April 17, 2009
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By Matt Pacocha

‘10 SRAM: The new Force features the same shifting mechanism as before, but with new graphics and a BB30 crank option.

Photo: Matt Pacocha

On Friday, SRAM released its new Force group, which features redesigned brakes, new graphics and the addition of a BB30 crank. The company also displayed its latest version of Zipp 303 wheels, which first hit the road on the cobbles of the 2009 Paris-Roubaix.

SRAM Force
With the inclusion of the new BB30 crank and bottom bracket, a Force group now weighs 1,957 grams (the standard group with a GXP crankset weighs 2,097 grams).

The carbon components of the group — including the brake levers, cranks (both GXP and BB30) and outer derailleur cage — sport a uni-directional carbon finish. New white graphics include a big SRAM logo on the backsides of the crank arms as popularized by the company’s flagship Red group.

The shift mechanism remains the same, and the shift lever is still forged from magnesium. The front derailleur has a steel cage, which ProTour teams prefer over Red’s titanium version.

’10 SRAM: The Force brakes also feature a new subtle gunmetal finish.

Photo: Matt Pacocha

The new brakeset is perhaps the biggest design change. Modeled after Red’s forging and made from 6000-series alloy, the brake is then machined to cut more weight. The brake arms scissor on ball bearings, which SRAM claims to be smoother and more durable than bushings. All of SRAM’s groups, from Rival up through Red, use a SRAM brake pad manufactured by SwissStop.

The PC990 chain and 1070 cassette remain unchanged.

The best feature of the new group could be the price. Even with its upgrades, the standard GXP Force group carries the same price as it did this year, at $1,400 for the nine pieces. The group costs $40 more with the BB30 crank.

Zipp 303
Zipp’s new 303 wheelset has arguably already proven itself, by completing the 2009 edition of Paris-Roubaix under Saxo Bank, Garmin-Slipstrem and Cervélo TestTeam without a single breakage. After this test, Zipp is ready to release its newest iteration of the 303 to the public. The new wheels will be available next week for $2,285 a set.

Over the last three years, Zipp has redone its entire line, making things lighter, more aerodynamic and stronger. With the 202 built as a climbing wheel, and the 404 positioned as an all-rounder, the 303 was hanging in no man’s land. So Zipp decided to turn it into its most durable and comfortable carbon hoop, positioning it specifically for Paris-Roubaix and even cyclocross.

’10 SRAM: Zipp also offers its Tangente aero tire in a 23mm width, as shown on this new 303.

Photo: Matt Pacocha

Zipp claims the new 303 is more durable, more forgiving radially and stiffer laterally than anything the brand has produced to date. In addition, it’s specifically intended to better fit larger diameter tire, specifically those with casings in the 25-27mm range.

The 303 rim is 45mm high, 25.4mm wide at the tire bed (up from 20.3mm previously) with a cross-section that bulges to 27.5mm. Zipp claims the shape provides a spring-like effect that is further nurtured by a forgiving lay-up. The wider tire bed offers more area to glue to as well as better support for the larger tires’ sidewalls. The angled brake track offers better modulation, according to Zipp.

The new 303 uses Zipp’s latest 88 and 188 front and rear hub combination. It’s available in a road version which has 18 and 24 Sapim spokes front and rear, respectively, as well as a cyclocross/classics version that sports 24 spokes front and rear.

Stay tuned for part two of SRAM’s Sea Otter launch — mountain components.