Is this going to be the way forward in road cycling as well?

It’s interesting that the Brownlees are happy to promote the new groupset and use SRAM Force 1 rather than the top of the range RED running gear; it often takes younger riders to bring new technologies through (disc brakes in cyclocross and Lars Van der Haar for instance).

Force 1 includes the SRAM X-SYNC single chainring and X-HORIZON clutch rear derailleur as discussed by Paul in his article here and also here.

SRAM claim that they can match the ratios of a double chainring set-up. For the flat London circuit, the Brownlees chose to race with a 52-tooth chainring and an 11-26 cassette but you can go up to a 42 on the rear cassette apparently!

It will be interesting to see if any pros road racers follow suit anytime soon. We’ll get Paul out on it as soon as we can and let you know how he gets on…