SRAM have updated their Rival groupset offering this season, adding their groundbreaking 1X drivetrain technology into the mix in the shape of Rival1. Rival22 remains essentially unchanged, and that's a great thing becuaee it's the most price competitive 11-speed groupset on the market and perfect for new and experienced cyclists alike. Read on to find out what SRAM Rival1 has to offer the adventurous cyclist who's not scared of venturing off-road and onto the trails and maybe even tackling some winter cyclocross.
SRAM Rival 22
SRAM Rival 22 offers high performance at an affordable price. Featuring many of the qualities of its higher level counterparts SRAM Rival is one of the most advanced mid-level groupsets on the market. Unlike other brands offerings SRAM Rival is available with a choice of hydraulic rim callipers, disc brakes or conventional cable-operated rim brakes. The feel of Rival shifters is also almost identical to those of higher level SRAM groupsets. This is down to the internals of the shifters being identical to Force and Red, only the out materials are different, which adds weight whilst shifting performance stays the same. Rival is the perfect groupset for everyday cycling, training, touring or even cyclocross (given the varied gearing options available).
SRAM Rival 1
Paved or not. Cyclocross or triathlon. Crit racing or uncharted journeys. SRAM Rival 1 is the first of its kind, a mid level X1 groupset providing high quality components at affordable price, its simpler, lighter and more durable. The idea for Rival 1 starts a number of years ago when SRAM ditched front derailleurs on their mountain bike drive trains, since then they have applied this technology to their CX1 Cyclocross range. Now Rival 1 brings the simplistic versatility of a single front chain ring and a wide range rear cassette to SRAMS road range. Rival 1 is perfect for situations where switching between big and small gears are not necessary. Crit racing is a particularly good example of where the benefits of a X1 drive train are apparent, most crit riders will never change to their smaller front chain ring. Rival 1 would enable a crit racer to have a much wider selection of gearing across their rear cassette, offering the ability to switch between gears with zero losses in momentum.
Both SRAM Rival 22 and Rival 1 are available with hydraulic braking, Rival 1 is currently limited to disc brakes but Rival 22 has both Disc and Rim options. There are many other great features to both Rival 22 and Rival1 we've listed some of the best below;
Road.cc reviewed SRAM Rival 1, Here's what they had to say.
YAW
Yaw is only availible with Rival 22 groupsets and allows the front derailleur cage to rotate, maintaining a consistent angular relationship with the chain. Yaw technology eliminates the need for shifter trim. As a result, shifts feel more direct, more precise, delivering unmatched performance advantage in front shifting.
Double Tap
DoubleTap makes changing gears easier and faster, eliminating the cumbersome and awkward engagement associated with two-lever systems. DoubleTap handles up- and downshifts in one short, sweeping motion, with minimal effort and maximum comfort no matter where you are on the bars. For new SRAM users getting used to how DoubleTap works will feel strange at first compared with other two lever systems. This is down to the on lever system used by SRAM DoupleTap, a short, rapid tap moves the rear derailleur through the smaller cogs of the rear cassette. Whilst downshifting comes via a longer sweep of the lever (in the same inward direction you upshift). Unlike all other forward controls, DoubleTap also lets you pull the shift lever in against the bars so you can upshift while sprinting or attacking without giving up a firm grip. This also allows the brake and shift levers to be completely independent from one another, each operating with their own pivot points. This not only allows for the multiposition functionality, it also eliminates the risk of engaging brakes or shifters unintentionally - an unfortunate side effect of other shift/brake lever designs.
WiFLi
WiFLi stands for Wider – Faster – Lighter and is SRAM’s revolutionary concept that allows WiFLi users to accommodate a much wider range of gears on the rear cassette, than a standard double or triple groupset. With Rival 1 this combined with different sized front chain rings will offer an incredibly wide range of gearing options. WiFli accommodates this range of gears without compromising shifting or efficiency.
SRAM Rival 1 X-SYNC Chainrings
SRAM X-SYNC chainrings are used for 1X groupsets only and provide the highest level of performance and durability. They use a wide-tooth, narrow-tooth chainring technology to provide maximum chain control, eliminating the need for a chain catcher. This adaption to the chain ring is crucial to the success of 1X groupsets in Cyclocross.