Sram Force - adjust or replace
Discussion
Hi,
I have a Kuota Kebel (originally built in 2011) which is equipped with Sram Force10 speed. I also have access to two other bikes, one has Shimano 105 and the other an old mix of Campag. As opposed to the bikes with Shimano and Campag which seem to run smoothly with little adjustment needed, the Sram indexing seems to frequently go out of index. I have tried to fix it myself through using Internet bike repair sites but still struggle to find the right gear cable tension and barrel adjustment for the indexing.
The bike is on its way to my local shop for a professional to sort it on this occasion. However, this has been a frequent enough problem to start me thinking of a 'proper' fix. The Kuota frame doesn't have facility for electronic cables without me drilling the frame to run the cables alongside existing cables in places. This would make retro fitting Campag or Shimano electronic systems difficult. I have looked at changing to Sram Etap. My original Sram Force is now 9 years old and may have wear issues. My questions are:-
1) Apart from a quantum leap in bike maintenance ability, does anyone have any fresh suggestions in regard to the above?
2) If I changed to Sram Etap, would I have to change freehubs on my wheels? I understand that the latest versions of Sram are 12 speed with a totally different freehub to the Shimano (with/without a spacer) i'm using presently. Is there a Sram Etap 10 speed or has that already been surplassed?
3) I find the Campag and Shimano systems I use work well and need little adjustment. When they do, I have always been able to adjust them. If Sram Etap is a 'too difficult/too expensive' to do, would I find changing to a Shimano Dura Ace or Ultegra mechanical system more cost effective/easier to work with?
4) As I say, my maintenance skills are at best average. Can anyone recommend a Bike Maintenance Course in the Midlands to increase my abilities?
All suggestions would be welcomed. Thanks for your time.
I have a Kuota Kebel (originally built in 2011) which is equipped with Sram Force10 speed. I also have access to two other bikes, one has Shimano 105 and the other an old mix of Campag. As opposed to the bikes with Shimano and Campag which seem to run smoothly with little adjustment needed, the Sram indexing seems to frequently go out of index. I have tried to fix it myself through using Internet bike repair sites but still struggle to find the right gear cable tension and barrel adjustment for the indexing.
The bike is on its way to my local shop for a professional to sort it on this occasion. However, this has been a frequent enough problem to start me thinking of a 'proper' fix. The Kuota frame doesn't have facility for electronic cables without me drilling the frame to run the cables alongside existing cables in places. This would make retro fitting Campag or Shimano electronic systems difficult. I have looked at changing to Sram Etap. My original Sram Force is now 9 years old and may have wear issues. My questions are:-
1) Apart from a quantum leap in bike maintenance ability, does anyone have any fresh suggestions in regard to the above?
2) If I changed to Sram Etap, would I have to change freehubs on my wheels? I understand that the latest versions of Sram are 12 speed with a totally different freehub to the Shimano (with/without a spacer) i'm using presently. Is there a Sram Etap 10 speed or has that already been surplassed?
3) I find the Campag and Shimano systems I use work well and need little adjustment. When they do, I have always been able to adjust them. If Sram Etap is a 'too difficult/too expensive' to do, would I find changing to a Shimano Dura Ace or Ultegra mechanical system more cost effective/easier to work with?
4) As I say, my maintenance skills are at best average. Can anyone recommend a Bike Maintenance Course in the Midlands to increase my abilities?
All suggestions would be welcomed. Thanks for your time.
A new set of cables, chain & cassette will most likely sort it. These are consumables & will wear out. Can make everything feel “brand new” once fitted unless the hardware is properly goosed.
Etap...I know folk who use it & really rate it. To upgrade your bike with the new 12spd tackle wouldn’t be cheap, the Force deraillers & shifters alone are £1200, then the cost of a 12speed cassette & one of their fancy chains. I’m not even sure if it’d be compatible with older 10speed chain rings?? Don’t go there...you’re into new bike territory.
If groupset is pretty much “worn out”, you’d never go far wrong with the new mechanical Ultegra gear. Way less than half the price of going wireless.
Etap...I know folk who use it & really rate it. To upgrade your bike with the new 12spd tackle wouldn’t be cheap, the Force deraillers & shifters alone are £1200, then the cost of a 12speed cassette & one of their fancy chains. I’m not even sure if it’d be compatible with older 10speed chain rings?? Don’t go there...you’re into new bike territory.
If groupset is pretty much “worn out”, you’d never go far wrong with the new mechanical Ultegra gear. Way less than half the price of going wireless.
Edited by andySC on Wednesday 20th May 16:17
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