Going From Shimano to SRAM
It’s been about a month since I got my hot new, personal brand, ultra light road bike. I’ve been promising for a while, but more details on our own Concepcion brand of custom road bikes will be coming out soon. For now, let me at least drop the logo for you to check out.
There has recently been some changes in the Shimano distribution system and US suppliers can no longer send the product outside their boundaries. The location of our Caribbean Shimano distributor is not at all easy to ship from, so we had to look at other options. SRAM was the next logical choice.
I’ve ridden with Shimano my entire road cycling life, but I was cool with the forced change. Although the shifting system is similar to Shimano, I hadn’t checked into how the SRAM clicking worked so I simply played around with it on my inaugural ride. The first thing I did was shift the brake lever over……how many of you first time SRAMers have done that?
Let me make this short and sweet. I’ve always loved Shimano, and now I love SRAM as well. But here’s a few things I’ve noticed from the switch.
First off, the long click to the back ring easier gears can be a little tough if you’ve got Chikungunya fingers like I do. Secondly, I feel like the long click for the front ring should send you into the easier gear, just like when long clicking the back…..but that’s not the case. Finally, SRAM is super smooth. Maybe it’s because it’s new, but I find the shifting quick and precise.
So what’s your preference? SRAM, Shimano, Campagnolo, other? Which one do you like best….and why do you like it?
Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon everyday. It will always be exciting to read through articles from other authors and practice something from other websites.
Love the logo! Are these bikes you intend to sell in Grenada, or manufacture there and ship to other countries? Curious to hear more about them…did you do a previous post that I missed?
Thanks Emily….yeah, we love the logo as well. It looks cool, but it is also representative of Grenada’s history. The monkey face is one of the first drawings ever found on the island, made by the Arawaks.
We plan to supply the entire Caribbean region as there are no other bike builders in this area and we can supply countries with quality bikes at better prices. We also have people interested who are from North America as well….and will ship there or invite people to come to Grenada to pick them up themselves which would be cool.
I’ve posted a few hints about Concepcion, but waiting until our official press release to get more details out.
Thanks Darryl — I promise to stay tuned! 🙂
I’m historically a Shimano guy (on road bikes). I used to love Campy’s looks but not their price. Now I dislike their price AND their aesthetics. SRAM’s definitely getting some looks from me as I prep to assemble a new CX bike. The CX1 group’s features are damned intriguing.
Yeah, I’m on board with SRAM now that I have it…..but still like Shimano as well.
I have been using SRAM for a couple of years now and it has worked really well. I am sure that any of them work well, with slight differences. I try to not think too hard about it and just ride.
Good attitude….don’t get hung up on which one you have. Just ride.
Love my Shimano, second is the elegant Campgnlo.