Entries Tagged 'Bike Tech' ↓

Former WB resident Alejandro sent me this…

http://pdn.philly.com/photo/audio_slides/bikeshop/index.html

 SRAM ‘Red’ Component Group

This is the analogy that company founder Stan Day makes when he describes SRAM’s design and performance philosophy during an interview for an article in BusinesWeek magazine.  

The story gives us a glimpse into the successful rise of the American-based SRAM bicycle components firm.

Day’s analogy continues as he draws the comparison of Shimano, SRAM’s largest competitor as being Lexus, and the oldest road bike component manufacturer, Campagnolo, as the Ferrari of the bike industry.

I am impressed by SRAM’s rise through innovation and acquisition during the past 20 years to the point where they truly can say that SRAM rivals bicycle behemoth Shimano. I do not agree with Day’s comparison though.

SRAM may be more of a General Motors, or more accurately Chevrolet. They now serve all sectors of the marketplace. From the $69.00 special found at Target, to the sleek bikes riden in the professional ranks by the Astana Team.

By creating the new ‘Red’ component group SRAM has delivered a package much like a Corvette; an American super-car with edgy design and performance that took on the world.

We are a big fan of SRAM mountain bike componets. The verdict is still out as it pertains to SRAM road bike components. After two years with lower-grade road parts from SRAM, (Rival & Force) we’re still waiting for our first SRAM kit sale. Meanwhile most of our complete bikes spec’d with Shimano, and many of our custom bike builds are equipped with Campagnolo. 

Both Shimano and Campagnolo are going through final testing of electronic road components which should land in bicycle showrooms on 2009 bikes.

A SRAM-equipped win in the Tour de France could change it all!

Did you know that no bike ridden by a winner of the Tour de France was equipped with Shimano until Lance Armstrong’s first win in 1999?

Here’s a link to the BusinesWeek article…  

http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/feb2008/sb20080229_583446.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index_small+business

Update: (03/19/2008) The ASO, which governs the Tour de France and many of the ‘Spring Classics’ has decided to not allow the Astana team to compete in the 2008 TdF. Astana  sponsors last years 1st & 3rd place riders; Alberto Contador and Levi Liephiemer.