What is SRAM’s background/history & where are they made?

SRAM was established in 1987 in Chicago, Illinois, by Stan Day, F.K. Day, and Sam Patterson. Known for its drivetrain systems, brakes, and suspension products, SRAM gained prominence with its innovative Grip Shift gear-changing mechanism. Over the years, SRAM expanded its offerings and grew through strategic acquisitions, including RockShox, Avid, Truvativ, and Zipp. SRAM introduced the wireless electronic shifting technology with its RED eTap groupset in 2015.

While headquartered in the US, SRAM operates globally with manufacturing facilities in Taiwan, China, Germany, and Portugal, allowing them to effectively serve various markets and maintain a robust supply chain worldwide.

SRAM Groupsets

SRAM groupsets are the sovereign rulers of performance. With tons of options for your mountain or road bike, you can keep your braking and shifting smooth, light, and reliable. Upgrade your drivetrain with SRAM's Transmission MTB cranks, cassettes, and derailleurs for the best MTB experience. 

Choose from introductory groupsets like the NX Eagle to the super smooth and lightweight X01 for mountain bikes and Rival to RED for the road. AXS wireless options are also available for those looking for quick, personalized, and polished shifting performance. New for 2024 is the SRAM RED AXS road bike groupset. Lighter and more refined, this new drivetrain sheds 153g from the previous generation with all new braking and shifting systems and better ergonomics. Learn more HERE.

SRAM Brakes

SRAM brakes are all about going fast and getting technical with confidence because of their ultimate stopping power. With superior modulation and control in all their brake sets from Level to Guide, you can always expect high-performance braking and control from an industry leader.

SRAM Code

SRAM Code brakes are the crown jewel of burly powerful braking. Code brakes pair perfectly with enduro and downhill bikes like peanut butter and jelly. An excellent feel and smooth progression when you squeeze the lever total up to a lack of snappy rotor grabs and fewer times over the bars. 

SRAM Level

SRAM Level brakes keep the weight a minimum while providing some serious stopping power. Designed for XC and fast and light trail riding, Level packs maximum performance while keeping weight and price low. 

SRAM Guide

SRAM Guide brakes pack excellent braking control, easy serviceability, and all-around awesomeness into every trail ride. Reliable control and grip make even the hairiest situations easy to get out of. From heavy e-bikes to lightweight XC rides, Guides are designed for complete braking power in every ride.

How does SRAM’s component hierarchy work and what is their highest level?

SRAM's hierarchy, similar to other big cycling component manufacturers, is structured to meet the needs of various levels of riders, from beginners and enthusiasts to professional racers. Each line within SRAM's hierarchy is designed to offer a specific balance of performance, weight, durability, and price, targeting different segments of the market.

Road Bike Components:

SRAM RED: This is SRAM's top-tier product line for road biking. SRAM RED components are designed for professional and high-performance cycling, emphasizing lightweight materials, advanced technology, and optimal efficiency. The RED eTap AXS is a notable wireless electronic groupset within this tier, offering precise, quick shifting.

SRAM Force: Positioned below RED, SRAM Force components offer high performance at a more accessible price point. While slightly heavier than RED, Force components still provide excellent durability and reliability. The Force lineup includes both electronic (eTap AXS) and mechanical options.

SRAM Rival: SRAM Rival is a mid-range option, balancing performance and affordability. It's suitable for competitive and enthusiast cyclists who seek reliable performance without the premium cost of the top-tier options. Rival also includes eTap AXS options, bringing electronic shifting to a more affordable price point.

SRAM Apex: This is SRAM's entry-level road biking groupset, designed for new or casual riders. While it lacks some of the advanced features and materials of the higher-tier groupsets, Apex provides dependable performance and value.

Mountain Bike Components:

SRAM XX1 and X01: These are SRAM's premier mountain bike components, designed for top-level performance in cross-country and trail riding. XX1 and X01 groupsets are known for their lightweight, durability, and precision, with options for electronic shifting (XX1 and X01 Eagle AXS).

SRAM GX: Positioned below XX1 and X01, SRAM GX provides robust performance for a wide range of mountain biking applications. It's a popular choice for enthusiasts and competitive riders, offering a good balance of weight, durability, and price.

SRAM NX and SX: These are SRAM's more affordable mountain bike groupsets, designed for entry-level to intermediate riders. While they are heavier and less refined than the higher-end options, NX and SX groupsets offer reliable performance for casual or newer mountain bikers.

Browse our related product listings pages: SRAM Stealth brakes, SRAM xd freehub body, SRAM xdr freehub body, SRAM derailleurs, SRAM x01 eagle cassette, SRAM Code RSC brakes, SRAM force axs brakes - system, levers, SRAM level bronze break set, SRAM gx eagle crankset, SRAM centerline brake rotor, SRAM force crankset, SRAM xx groupset, SRAM Force oversized pully, SRAM Rival AXS Flattop Chain 12 Speed 120 Links, SRAM Gx Eagle Derailleur, SRAM Xx1 Derailleur, SRAM Brake Levers, SRAM Nx Eagle 12 Speed, SRAM Axs Rear Derailleur

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