SRAM's Rival and Force groupsets now have Compact chainring option
Compact chainsets may not please the racing purists, but for those who want a lower bottom gear without the weight, extra-wide tread and visual affront of a triple, they are The Way Forward. They are also a key component of any modern groupset such as SRAM’s Force and Rival groups, both of which lacked a compact when first launched. No longer, for both are now in stock at SRAM importer Fisher Outdoor. In line with standard practice, Bolt Circle Diameter is 110mm, and there is a choice of 50/36 and 50/34 chainring pairings for both groups. Crank lengths are also the industry standard choice of 170mm, 172.5mm and 175mm.
The Rival chainset, shown, has forged aluminium alloy crankarms with an integral hollow oversized steel axle press-fitted to the right-hand crank. The left hand crank is located through a splined socket and retained aluminium crankbolt with 8mm Allen socket. Both chainrings are ‘coined’, which gives then a work-hardened surface, and then hard-anodised for even greater durability. The usual ramps and pins ensure rapid, reliable shifting. The specification for the Force crankset is similar except for the use of carbon fibre crank arms.
Both versions are supplied complete with SRAM’s bottom bracket bearing assembly, which employs oversized external bearings which are not compatible with Shimano fitments.
