We’ve been to the launch of SRAM’s eTap wireless shifting system and seen it raced by AG2R La Mondiale and Katusha in the pro peloton. And interviewed riders about what they like about this remarkable product.
Now we’ve got a groupset of own.
Before we began the long-term on-road test, we invited videographer Joe Ward to RIDE Media HQ and asked if he could document the build process.
Jack Lynch is the man with the tools and Dave Evans from SRAM came along to offer any tech support that was required.
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Click the link below to see a clip about building SRAM’s Red eTap to a Focus Izalco Max frame…
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The actual build was remarkably quick and the main reason is that there was no need to fidget around with gear cable routing (and, on the Focus Izalco Max, the brake cables are external – providing a minimum of fuss for Lynch). But it was good to have Evans along to explain some of the innovations that exist with this ground-breaking new ensemble.
Pairing the shifter paddles with the front and rear derailleur is also surprisingly simple: Lynch and Evans demonstrate this procedure in around 30 seconds… and then it was time to install everything onto the frame.
We will provide plenty of additional insight from the build in the next issue of our magazine, #RIDE72 (due out late May 2016).
In the meantime, we look forward to riding with cable-free shifting on a bike that weighs in at 6.35kg fully built.
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A big thank you to Joe Ward, Dave Evans, Rob Eva, Chris Langdon from Echelon Sports, Karen Fogarty from Monza Imports and Graeme Moffett from Derby Cycles Australia for making this build possible.
Any questions, don’t hesitate to write and we’ll strive to provide an answer as soon as possible.
