SRAM to launch 11-speed ‘Red 22′ group, hydraulic brakes

From a recent article on Velonews.com:

An early version of SRAM's road disc calipers were
spotted on Tim Johnson's cyclocross bike
over the winter. The group
they go with will be debuted this month.
Photo: Wil Matthews | VeloNews.com

SRAM will jump on the 11-speed bandwagon by the end of this month, debuting two new high-end groups with 11-speed rear shifting dubbed Red 22 and Force 22. Production on Red 22 will begin in April with Force ramping up a month later, and availability is expected by mid summer.

The Chicago-based company posted a brief video early on Monday, April fools day, showing only an 11-speed cassette with cryptic flashes of the number 22. VeloNews has obtained Model Year 2014 product overviews through multiple industry sources, confirming many the details of the new groups, which is set to be officially debuted shortly before the Sea Otter Classic in mid-April.

Along with the move to 11 rear cogs, the SRAM will debut a number of new hydraulic and mechanical disc brakes, as well as a Red-level hydraulic rim brake. The new disc offerings include a top-tier Red 22 HyrdoR caliper, budget-friendly hydraulic DB1 and DB3 calipers, and a new mechanical BB7S caliper with an anodized black finish. The shift system will remain cable actuated, despite rumors of a move to an electronic- or hydraulic-actuated system.

The all-new Force 22 group, which will also be 11-speed, will be available exclusively with a new dual-pivot mechanical rim brake, leaving the hydraulic brake systems to SRAM’s top tier. A 10-speed hydraulic shifter will be made available, designed for SRAM’s current 2×10 road drivetrains.

Michael Zellman, SRAM’s marketing manager, declined to comment.

SRAM’s MY2014 product list can be found below.

Red 22 groupset (new 11-speed)
Shift levers: Red 22 DoubleTap Yaw 2×11 shifters
Front derailleur: Red 22 Yaw Braze on
Rear derailleur: Red 22 Exact Actuation with ceramic bearings
Crank: Red 22 Exogram 53/39 GXP and BB-30 versions with ceramic bearings
Crank: Red 22 Exogram 50/34 GXP and BB-30 versions with ceramic bearings
Crank: Red 22 Exogram Power Meter 53/39 GXP and BB-30 versions with ceramic bearings
Crank: Red 22 Exogram Power Meter 50/34 GXP and BB-30 versions with ceramic bearings
Chain: PC-1190R Hollow Pin Power Chain with Power-lock
Cassette: XG-1190 with Stealth Damper Rings 11/25t, 11/26t, 11/28t versions
Brakes: Red Aero Link carbon and aluminum brake pad versions
Shift levers: Red 22 HRD Hydraulic Road Disc shifter/brake 2 x 11 – rotors separate
Shift levers: Red 22 HRR Hydraulic Road Rim shifter/brake 2 x 11carbon and aluminum brake pad versions
Shift levers: R2C Yaw 2 x 11 shifters – new ergonomic shape

Force 22 groupset (new 11-speed)
Shift levers: Force 22 DoubleTap Yaw 2×11 shifters
Front derailleur: Force 22 Yaw Braze on
Rear derailleur: Force 22 Exact Actuation
Crank: Force 22 carbon 53/39 GXP and BB-30 versions
Crank: Force 22 carbon 50/34 GXP and BB-30 versions
Chain: PC-1170 Hollow Pin Power Chain with Power-lock
Cassette: PG-1170 11/26t version (others to follow)
Brakes: Force dual pivot, carbon and aluminum brake pad versions

Avid disc brake options
DB1: New Budget-Level Hydraulic disc brake
DB3: New Entry-Level performance Hydraulic disc brake
BB7 Road SL: New Finish, Titanium Hardware (already available)
BB7S: New Black anodized Finish, Stainless Hardware
BB7S: Road New Black anodized Finish, Stainless Hardware

Other new products, not in the Force or Red lines
S-902/952 cranksets GXP and BB-30 versions: New chainrings and new graphics, yaw compatible
Shift lever: SL700 HRD Hydraulic Road Disc shifter/brake 2 x 10-speed