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46-464: The company grew to become a cycling component brand, selling under the brands SRAM, Avid, RockShox , Truvativ, Quarq, Zipp , TIME Sport pedals, Hammerhead cycling computers, and Velocio cycling apparel. Their components are manufactured primarily in-house, in factories located in the U.S., Germany, and Taiwan, and are distributed and sold as Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) equipment and aftermarket components. In their early years, SRAM introduced

92-476: A 1:1 cable actuation ratio that was more tolerant of cable contamination. The new derailleur was compatible with SRAM's ESP Grip Shifters. This was a first step for SRAM toward producing a complete shifting system. By 1997, SRAM was ready to make its first acquisition, Sachs. This acquisition provided SRAM with a group of metallurgists and engineers as well as a chain and internally geared hub production line. SRAM's released its first “X.O” rear derailleur in 2001. It

138-635: A 500% gear range that is comparable to many 2x drivetrains on the market today. In October 2016, SRAM released the WiFLi version of its eTap rear derailleur which is compatible with a wider range of gears than a standard rear derailleur. In 2017, SRAM launched the 1x12 GX Eagle drivetrain, intended to be more affordable than the similar existing Eagle XX1 and X01 drivetrains. On February 6, 2019, SRAM released three new wireless electronic groupsets. This release included one road groupset, RED eTap AXS, and two mountain bike groupsets, XX1 Eagle AXS and X01 Eagle AXS. All of

184-661: A Reverb AXS dropper post. Conversely, drop bar bikes can be retrofitted with mountain bike handlebars using the Eagle AXS derailleur controller with RED eTap AXS drivetrain. In February 2021, SRAM announced the acquisition of the entire range of road and mountain pedals, cleats, and all related patents of TIME Sport from Rossignol Group. The companies completed the transaction on February 18, 2021. Founded in Nevers, France, in 1987, TIME’s clipless pedal system increased ergo-dynamic compliance for riders by engineering lateral and angular float into

230-610: A complete drivetrain with the first SRAM branded road groupsets being released the following year. Following the acquisition, product development for cranksets and bottom brackets remained in San Luis Obispo, California. On November 6, 2007, SRAM acquired Zipp Speed Weaponry , a company designing and manufacturing carbon wheelsets for use on road racing bicycles, as well as other high-end components such as cranksets, handlebars, stems and wheels. The company operates out of Indianapolis, Indiana and produces all of its carbon fiber rims at

276-463: A discount to specify Grip Shift components. SRAM received an unspecified out-of-court settlement from Shimano in 1991. As a result of this lawsuit, all Shimano competitors won the right to compete in the lucrative OEM bicycle component arena. The years after the Shimano settlement were marked by growth for the company, as it increased sales and added other companies to its portfolio. SRAM is an example of

322-473: A number of companies, enabling it to offer a full set of componentry. At the forefront of the company is the SRAM marque which is used for most of its groupsets . Companies SRAM has purchased and converted into marque brands include Rockshox, Zipp, Avid, Truvativ, Quarq and TIME. In November 1997, SRAM acquired Sachs Bicycle Components , including a significant hub gear production line, from Mannesmann Sachs AG,

368-463: A place where Grip Shifters were designed to perch. It offered both SRAM and the athletes a competitive advantage at a time when there were few aerodynamic shifting options available. Today SRAM sponsors a number of top triathletes including Ironman World Champ, Jan Frodeno. Other notable athletes sponsored by SRAM include Sebastien Kienle, Javier Gomez, Mirinda Carfrae, Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee, Caroline Steffen, Jordan Rapp, and Non Stanford. SRAM

414-499: A range of uses including MTB and cyclocross. They also produce two road bike disc brakes. As with RockShox, Avid's product development continued in Colorado Springs while marketing and sales divisions were moved to Chicago. SRAM purchased Truvativ in 2004 from Micki Kozuschek, providing SRAM with a line of cranks , bottom brackets , handlebars , stems , pedals , seatposts and chain retention systems. This allowed SRAM to offer

