[bikertank]

HillDancer - I don't dislike how the bike handles or climbs hills - I dislike how it shifts with the brake lever - I much prefer the SRAM - but I want it to be the right SRAM - similar to mine now but with D-tap

[HillDancer]

You've attached an aesthetic value to the Force component "set" and that's as valid reason as any to make a coice. If you purchase a SRAM Force front dérailleur, I suggest purchasing a SRAM clamp with chain spotter http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gallery/article/sram-offer-chain-spotter-separate-from-red-group-33942/1/

For the readership, only a SRAM rear dérailleur is required with Double Tap shifters. Shimano 10 speed front dérailleurs, cassettes, chains & chainrings, plus Campagnolo front dérailleurs, chains & chainrings, are fully compatible with SRAM Double Tap shifting.

I dislike SRAM chains, and I think at the very least a SRAM chain should be the group component to avoid. Take a look at this independent comparison of chains on page 44 http://www.tour-qtr.com/epaper_4_2011

[bikertank]

Getting ready to pull the trigger on the SRAM kit but working with the LBS. The kit will which include shifters, front and rear der, chain cassette and brakes, bottom bracket, cost for apex = 699.99 rival = 799.99 if bought from LBS, no labor charge to install

Most likely going RIVAL - for the Zero-Loss shifter and the tad bit lighter components, the brakes in the kit are actually an upgrade - going with an 11-28 cassette

ANY THOUGHTS - I can still turn back but the $$ is here and looking forward to spending it

[HillDancer]

All SRAM road model groups have Zero Loss in the left shifter (for front derailleur), only Force 2012 and Red (all years) have Zero Loss in the right shifter (for rear derailleur).

You already have a SRAM bottom bracket (press-fit bearings), have the bearings gone bad already?

The calipers in the 2012 Red model are an upgrade. The other model brakes are not any better from a functional standpoint than the dual-pivots on your bike.

I don't know your abilities, but when you say you avoid climbs, which means going down hill afterward, I speculate an 11t rear cog with 50T front chainring is too high a gear ratio for mostly flat land riding. It may only be 1 tooth less than the 12 high gear you have, but it represents 10 gear inches more. I plugged your numbers (tire size and crank arm length may not be correct) into a calculator.

[davereo]

My thoughts would be your bike would be better upgraded with a new set of custom wheels.

[bikertank]

Originally Posted by HillDancer

All SRAM road model groups have Zero Loss in the left shifter (for front derailleur), only Force 2012 and Red (all years) have Zero Loss in the right shifter (for rear derailleur).

You already have a SRAM bottom bracket (press-fit bearings), have the bearings gone bad already?

The calipers in the 2012 Red model are an upgrade. The other model brakes are not any better from a functional standpoint than the dual-pivots on your bike.

I don't know your abilities, but when you say you avoid climbs, which means going down hill afterward, I speculate an 11t rear cog with 50T front chainring is too high a gear ratio for mostly flat land riding. It may only be 1 tooth less than the 12 high gear you have, but it represents 10 gear inches more. I plugged your numbers (tire size and crank arm length may not be correct) into a calculator.

Hilldancer - for mostly flat riding what would be your cassette suggestions - as for the bottom bracket & brakes - they come as a kit - so with the exception of a minor weight difference - everything I am getting in rival I would also get in the apex kit ??

[HillDancer]

You don't get carbon fiber weave on the Apex brake levers, although Apex does have a color option Rival doesn't http://www.sram.com/sram/road/family/sram-apex

If you must purchase a cassette, 12-27 for its close ratios.

[bikertank]

HillDancer - ordered the 12-27, and went ahead with the Apex - I don't believe a few grams of weight will make a difference at my level. Next job - for next year converting my 2011 Raleigh FT-3 Cadent from a Tiagra based 9 speed to a Tiagra based 10 speed. Any recommendations on this would be highly appreciated.

[HillDancer]

There's plenty of information on the web about Shimano's R770 trigger shifter set.

Danger Will Robinson - you could do SRAM flat-bar Double Tap.

[bikertank]

HillDancer - as much as I like the D-Tap on the road bike I tried it on a flat bar and didn't like it - the flat bar shifters work just fine for me - is this correct in terms of the conversion - chain, right bar 10 speed shifter, & rear cassette - i have been studying on line and this seems to be the recommendation by most - the Rear Der is supposed to work with 9 or 10 speeds, I could probably get a 12/30 again for the cassette ?