reading conflicting info about the hoods being longer by 6-7mm. then this video, a bike fitter says it’s the same (or possibly only a few mm difference).
is it just the rubber thing that’s longer?
ty for any info. 7mm is almost justification to reduce stem length
Yes, they are longer, because the master cylinder for the hydraulic brake is now horizontal instead of (essentially) vertical. This change is the reason why everybody is raving about the braking in the new Red groupset.
Definitely longer. I didn’t find this to be a major issue, but if you’re very sensitive to reach you might.
I find the new shape far, far more comfortable. I have big hands but can still get 3 fingers all the way around the hood body below the lever, which is both more comfortable and more secure. Braking performance is miles better, single-finger works fine even on steep rough gravel descents. The extra shift button is also awesome, I think I actually use it more often than the shift paddle.
The main drawback is that if you have multiple bikes and put them on one, you’ll immediately want to upgrade all the others, which is expensive! A few online shops have had the “exchange kit” (lever only) for $400 per side, and on one of my bikes I married the new levers to existing Force calipers. This works great, no discernible difference in braking performance relative to the full Red E1 system. But the exchange kit items seem a bit hard to find.
I have to say, I was so jealous. I have had a Force D1 lever on order since April, and all the rave reviews made me check the price for the new Red E1 levers … wife would not approve.
Still, my D1 lever was a whopping 270 €. No brake calipers included.
Now it’s about as good as Dura-Ace! lol
Both comfier and better braking than DA in my experience. Comfort is subjective obviously so YMMV.
just a follow up.
I wound up getting the SRAM Red and I’m really loving the hood design. they are the best part of the whole system.
I am a bigger rider (6’3" 195 lbs) so I would imagine my hands are at least above average size? and I can very comfortably put 3 fingers in and not be squeezed. I can also put 2 fingers in and two on the brakes (that’s what I am used to). so there’s two hand positions right there just for variety.
but there’s another one where you grab the little knub like a joystick.
i’m counting 3 legit comfy hand positions just in the hoods where I can shift and brake. (and that’s not counting the aero hoods position).
highly recommended quality of life feature. it wouldn’t have been worth it for me (just saying just for me) to upgrade for just that. but if you’re starting with a fresh build I’d for sure consider it.