460-534: A recent trend within the high-end cycle-component segment of the bicycle industry, where companies seek a position as a "one-stop shopping center" for bicycle frame manufacturers/bicycle brand owners, supplying all or most of the parts needed to build a complete bike. SRAM now incorporates the former bicycle divisions of Fichtel & Sachs , Sachs-Huret, and acquired component makers RockShox , Avid, Truvativ, Zipp , and QUARQ. In 1995, SRAM introduced their first mountain bike rear derailleur, dubbed “ESP”, that featured

506-505: A shifting option for SRAM rear derailleurs. In 2002, SRAM acquired suspension manufacturer, RockShox , after RockShox had defaulted on a loan from SRAM. In 2005, SRAM developed a new fork damper technology dubbed “Motion Control” that allowed users to adjust compression and rebound of the suspension, including a switch to greatly firm up the suspension. RockShox continues to use variants of the Motion Control damper on select models. Avid

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552-514: A shock absorber for the company that became Fox Racing Shox . He then established his own company Dynamic Enterprises which became Simons Inc. developing pneumatic upgrade kits for suspension forks. This led to his own fork design and manufacture. He had two patents on suspension forks, one which, for upside down forks, he licensed to motorcycle and suspension manufacturers. In the late 1980s Paul began riding mountain bikes and with his motorcycle experience longed for suspension. Paul began developing

598-704: A title sponsor for the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California for roughly a decade, SRAM provides neutral race support for entrants and hosts large product display and technical service tents in the event's expo area. SRAM is also a supporter of the Crankworks festival held at the Whistler Bike Park in British Columbia, Canada. On October 17, 2022 it was announced that SRAM was named an official supplier of

644-459: A unit of German telecommunications group Mannesmann AG . Sachs had 1,250 employees and annual revenues of more than $ 125 million. In 2013, production of internal gear hubs moved from Germany to Taiwan. In 2015, the former Sachs Schweinfurt factory was converted for use as a SRAM research and development center as well as a warehouse for European distribution. The remainder of the Sachs company ( ZF Sachs )

690-485: Is a bicycling and outdoor sports festival and exposition held each spring since 1991 at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California . The four-day event is considered the world's largest cycling festival, drawing nearly 10,000 professional and amateur athletes and 74,000 fans. The Sea Otter Classic is named in honor of the southern sea otter , an indigenous mammal which flourishes along

736-404: Is among component manufacturers that have consistently assigned equal value to women's cycling. Products and technologies that reflect that commitment to the broad range of female riders’ needs include shifter Reach Adjust, Quarq cranksets available in down to 162.5 mm lengths, and 36 cm wide Zipp handlebars. SRAM is also a supporter of women's professional cycling. SRAM is a title sponsor for

782-486: Is an American company founded by Paul Turner in 1989, that develops and manufactures bicycle suspensions . The company led in the development of mountain bikes . It is now part of SRAM Corporation . RockShox was founded by Paul Turner in 1989 in Asheville, North Carolina , USA. It moved to California four years later when Steve and Deborah Simons bought out Dia Compe. Turner raced motorcycles in his teens. In 1977, at

828-685: Is now owned by ZF Friedrichshafen AG . ZF Sachs mainly deals in parts for motorized vehicles. In 2017, SRAM announced it would end production of its internal gear hubs due to declining sales, a lack of interest on the part of its suppliers, and competition from e-bikes. SRAM purchased RockShox on February 19, 2002. RockShox was one of the first companies to introduce a bicycle suspension fork for consumer use. Marketing and sales departments were relocated to Chicago, while product development remained in Colorado Springs . A SRAM factory in Taichung , Taiwan

874-574: The Mountain Bike Hall of Fame several times but declined. Suspension Forks Other features: There are usually several versions of each product, typically distinguished by the presence or absence of certain features, such as material type, preload, rebound damping, compression damping, lockout, remote lockout and replaceable bushings. This article does not attempt to list all specifications for all versions. 7. http://www.vintagerockshox.com/ Sea Otter Classic The Sea Otter Classic

