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.

That glaring oversight aside, this year’s NAHBS was amazing. The exhibitor list consisted of a good blend and the show floor was about as full as it could get. There was something for everyone, really; from art-conscious commuters to arduous roadies, and from cyclocross legends to mountain bike start-ups. All the bases were covered.

Beyond the show’s namesake – the hand-made bikes, there were plenty of other exhibitors displaying new components, clothing, fit-systems and everything in-between. It was these exhibitors that caught my attention most. I do love some bike eye-candy, but I’m a bit partial when it comes to custom bikes… hoping to call Brent for a Eurocross someday soon…

The first new “concept” that I got to demo at NAHBS was SRAM’s new Hammerschmidt mountain bike “front derailleur.” I “quote” it because it’s hard to explain. Also, with my very limited MTB experience I didn’t except to be as blown away as my fellow attendee and friend who is a dirt-bag from way back. Well, it is unbelievable. The shits are so crisp and its ability to positively engage both an up or down-shift while the rider isn’t even pedaling is mind boggling.

The other item that I was extremely impressed by was the electronic Dura Ace Di2 group. I got on the demo bike and the sales-rep kinda led me through it. Again, I didn’t expect much but ended up blown out of the saddle. At first I couldn’t figure it out, so he asked me if I’d used Shimano controls before. I have, but still couldn’t up-shift. The guy just pushed a button right above the paddle and viola! It was amazing and a lot of fun. The noise it makes is almost sci-fi film-like. I still like SRAM and can in now way afford Di2, but the future looks cool as hell thanks to Shimano.

Back to the bikes; the two Portland-located builders really stood out for me: Vanilla and Courage. If you love bike porn and had been to any UCI ‘cross races this past fall, there’s no way you could’ve overlooked the Vanilla team. I can confidently say they’ve got the hottest bikes in the Elite men’s field. Equally hot, but without an Elite squad – for now – is Courage. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting with Jonathan at Chicago Cyclocross Cup races. His bike is the classiest in the city, hands-down. They’ve got big things in the works for Midwest CX racing, and I hope to remain in contact with them.

It’s a bummer, for sure, to come back to another snowstorm after dreaming of decadent days in the saddle on my bike, but I can look back fondly. Scour the Web for pics – there’s some really cool stuff to look at. Don’t know where the show will be next year but if it remains as well-attended as it was Saturday, it should be a success.

We already have SRAM here in Chicago. Less than 200 miles northwest we have Trek, Planet Bike, etc. in Wisconsin.  And, in possibly one of the most unassuming zip-codes imaginable, we may have the most cycling industry product distributors per-capita.

Move over California?