Industry News: Sram Releases 10-speed Gripshift

2013 SRAM Gripshift

MSRP: XX - $295, XO $225

www.sram.com

For those who pine for the days when they could grab a fistful of gears in one, throttling twist of the wrist, Sram as answered your many prayers and forum posts with the introduction of a new 10-speed Gripshift system. Built from the ground up, Sram has made substantial strides to create a twist shift system that will rival the performance of top notch shifting systems currently on the market.

Developed around three internal rings of ball bearings (120 ball bearings in all) shift actuation is smooth and simple with a light, resistance free motion through all gears. A fully sealed shifter body allows the shifter to remain extremely smooth over the course of its life.

Full metal internal indexing, cleverly coined “Speed Metal”, provides that solid shift we have come to expect from SRAM, while also improving greatly on the previously disposable, plastic indexed Gripshift.

According to Sram, no shifter maintenance is needed (or possible). We’re as eager to test this as you are to doubt it: A full review will follow this summer.

Available in XX and XO 2x10 and 3x10 options, the system will integrate with any Sram 10 speed derailleur while a custom lock-on grip provides a fully integrated shifter/grip system. Though riders are encouraged to utilize their favorite grips with the system, variations in shape and thickness will offer different results. Both XX and XO levels of the shifter offer the same internals and shifter quality, the higher end XX option will feature Gore Ride-On cables and a carbon face plate, while XO will be paired with traditional cables and an aluminum face plate, both weigh in at 207g with cables.

While Gripshift obviously isn’t for everyone, the new system provides a surprisingly versatile shifter system that can withstand much more than just traditional XC style riding. While in Santa Cruz, CA checking out the new product we spent a little time thrashing the new goods on some technically demanding trails. In the two days of riding, it was obvious the new Gripshift system is leaps and bounds ahead of previous versions. If you like the idea of twist shifting, 2013 Gripshift is definitely worth a try.

Look for a full review of the new shifters soon.