920-500: The AXS groups have BLE connectivity and an optional free mobile app called AXS that offers users the ability to reassign and customize button functions. The new RED groupset features a 12-speed cassette with wider gear range and smaller steps between gears in addition to many other innovations such as chainrings with power meter integration, a fluid damper for the rear derailleur pulley cage, and both 2x and 1x chainring drivetrain variants. For

966-497: The Grip Shift (or twist shift) gear-change technology to the road bike market in 1988. Twist shift gear changing was later brought to mountain bikes in 1991. In 1990, the company sued Shimano for unfair business practices, noting that Shimano offered, in effect, a 10-percent discount to bicycle manufacturers specifying an all-Shimano drivetrain and that few companies in the highly competitive industry would be willing to forgo such

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1012-482: The New York Yacht Club American Magic racing team in their bid to win the 37th America's Cup. In the late 1980s and early 90s SRAM Grip Shifters were adopted by triathletes. Grip Shift's aim to allow riders to shift without removing their hands from the bars made the product suited to the needs of triathletes. These racers needed to maintain an aero tuck with their hands extended on aero extensions,

1058-676: The RockShox RS-1 design, created a private label fork for Specialized working with Mark Winter. Mark left Specialized a few years later, joining RockShox in 1995. Eight years after inception the company manufactured and sold a million RockShox forks and had revenues of $ 100 million. The company went public in October 1996, was listed on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange (ticker: RSHX), and raised 65 million dollars ($ 72 million before deduction of IPO related costs). The company had 300 employees, most in

1104-641: The Sea Otter Classic, and Crankworks. At the Amgen Tour of California (ATOC) SRAM was the neutral race support sponsor for both the women's and men's races and a title sponsor for the entire women's race. SRAM is also a sponsor of specific stages within the men's ATOC race. SRAM has been the neutral race support sponsor for numerous professional Ironman events including the US National Championships, European Championships, and World Championships. As

1150-583: The Women's Amgen Tour of California empowered with SRAM. The company also sponsors many teams in the women's World Tour including CANYON//SRAM Racing, Boels-Dolmans Cycling Team, Twenty20 p/b SHO-AIR, and Rally Cycling Team. Top female athletes sponsored by SRAM include 2015 UCI Road World Champion Lizzie Armitstead, 2015 UCI Junior Road and Time Trial World Champion Chloe Dygert, 2014 UCI Elite Time Trial Champion Lisa Brennauer, and 2015 Amgen Tour of California empowered with SRAM winner Trixie Worrack. SRAM has purchased

1196-547: The age of 18, he established a company that sold motorcycle components. He later worked for the Honda Motor Company as factory mechanic for their professional motocross team. This put him in contact with designers of suspension systems for motorcycles and other motocross industry people. Simons is a former motocross rider in his teens and early twenties and entrepreneur. He developed heat sinks for Koni shock absorbers to lower oil temperatures and then in 1974 he designed

1242-523: The assets owned by the private equity firm. Those plans were put on hold due to volatility in the stock market. SRAM reported net sales of $ 524.1 million in 2010, and has grown at a rate of about 16 percent annually in the four years prior to 2010. The company has estimated that it holds about 15 percent of the $ 3.5 billion bicycle components market. The SRAM Cycling Fund is the advocacy and philanthropy arm of SRAM LLC. The Fund invested $ 10M over 6 years from 2009 to 2014. RockShox RockShox Inc.

