The front derailleur of the new groupset should not only move back and forth when shifting, but also describe a new small arc and thus remain at a constant angle to the chain. Sram calls this "Yaw technology" and is intended to help the front derailleur run smoothly even without the trim function. An optional bracket can also be fitted to the front derailleur to protect the chain from falling off the small chainring when downshifting.

The "Red Exogram" crank, which is completely hollow right up to the crank spider, has been thoroughly overhauled. The structure with a countersunk screw for fixing the crank arm has led to a more effective use of carbon fibers and increased stiffness. New chainrings, available in a 2x version with a 53-39 or 50-34 gradation, should harmonize perfectly with the renewed front derailleur and guarantee silky-smooth gear changes.

Thanks to the acquisition of the performance diagnostics specialist Quark, Sram now offers a power meter crank within the "Red" group. The slim geometry of this crank offers more clearance for extra-large frames and aerodynamic chainrings. The integrated electronics for power measurement promise maximum reliability and user-friendliness.

Sram has done some detailed work on the rear derailleur. The derailleur arm can now be attached to the frame using a hollow titanium screw and the tooth geometry of the derailleur pulleys has been revised.

Sram is also big on the new 10-speed cassette. The eight middle sprockets are made from a single block of high-quality tool steel. This should outperform titanium in terms of weight and stiffness. There is also an elastomer ring on the cassette between each sprocket, which is designed to dampen vibration and noise. The "PC 1091R" is equipped with rounded outer plates for quiet running so that the chain also shines with low noise levels.

The "Red" brakes feature aerodynamic improvements. The newly patented brake arm reduces the wind attack point in the front area and should also deliver improved braking performance and modulation. The quick release for opening the brake calliper when removing the wheel has also been redesigned to be streamlined.

According to Amsler, Sram's Swiss supplier, the "Red" groupsets and components in the 53/39 gradation will be available in mid-March 2012, while the 50/34 gradation is expected to be available at the end of April 2012.

Sram will therefore continue to forgo the use of electronic components in the groupsets, but has announced the integration of hydraulic brakes in the "Red" road bike groupset for fall 2012.

www.sram.com
www.amsler.ch