 No doubting what you are riding |
 Open Core Technology works |
SRAM Rival 2009 groupset £550
Rival is the name given to SRAM’s entry-level road groupset. As monikers go it is neither particularly exciting nor especially inspiring, but the reality is that the 2009 groupset is very impressive indeed.
The 2008 version was perhaps best described as crude but effective. It employed silver-finished aluminium for many parts both small and large, creating a budget aesthetic that many potential buyers seemed to dislike, and had a basic forged aluminium version of the Truvativ road crankset design. On the plus side was SRAM’s ground-breaking Double Tap dual-control shift system, which even in entry-level guise proved a revelation to those prepared to try it with an open mind.
For 2009, SRAM threw a shed load of real improvements at the group, turning it into a serious – er – rival for higher-end groups from the competition. Most obvious is the move to a high-gloss black finish to all aluminium parts, which entirely banishes the low-rent feel of the original. Then there’s the now-longer carbon-fibre brake lever, which will satisfy the carbon-fibre fetishists out there. Function-wise, the left-hand Double Tap lever gets an upgrade debuted on RED called Zero-Loss, which gets rid of some of the lost motion required before the shift mechanism actuates, and also has a trim function on the big chainring.
 Compact or standard compatible |
 No spring in the top pivot |
More fun with levers comes with the provision of alternative routes for the outer gear casings, which can run either behind or in front of the handlebar, and with adjustable reach for the brake and shift levers.
The functionality of derailleur mechs and brake calipers remains as was, the ‘braze-on’ front mech utilising SRAM’s unique dual mounting bolt hole to permit its use with both standard and compact chainset formats. The calipers still lack a fine centring adjustment, relyuing instead on a 12mm flat on the centre bolt intended to be gripped by a spanner.
Last, but certainly not least, is the Open Core Technology crankset. Utilising hollow-forged crank arms, this is a massive improvement over the C-section 2008 design and a strong candidate for crankset of the year. It is available in six crank arm lengths from 165mm to 180mm and in standard and compact BCD formats, the latter with a choice of 50/36 and 50/34 chainring pairings. Solid-forged crankarms are still available for those who want them. The bottom bracket assembly is SRAM’s regular GXP design with integrated axle and outboard bearings.
 Two options for control cable route |
 Black finish does show dirt |
Total weight for the group is a claimed 2149g, which is pretty impressive stuff from the newest road group manufacturer. It is entirely believable, with the aluminium-framed test bike coming in at a stunning 7.9kg with Dura-Ace Road Tubeless wheels and Hutchinson tyres. Two aspects of Rival’s performance stand out; the crankset is fabulously stiff and the shift sensation arguably superior to the top-end RED group thanks to a chunkier, firmer feel and equally slick engagement. Braking, too, is simply sensational and, importantly, the levers are a joy to cable up.
Demerits? Right now, a brake caliper centring screw as seen on RED would get the group a straight 10 for price versus performance; it may even work better than RED, albeit with a small weight penalty.
 Caliper needs centring screw |
 Carbon levers feel precise |