1288-463: The bicycle component company Zipp . In 2008, SRAM introduced a new road groupset, SRAM RED. SRAM acquired power meter crank manufacturer Quarq in 2011. By 2012, SRAM had incorporated power meters into its high-end RED road group. Also in 2012, SRAM introduced wide range 1x11 mountain bike shifting with its XX1 groupset. The new groupset made use of a 10-42 cassette and a patented single front chainring that made use of both narrow and wide teeth to retain

1334-454: The chain without a chain guide. The rear derailleur for the groupset uses a parallelogram that moves only laterally, known as X-Horizon, which is intended to improve shifting precision and chain retention. By 2014, this same technology was adapted for use on cyclocross bikes with the introduction of SRAM Force CX1. The group was expanded in 2015 to use chainrings (up to 54-teeth) for other applications such as TT/Tri, road, and fitness bikes. With

1380-630: The company experienced difficulties in protecting its position as the leading manufacturer in the business. In June 2000 RockShox moved production to Colorado Springs , which saved an estimated $ 5 million a year. In 2001 the company lost $ 10 million. In 2002 RockShox defaulted on a loan to SRAM. SRAM took over the company and its debt obligations for $ 5.6 million. The company had 300 employees in Colorado Springs. In 2002, production in Colorado moved to Taichung , Taiwan . A small test facility remains in Colorado Springs. Paul Turner has been nominated for

1426-415: The company received a strategic investment from Trilantic Capital Partners , formerly known as Lehman Brothers Merchant Banking, the buyout arm of Lehman Brothers . The firm invested $ 234.8 million in SRAM in a deal that closed Sept. 30, 2008. On May 12, 2011, the company announced in a filing that it intended to raise up to $ 300 million in an IPO . Shortly later, the company consolidated its debt to pay off

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1472-421: The company's US factories . RockShox had a market share of 60 percent. Towards the end of the 1990s competition was fierce and profits were thin. Rock Shox was one of many brands that marketed suspension forks for bicycles, others were Answer Manitou , Marzocchi and RST. During this time Fox Racing Shox also entered the bicycle industry. As the number of direct substitutes to Rock Shox's products increased,

1518-534: The company's US factory. In 2011, SRAM acquired power meter crank manufacturer, Quarq. Based out of Spearfish, South Dakota , Quarq was founded by Jim and Mieke Meyer. The company is best known for its crank based power meters, but it is venturing out into new areas with its Quarq Race Intelligence product, a live telemetry system aimed at race promoters, race officials, and media. Following the pattern set by other SRAM acquisitions, Quarq continues to operate out of its Spearfish location. In December 2021, SRAM acquired

1564-512: The current RockShox logo, and was the creative director for all marketing and advertising. Turner brought in Greg Herbold as a test rider and company spokesman. In 1990 Herbold became the first world champion in downhill mountain biking riding one of the first suspension forks for mountain bikes made. In August that year the company manufactured its first 100 suspension forks, the RS-1. The start-up

1610-423: The cycling technology company, Hammerhead. In March 2022, SRAM acquired the high end apparel brand, Velocio. As of August 2024, SRAM has five road bike groupsets (in descending order of price): SRAM currently has 20 mountain bike groupsets, divided by field of application, from more to less expensive: Cross Country: Downhill : Enduro : Trail riding : Budget groupsets: E-MTB specific: In 2008,

1656-415: The expanded applications SRAM simplified the naming of the group to Force 1. The same year the company also developed a lower price point 1x11 road groupset option with similar features, Rival 1. In August 2015, SRAM announced that it would release its 11-speed wireless electronic road groupset, SRAM RED eTap. The group utilizes derailleurs with self-contained batteries to shift using wireless signals sent from

1702-968: The first bicycle suspension fork. In 1989 or 1990, Turner approached Simons for help designing a suspension fork for mountain bikes. Turner had in 1987, with the help of Keith Bontrager , presented a full bike with front and rear suspension at the bicycle industry trade show in Long Beach . The industry was not impressed. Two years later Turner and his wife Christi were manufacturing suspension forks in their garage with parts bought from Simons Inc, who later partnered Turner when Steve and his wife, Deborah, mortgaged their home to buy out Dia-Compe and move manufacturing to Mt. View, California in 1993. The R&D and Marketing groups remained in Boulder, Co. until moving to Mt. View, Ca in 1994 and then Santa Cruz in 1995. Manufacturing and Engineering move to San Jose, Ca in 1995. They worked with Thomas Dooley at TDA in Boulder, CO who created

