SRAM have introduced time trial shifters and chainrings compatible with the ‘yaw’ technology found on its top-of-the-range Red 2012 groupset.
SRAM unveiled the Return to Centre bar-end shifters in 2010 and they have now been upgraded to work with SRAM Red 2012‘s yaw front derailleur.
As explained in the second instalment of our SRAM Red 2012 long-term test, yaw technology moves the derailleur cage in a slight arc as the chain shifts across the two front rings, angling the mech towards the rear cassette, thereby removing the need to trim the front mech to accommodate an extreme chain angle.
With that in mind, the left/front Return to Centre shifter, which, as the name suggests, sees the shifter automatically return to its starting position, is now trim-less, which SRAM say results in a lighter action than the original version.
The narrow shifting blade is made from carbon fibre and has been shaped to fit between the thumb and the first finger. The inner titanium bolt enables the rider to adjust the initial position of the shift lever within a 40-degree range for a customised fit.
The shifters weigh 175g and will cost £324.99 when they become available on November 15.
Meanwhile, SRAM have also unveiled a 55-42t chainring combination for use with SRAM Red 2012. The latest groupset uses a redesigned chainring with revamped shift timing pins and ramps, optimised to work with the yaw front derailleur.
The aluminium chainrings weigh 170g, will cost €93 (UK price TBC) and are also slated for a mid-November release.
