SRAM has raised the bar so high with their performance entry level Rival groupset that the review team at Bicycle.net was not only pleased with performance, but blown away.

Lately the SRAM rival Group has been showing up on a ton of the mid-level race bikes that caught our attention, so when we had the opportunity to put the 2010 Rival to the test we jumped at it. We were building up an all around bike that could be used for racing, training, and all around riding.

The first thing that you notice is the very clean black anodized finish that looks like it should be on a far more expensive groupset. Some of the features that make the 2010 Rival stand out in its class is the full reach adjustment for both the brake and shift levers. The carbon brake levers, aluminum shift paddles, Open Core Technology (OCT). The cranks are hollow forged. It has ZERO Loss front shifting so your gears are engaged immediately, multiple cable routing options, and much more.

But the feature that sets SRAM apart from the competition is the DoubleTap technology. DoubleTap technology delivers extremely smooth up and down shifting in one single motion. We can sum up the DoubleTap system in one word –“Awesome”.

Since this was the first time some of us had ever used the SRAM DoubleTap system we had nothing to compare it to except for the 20+ years of using either Shimano or Campagnolo. Lets just say we have some experience.

TEST RESULTS
Rival DoubleTap Shift Levers – The levers are about the most comfortable we have ever ridden. The adjustability of the levers pretty much guarantees a perfect fit. With the ability to route the shift cables under the bar tape you not only clean up your cockpit, but improve the aerodynamics at the front of your bicycle. Even after 5 plus hour rides we still found placing our hands on the hoods to be comfortable.

Brakes – The brakes were powerful and had better than expected modulation. SRAM really put some design engineering time into the Rival brakes. Another thing that stands out is that the leading edge of the brake is tapered giving it a smaller footprint to help you cheat a little more of that wind. The brakes were easy to install and as an added bonus they have indexing adjustments at the brake quick releases. The brake pads worked well on our HED wheels, and are wearing well so far.

Rear Derailleur – Silky smooth and extremely accurate. And they are also bullet proof. I did not expect this kind of performance from an entry level performance rear derailleur. It shifted on cue and accurately every time. One of the most impressive things was in a criterium race and while loading up the drive train for the sprint the shifting was quick, with no hesitation, and accurate.

Front Derailleur – The front derailleur was also quick and accurate. Now that it comes with trim adjustment you can really dial in the placement of the chain and take out all chance of chain rub.

Crankset – Not only is this a light crankset, but it is able to transfer your power to road, where it belongs. The PowerGlide chairings are strong, and have held up to our aggressive use. The Open Core Technology used on the crank arms is what helps them retain their stiffness, while still getting down to a very light 830 grams.

Cassette – It can best be described as quite, accurate, and strong. After months of use it is showing little to no wear which is pretty impressive with how hard we have been on it.

All in all, the SRAM Rival Group is probably the best bargain in a performance groupset you can get.

Weight:
DoubleTap Levers: 320 grams
Rear Derailleur: 188 grams
Front Derailleur: 88 grams
Crankset: 830 grams
Brakes: 287 grams
PowerGlide Cassette: 229 grams
Chain: 260 grams
Bottom Bracket: 119 grams

Total Groupset Weight = 2305 grams

MSRP = $920.00

For comparison on weights;
SRAM Rival = 2305 grams
SRAM Force = 2111 grams
Campagnolo Record = 1990 grams
Campagnolo Chorus = 2200 grams
Shimano Dura Ace = 2180 grams
Shimano Ultegra = 2301 grams

Pros: Great price. Excellent performance. Light weight. Very nice finish. DoubleTap. Cable routing.

Cons: None

We give the SRAM Rival Groupset

4.5 out of 5 chainrings