SRAM unveiled the 2012 Red group to the world today and we have the first pictures here. Integrated power meter, light weight and improved shifting are some of the highlights and shifters, rear derailleur, front derailleur, brakes, cranks and cassette are brand new.
Yes, SRAM Red is 10-speed and not running on electronics, but the 2012 SRAM Red group managed to come in at a stunning 1737 grams in the BB30 version according to SRAM, and SRAM calls this the lightest groupset ever. SRAM also offers a Quarq power meter RED Crank and and that would add another 221 grams to the total weight of the group.
Coolest part of the group might be the new front derailleur. Like other front derailleurs the new RED one swings in and out, but unlike others it also rotates on a vertical axis to maintain a consistent angular relationship with the chain eliminating the need to trim. SRAM calls this Yaw technology.
The new crankset is hollow all the way to the spider and that helped the group to shed some of the weight. The X Glide chainrings were optimized to work with the new front derailleur.
The cassette was also completely revamped and features elastomers between each cog to reduce vibration and noise.
The group will be available in early March and retail for $2575.
We had hoped to see the rumored hydraulic SRAM Red brakes, but while SRAM finally confirmed that they are indeed working on both a hydraulic disc and rim brake for this group and even shared some details, they did not lift the veil.
The hydraulic rim brake will be controlled with the DoubleTap shift/brake lever and according to SRAM is supposed to have tire clearance for up to 28c tires and not surprisingly have Firecrest rim compatibility. The hydraulic disc brake will also be drop bar DoubleTap lever actuated and run on 140-160mm discs. But neither of these hydraulic Red level units will be available before the fall of this year and neither pricing nor weight was given.
Onward to what actually is.
The 2012 SRAM Red crank has a Quarq power meter integrated option.
The beautifully reshaped shift brake lever will control the hydraulic disc and rim brakes SRAM will release this fall, and of course the newly reshaped mechanical ones too.
The new SRAM Red rear derailleur
The aluminum/steel 2012 SRAM front derailleur doesn't need to be trimmed according to SRAM and features an integrated chain guide.
No longer dual pivot, the new SRAM red brake is cam actuated and looks quite sleek, but we really wanted to see the hydraulic versions.
A closer look at the textured hood and the reach adjust.
These new AeroGlide pulleys are supposed to run ultra smooth.
The 2012 SRAM Red front derailleur in motion.
The new cassette is lighter too and has elastomers between each cog to reduce noise and vibration.
The SRAM Red chain ring in all its glory.
