[thoffman]

Can anybody explain the difference between the Shimano STI shifters and the SRAM Double Tap shifters?

From Performancebike.com description of SRAM: "DoubleTap mechanism with Zero Loss technology utilizes a single lever for shifting and a dedicated lever for braking -- what you get is quick, precise upshifts and downshifts in ONE smooth motion"

I have not seen the SRAM in person and it is hard to understand how they are different from STI.... or are they???

[tajcrews]

SRAM's double tap technology is different from Shimanos STI setup. SRAM uses a 1 to 1 cable actuation ratio. So for every movement in your shift lever there is equal movement in the der. cable. Shimano typically uses a 2 to 1 ratio. SRAM uses the inner paddle lever, not the brake lever to shift. Check out this link and see if this helps.

SRAM Corporation

After clickin the link click on the word "technologies" near the top of the page.

It is a pretty cool shifter. Its worth checking out if you never have. I am a huge fan of SRAM components and have been for the past 6 years. Hope this helps.

[thoffman]

Thanks for the info. I was on the SRAM site yesterday but somehow missed the technologies page. This explains it well.

My bike is 15 years old now and a hodge-podge of original and new-to-me Shimano parts I have picked up over the years. My Dura Ace STI Shifters are well worn and loose now. Sometimes they shift without issue, other times I have to play with them to make them work. I think it all depends on how I am holding my tongue.

I am considering tearing my bike down this autumn and rebuilding it with new componants and I like the SRAM stuff. I'll have to try out the shifters somewhere before I make my final decisions.

Thanks again...TRH

[tajcrews]

The new SRAM components are really amazing. Good luck with whatever you decide to and keep us posted, especially if you tear down your bike and rebuild.

[runbikeswim]

The SRAM stuff is really cool. It takes a little getting used to the double tap shifting. I have had bikes with Campy and Shimano. One thing cool about SRAM is you can pull the shift lever back and into the drops, so you can easily shift when in them. The hoods have a nice ergonomic feel to them too. I love Campy, but as expensive as it is, my next bike will likely have SRAM.

[jocww]

I was going to get sram compents but i couldnt get used to pulling back and in to shift or forward and in to shift. just to weird for me. So I stayed with the shimano DA stuff for my scott

[runbikeswim]

Originally Posted by jocww

I was going to get sram compents but i couldnt get used to pulling back and in to shift or forward and in to shift. just to weird for me. So I stayed with the shimano DA stuff for my scott

Huh? Back and in, forward and in? I don't quite understand what you're getting at.

[jocww]

to shift you have to push the shifter in like normal to shift up it was push in and forward. to shift down it was push in and back. Make sense now?

[runbikeswim]

No. I don't know anything about the forward and back stuff. I've only had to push in a little, or twice as far. That shifted for me no problem. I've just checked it again. You either push it in one click to release the derailleur, or two clicks (one big push) to move the derailleur up. This is on red. Is it different on force?

[bantam700]

Originally Posted by runbikeswim

No. I don't know anything about the forward and back stuff. I've only had to push in a little, or twice as far. That shifted for me no problem. I've just checked it again. You either push it in one click to release the derailleur, or two clicks (one big push) to move the derailleur up. This is on red. Is it different on force?

The rivals I just got in the mail today seem to work that way as well, now to get some SRAM derailleurs so I can try these bad boys out.