Review of SRAM Rival DoubleTap Shift/Brake Lever Set

SRAM Rival DoubleTap Shift/Brake Lever Set
By: Sram Average Rating: 4.5 Total Reviews: 2
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High Performance Shifters, Mechanically Satisfying

On: 2009-01-11

Bottom line - I like the SRAM shifters. The big SRAM paddles are cool to grab on the downshifts, and are accessible from the hoods or in the drops. These shifters remind me of the more mechanical feel of Campy compared to the "Honda-like" feel of Shimano. You will find yourself tapping the shifters just to enjoy the sound and feel of these solid shifters. The upshift is not as effortless as Shimano, but hey, its sort of a Mac v. PC type of thing.

Observation: After 1 1/2 weeks riding SRAM, Dura Ace shifters on another bike brake/shifter lever feels very thin. The whole assembly is like a pencil compared to the magic marker size of the SRAM Double Tap paddle.
Since the brake lever on the SRAM doesnt move when you shift, its different to have the whole lever swing, and swing quite easily. On the SRAM my index finger tends to rest on the brake lever while my middle
finger does the pushing and tapping on the shifter lever.

Observation: The Shimano shifters are lighter to push the cable. SRAM says that the newer 2009 levers like the Red shifters have 40% less cable throw, so maybe they are a bit lighter now, too. But Shimano doesnt have as much feel in the lever. This is either a good or bad thing depending on your perspective. I recall test riding bikes in Indiana going from the SRAM Force Trek to am Ultegra equipped Giant and though the new Ultegra looked a bit plastic-y and definitely had less tactile feedback.

Observation: The SRAM takes a bit more muscle memory training as you are pushing through the downshift on the way to the upshift. Shimano is pretty much swing and click and you are in that next gear up the cogset. SRAM is punch/tap through the click and get to the next gear. It takes a number of rides to train your fingers to push the right amount to shift one gear up instead of two, or to not push far enough and drop to the next smaller cog instead, announced by a loud click in the lever.