1748-407: The neighboring Pacific coast. The Sea Otter Classic was founded by Frank Yohannan and Lou Rudolph. The inaugural event was held 06–07 April 1991. The first two events were held under the name Laguna Seca Challenge. The event name was changed to the Sea Otter Classic in 1993. In August 2021, Frank Yohannan, who has owned and operated the Sea Otter Classic for more than 30 years, found a new owner for

1794-514: The new mountain bike groups, in addition to their wireless electronic operation, they can also connect with sister brand RockShox’ Reverb AXS dropper post. SRAM's AXS app makes this possible by enabling users to reassign button functions between the Reverb seat post and the XX1 or X01 derailleur controller. The same AXS app also opens the option of using RED eTap AXS drop bar levers with an Eagle AXS drivetrain and

1840-401: The pedal. TIME added mountain bike pedals in 1993. Their road and MTB pedals have been ridden to victory by many professionals, including Julien Absalon (FRA), Greg LeMond (USA), Tom Boonen (BEL), Anna van der Breggen (NED), and Miguel Indurain (ESP). SRAM supports racing through sponsorships made in partnership with race promoters. Examples of this include the Amgen Tour of California, Ironman,

1886-490: The rapidly growing mountain bike market. However in 2004, SRAM began developing two new road groupsets: Force and Rival, which it brought to market in 2006. Force was raced in the Tour de France for the first time the following year. The group made use of a new proprietary shifting technology known as DoubleTap. The technology allows the rider to shift a derailleur in both directions using a single shifter paddle. In 2007, SRAM acquired

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1932-772: The shift levers. Benefits of the system include more precise shifting, faster setup, and lower maintenance compared to a traditional mechanically activated shifting arrangement. The company announced a hydraulic disc brake version of its wireless road group called SRAM RED eTap HRD in May 2016. The new brakes make use of a hydraulic lever design with both lever reach adjustment and lever contact point adjustment. In May 2016, SRAM also released their new 1x12 drivetrain technology dubbed Eagle in both XX1 and X01 variants. It has received many awards globally in its first year of public availability from cycling publications due to its simplicity, versatility, and usable rider benefits. The new 1x12 drivetrain has

1978-417: Was SRAM's next acquisition in the spring of 2004. Avid produced popular hydraulic disc brakes and gave SRAM one more means to compete with Shimano. Later that same year, SRAM purchased Truvativ, a crank, bottom bracket, and chainring manufacturer based out of San Luis Obispo, California. Although SRAM began as a manufacturer of road bike shifters, the company had largely left the road market in 1993 in favor of

2024-439: Was a complete redesign of SRAM's existing ESP derailleurs, however it still made use of SRAM's proprietary 1:1 shift actuation ratio for improved shifting performance with worn or contaminated cables. Made from forged aluminum, the introduction of SRAM's first high-end derailleur marked a turning point for the company's mountain bike shifting groups. The introduction of X.O also marked the first time trigger shifters were available as

2070-508: Was converted to RockShox production after the acquisition. RockShox is responsible for producing bicycle suspension products including front suspension forks for both mountain biking (MTB) and pavement usage, rear suspension, suspension lockout remotes, maintenance products and a dropper seatpost. On March 1, 2004, SRAM purchased Avid, a designer and manufacturer of bicycle brake components. Its current line-up includes mechanical disc brakes, rim brakes, levers, cables and maintenance products for

2116-515: Was financed by the East Asian bike component manufacturer Dia-Compe , the founders, and other investors. Dia-Compe manufactured the next series of forks in addition to the original Aheadset, which the RS-1 utilised. Later Dia-Compe USA was bought out by Simons & Turner who disposed of its shares. From then the forks were primarily manufactured at RockShox in Mt.View, Ca. In 1992 Turner & Simons, using

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