First, it was so much easier to install the rear deraileur. Shimano RDs would often take me panifully long to get shifting properly. The SRAM one worked so well almost right out of the box that I was nervous that something was/would go wrong. Not the case. from my understanding, it is much more ‘forgiving’ due to the amount of cable SRAM shifters pull as opposed to Shimano. anyway…

While my first uses of it were on the trainer indoors, I was impressed very early on by the stiffness of the crankset — especially given the price. The chainrings are also hard-anodized which is a nice feature and seems to make shifts up and down the two rings in the front very smooth. they also look very durable, but time will tell… one thing to note if you’re in the market: you may need an adaptor (my older frame required one) for your front derailleur if you do not have a braze-on mount, as they only offer a 31.8 and a 34.9 clamp size.

the “DoubleTap” control levers are really the highlight of the entire group — visually if nothing else. i did have a few instances of attempting upshifts by pushing in on the brake lever, coming from all Shimano, but having gotten used to it i almost dislike riding my “beater” w/ Shimano on it now. however, i have missed shifts. none while racing (despite a fast and rainy crit last night), but while on training rides in the rain, etc…the shift lever’s ability to be pulled inwards (for better shifting from the drops, etc…) occasionally allows my hand to slip between the brake and the shift lever. mostly this has occurred in the rain w/ gloves on, but once or twice just wearing gloves on a dry day. i would consider this, pretty much, a blessing and a curse. being able to “knuckle” your way down the cassette while sprinting from the drops is awesome and can’t be done on Ultegra, yet. so, i can’t really complain about it because it’s pretty much a push regarding benefit/drawback.

the brakes stopped me on my way down this. enough said. having to replace shiftercables is a bit difficult w. the control levers due to a awkward bend the cable needs to turn, but once you get past that it’s smooth sailing. all the other aspects, and diffrences from Ultegra, seem to work favorably and –like I said–just nicer. i highly recommend making the leap.