SRAM eTap – Possibly the Perfect Upgrade for an Older Frame
We have been a part of creating some beautiful riding bikes through the years. If you have a frame that you love, but you would also like to start enjoying some of the great progressions in cycling component technology that have happened in more recent years, SRAM eTap might be the perfect component group to put on your old(er) frame.
Electronic Shifting. No External Wires.
In 2009, Shiman
o’s Di2 system revolutionized bikes with its well executed and very functional electronic shift system. In general, Shimano’s Di2 system is well thought out and very well executed. While it uses wires to connect all the shifting components with each other, many bikes made today have internal routing and the system’s connections are well concealed. However, many specialty frames designed initially for mechanical shifting do not have internal routing and thus updating them to electronic shifting means installing the wires and battery on the outside of the frame. Some folks aren’t thrilled about how this looks on their handcrafted bike and have discarded the notion of upgrading to electronic shifting. If this is you, it is time to reconsider. SRAM eTap has no wires that run from the handlebar junction box to the back of the bike – it is wireless. With eTap, your beautiful frame remains unscathed and clean looking and you get to enjoy the benefits of electronic shifting.
“Why Would I Want Electronic Shifting?”
Since electronic shifting first came out eight years ago, we have heard many riders ask, “Why would I want electronic shifting?” In fact, more than a few have straight out exclaimed that they don’t want electronic shifting. While a small number of those folks really don’t want electronic shifting, many others think it sounds extravagant and is unnecessary, but haven’t tried it. For the majority of riders, electronic shifting offers a host of nice features that can truly enhance the riding experience. Here are a few of those features:
- Very little hand and wrist motion is required to shift. Unless you have small or arthritic hands, you may not realize just how much hand and wrist motion is required to shift a mechanically actuated shift lever. It becomes very apparent when you just have to push a button with a single finger.
- More frequent shifting = more constant cadence. If you are like me, you will sometimes talk yourself out of doing that last shift near the top of a hill and to just grind it out with mechanical shifting. I don’t do this nearly as much with electronic shifting. It takes so little motion and effort to get a quality shift that I just shift when it makes sense.
- Shifting under load. While modern mechanical shifting systems do this better, electronic shift systems are the best when it comes to shifting relatively smooth under load.
- No mechanical degradation. Cables and housing don’t tend to work better as corrosion, wear and time work their magic. Electronic shifting gets rid of this weak, wear related mechanical link.
- More ergonomic. Because they are just buttons, as opposed to complicated ratchet systems, electronic shift levers are not ergonomically constrained like mechanical levers. This is particularly evident on hydraulic disc brake levers where both a mechanical shifter and brake reservoir have to exist together.
- More shift points. Would you like to shift from the tops or drops easily? Electronic shifting offers this ability.
- Precision. In general, electronic systems shift smoother, are quieter and are more reliable in their day-in and day-out performance. Instead of adjusting cable tension, replacing frayed cables, lubricating cables and ratchets, with electronic you just keep charge in the batteries and it it ready to go.
Breathe New Life Into That Great Old(er) Bike
If you possess a beautiful frame that is no longer new, but that rides great, fits you well and is designed to last for a very long time, it is worth upgrading components. Components have progressed rapidly. SRAM eTap offers a clean and simple way to put electronic shifting onto most any bike.
Contact us with questions about how easy it likely can be to convert your favorite bike to electronic shifting today.
