[bikertank]

I have a Trek Madone 3.1 with Shimano 105. Have ridden the same bike with the SRAm which I preferred. Would like to change it over to SRAM. Ebay has some brand new 5 piece sets for $595.

Includes
* SRAM Chain PC 1071
* SRAM Force Carbon Shifters with cables & housing ***** (Black hoods installed on levers. Red hoods included).
* SRAM Force Braze-On Front Derailleur
* SRAM Force Rear Derailleur
* SRAM Force Cassette PG 1070 11-28

Not sure what Braze-ON means. Tell me what you think of this deal - yeah or Nay. I know some on the forum have individual components for sale but would like to go full scale set.

You can also give me your views of the idea itself or your thoughts on SRAM.

Lastly - the ~ cost to install at a LBS. Thanks

[StormStrikes]

Take it with a grain of salt, as Im new and still learning and reading. However, braze ons are pivoting attachment points. As opposed to clamped on. Being a braze on would suggest to me, and again keep in mind my newbness, that the attachment point for the derailleur is already on the bike vs. a clamp on that could be put on the seat tube and adjusted to the chainring as needed. If you dont already have that attachment point on your bike then my only concern would be whether or not you could use it.

[zero3one]

Braze on means that the derailleur is designed to be installed on a down tube that has the fittings for it. Look on your bike, the front derailleur is either installed right on the down tube or is clamped on which is what the other kind of derailleur is called.

I have SRAM on my road bike and really like it. Shimano is fine too but I really like the feel and the look of the SRAM line.

[wild]

My question would be can you get a clamp to make the braze on derailer into a clamp on if neaded ???

[HillDancer]

Yes. SRAM (also Shimano, Campagnolo, etc.) make(s) adapter clamps in 31.8 and 34.9 seat tube OD sizes; a shim would be needed for 28.6 tubes, or a clamp from Problem Solvers, or any of the other aftermarket options. The OP's front dérailleur has a 34.9 clamp, if it is an adapter clamp (not integrated), then the Force dérailleur is a direct bolt up to the existing clamp.

[Poolie]

I love my SRAM components but if it were me I'd be hard pressed to spend that money to switch over unless the Shimano stuff was worn out. Might make more sense to see if you can sell that bike and pickup the same bike with the SRAM on it... just a thought.

[bikertank]

Poolie - Biking is my treat to me - I don't spend $$ I don't have - I teach about 8-10 seminars on weekends per yr - that is typically my play $$ - just had a well paying seminar - figure if I spend a third of that $$ it is all good

[bikertank]

Just googled SRAM clamps and this thread showed up on the first page - I don't know why but i think that is cool !

[bikertank]

This will happen so anyone that is looking for a 5 piece LIGHTLY used Shimano 105 set from front brake/shifter thingeys to the cassette in the back & the derailers & chain let me know

[bikertank]

Originally Posted by HillDancer

Yes. SRAM (also Shimano, Campagnolo, etc.) make(s) adapter clamps in 31.8 and 34.9 seat tube OD sizes; a shim would be needed for 28.6 tubes, or a clamp from Problem Solvers, or any of the other aftermarket options. The OP's front dérailleur has a 34.9 clamp, if it is an adapter clamp (not integrated), then the Force dérailleur is a direct bolt up to the existing clamp.

HillDander, or anyone else, can you help me with 2 questions:
1. Will the clamp that is holding my front derailer work the SRAM Force Kit
2. Can you give some understanding of the different cassettes that come with the 105 & the SRAM force ??

Thanks

bikertank