We’ve heard there’s going to be a steady (possibly daily!) leak of images of the new SRAM group. If that holds true through their February 1 launch, we’ll see quite a bit, but this partial shot of the rear derailleur means they could in fact come up with about 40 more.
Shown here are the new AeroGlide jockey wheels. SRAM’s brief -as in one line- description suggests they’ll offer quieter operation. We’re thinking it’s taking their claims of making a more aerodynamic group to extremes, but still super cool to see innovation taken to all corners of a group. More as we get it…but catch the other two posts here and here.
UPDATED! Possible leaked image of their new road rim or disc brake caliper and more!
UPDATED MORE! More info, corrections and speculation added!
If we were betting folk, we’d say this is the front end of a very aero rear brake caliper (I’m thinking this is the new cam mechanism on the new rim brake – Zach). Found via Axel Merckx’s twitter stream by a vigilant reader – Thanks Matt B!
UPDATE: Apparently, Zach’s right and this is the top outer arm of the new brakes, and the AeroLink is the mechanical leverage arm that supposedly increases power without adding weight or too much complexity. We’ve seen this sort of thing on Feather Brakes and others, and it works well. The slot is likely where the AeroLink moves into as the brakes articulate. (But dang if that wouldn’t be one slick looking disc caliper! – Tyler)
All of these photos can now be found on Competitive Cyclist’s Facebook page, which is where the next four were found. Thanks CC!
UPDATE: They’ve been pulled.
The new hood looks like it will include new texturing to the rubber to improve comfort and grip. Also, the lever paddle reach adjuster looks to have been switched to the other side and now uses an Allen instead of a tiny cam you have to turn with a screwdriver.
The new Red crankset has some interesting detail for the inside chainring (some kind of anti-drop plate?) Likely the back of the cassette, good eyes JN.
UPDATE: Bike Europe’s roundup mentions “StealthRing elastomers for a silent ride”. That got us looking closely, and it does indeed appear to have a small black, rubbery looking ring around the inside of cog visible through the machined backplate. Interesting.
Exogram seems to be the new moniker for the carbon technology that allowed them to supposedly drop so much weight from the crank.
UPDATE: Word is the cranks have a hollow carbon core.
Building the Red rear derailleur with limit screws that could be turned with Allen wrenches was one of the best things to ever happen to limit screws. Now, the front derailleur boasts that feature as well. Thank you Sram. What the Yaw refers to is anyone’s guess (though I’m guessing something to do with a new method of lateral adjustment).
UPDATE: While SRAM’s being mum on the subject from an official standpoint, here’s the backstory that supports the “trimless” front derailleur theory floating around: First, the word Yaw gives us a lot to go on. For something like this, we’ll assume the most appropriate definition to be that of “Yaw Bearing”, or keeping components in the optimal heading, in particular by changing orientation as conditions demand. Other than the whole titanium cage being a weak spot on the original Red group*, one big complaint was a lack of trim ability when in the small ring. So, our second point is that in order to eliminate the pain points and give people more reason to upgrade, this would be a major improvement. Third, about a year ago, our inside guy at SRAM sent out full PR on a new front trim upgrade to the Red group. We had info and an embargo date. Then, at the 11th hour, they called to say don’t run it, we’re making some changes.
Put it all together, mash up with other rumors floating around, and you get a front derailleur that either magically trims itself without electronics or, more likely, a system that simply eliminates the need for trim through mechanical design. We don’t see any batteries.
Of course, this is all speculation until we get the final info early next year.
* According to one of the mechanics and shop techs we spoke to, the original Red’s titanium cage flexed enough to eventually deform, leading to poor shifting performance, particularly when coupled with their Return 2 Center aero bar end shifters and a very stiff TT or triathlon frame.
