I would love some advice which of these I should pick… like any whatsoever reason one would be better than the other.
I don't really care about the weight when it comes to the two srams because if thats the main difference its not worth the price difference.
by Scared_Mycologist_20
13 Comments
Ah the age old question of SRAM vs Shimano. I’d be going sram but I’m all in on the 1x for gravel
SRAM Rival has the best colour soo…..
Besides weight, also the brifters are different, as Force has extra buttons.
No 1x 12s GRX options?
SRAM Rival and Force are fortunately quite similar. The Force does have extra buttons that can be used to change the page on a bike computer but whether that’s worth it for you, I don’t know.
I’d go with the Rival one, since I prefer 1x. Sure, SRAM parts are more expensive than Shimano ones but I don’t have any problems with them. You can also wax the chain and prolong the lifespan of the parts.
Another vote for the Rival 1×13.
I don’t like 1x so I guess ill be the odd one saying go for the 2x grx as thats what I run and think its fantastic. I dont like srams 1×13 setups but thats just my opinion, I also dislike their brakes and lever designs and think Shimano is infinitely better in all these departments.
Grx
M31 honestly.
The major changes between force and rival are the brifters and cranks. Force has bonus buttons and force cranks are far prettier and lighter than rival. Derailleur and cassette dont even save 70g together over the rival ones, although i must admit that the force derailleur looks better than rival. The force cranks dont cost a lot, 170 euros the set. For the brifters its up to you if you can see yourself using the bonus buttons to shift or for a bike computer.
You could also buy the m20 if you are a shimano fan or absolutely want 2×12. Im neither, so my decision would be in 9/10 the m31 or a frame kit since component prices are quite low currently. I have built my gravel with better parts for a bit less than a similar oem spec
Shimano bike all day everyday
I’d def go 1x SRAM for starters. I can’t be bothered to look at the detailed specs but is the difference only Force vs Rival between 1st and 3rd options? If so no way is Force worth 1100 more (even assuming the Force is the power meter version).
I have both groupsets and they work identically, the only difference is Rival lacks the hood buttons. Force is lighter ofc and the rear mech is supposed to be better but it’s not noticeable to me. Force chain is better but just buy a couple of those anyway and use in a wax rotation with the original Rival one
It’s a judgement call based on what you can reasonably afford. The force version will give you the lighter drivetrain along with the force cranks, red version cassette and the Force hoods with bonus buttons. If either crankset had a powermeter would definitely be a factor.
To me its slightly more nuanced than only weight savings (~half a lb at quick tally). There’s also aesthetic (the new force is gorgeous) and quality of life improvement with the buttons. I’m a new convert to the force buttons and didn’t think I’d really care…but I love them. Controlling my garmin and my music from my phone from the handlebars is a real treat.
Whether these benefits are worth the cost to you is 🤷♂️ – but in my opinion the benefits are at the very least quite tangible.
I’ve been eyeing this bike lately as well. I currently have a Checkpoint with 1x Rival 13 speed and my next gravel bike would probably be 2x.