SRAM launch their 2012 goodies

PDF | Print | E-mail

Friday, 30 September 2011 15:34

User Rating: / 0
PoorBest 

SRAM 2012 products a must-see

Sport Scientist and keen multisporter Ryan Hodierne attended the launch for the new SRAM componentry for 2012 at the end of September.

The SRAM SA 2012 product launch was at the Waterkloof Golf course in Pretoria, where they had all the new componets out on display. A circular loop up and into the Klapperkop Nature Reserve was marked out in order to take bikes kitted with the 2012 gear for a test ride.

I had the most fun I have ever had on someone else's bike. I rode the Santa Cruz High Ball 29er, specced with 2012 XX components and had an absolute blast on the trails.  

The road cycling accesories look more sleek than ever. Cycling enthusiasts and bike pimping specialists will have a field day with their colour coding. Component weights have again been minimized to the last gram with interesting mechanical advancements here and there.

Not much change is evident in the top end SRAM Red / XX, but in the slightly lower specced XO - X5 componentry for mountain bikes, the changes are both visual and mechanical. The SRAM XO 10 speed will come out in chrome levers and calipers... I feel for the bike washers having to buff up these parts after a muddy ride. The X5 rear gear clusters and bottom brackets have been hollowed for lighter weight - this was never heard of at this level of entry level componentry.

On the downhill front, the XO Downhill components look pretty and hardcore at the same time. The chainring gaurd looks robust and race ready, with a few clever design improvements.

Looking ahead, the cycling scene is an ever changing - ever improving environment that is setting the standard and trend in the line of lightweight mechanical functionality.

Be excited.