SRM showed the final chassis design for the DA9000 model for the new Dura-Ace group.
Compared to the original prototype we saw at Interbike, this one has a larger diameter piece to maximize accuracy on Shimano’s new asymmetric bolt pattern. They found that the smaller design they showed last fall wasn’t getting the accuracy of existing systems, so they went bigger to deal with the offset forces and inconsistent torque patterns for left versus right leg forces.
The larger design also let them stick two batteries in it, which provides a whopping 3,000 hours of use. Not only do they say that number is a conservative rating, but that it should be up to six years of use without recharging. That’s a loooong time…
The original concept is on the left, the final is on the bike.
Pre-orders should start shipping now, and new orders should be able to ship on May 1.
Retail is $3,145 and includes the power meter, crankset and chainrings. It has to come as a complete crankset system because they send out the drive side crankarm to have the spider machined off so they can attach the PM to it.
They have about 50 of these drilled with a standard 110 BCD 5-bolt pattern and the four hole Shimano 9000 pattern (above), but it’s probably not something they’ll keep making. So, if you want one that’ll let you run non-Shimano rings, get your order in now and request it.
New XX1-compatible prototypes for both XX1 and Cannondale SiSL2 cranksets usher in a welcome new feature. Not only does it fit their SRAM’s new asymmetric 74mm BCD bolt pattern, but it uses a new design that sits outboard of the chainring and uses a USB rechargeable battery.
That last bit is a first for SRM and will likely make its way into more of their products for 2014, meaning you won’t have to send your unit back in for a new battery like with all prior models. So, even though 3,000 hours is huge, being able to charge your own battery should overcome the mental hurdle of a completely closed, non-user serviceable system.
