We just got our hands on a test bike with the brand new 2013 SRAM Red group. But before we get into the test, here is a closer look at the Trek Madone SSL Project One with this highly anticipated road group.

We had planned to add a few initial ride impressions to this photo feature, but with this editor having a tibial stress reaction and a tibial soleus muscle strain, the actual test will sadly have to wait for a couple more weeks. Can you imagine having such a cool bike sitting in front of you and knowing that you have to wait a total of 3 weeks to actually get to ride it. Plus with the weight of this group even lighter now, riding this bike is what we really want to do.

But boy does this test bike look fine and the new SRAM Red components are even more captivating in person than any pictures could possibly do them justice.


All images are © Herbert Krabel / slowtwitch.com

This Trek Madone Project One is very stealthy looking, making the components the star.

The Red Double Tap lever has been refined but feels familiar.

The hoods are textured and slightly padded.

The new SRAM Red brakes are cam actuated single pivot brakes, while previous versions were dual-pivot ones.

From a distance the chain rings are the most distinctive change of this updated group.

The Quarq power meter is integrated into the SRAM Red crank and has quite a few new interesting features. But we will get into that later.

The new front derailleur is supposed to be trim-free and features an aluminum-steel cage.

The front derailleur has an integrated chain guide.

A look from the front shows the very narrow profile of these SRAM Red AeroLink brakes.

The SRAM Red rear derailleur.

A closer look at the AeroGlide pulley wheels.

Our test bike came with Zipp 303 Firecrest wheels and Zipp Tangente tires.

Up close with the black on black scheme of the Trek Madone SSL.

It was no surprise to see Zipp cages here.

Zipp Service Course handle bars and SRAM bar tape.

The matching Zipp Service Course SL stem.

We updated the firmware on our Garmin 800 so we will be able to see the power balance of the Quarq.

This Bontrager Affinity RXL saddle came on this bike and this will be our first chance to try one of those.

The Look Keo pedals of the editor have seen quite a few miles.

Just in case there was any doubt.