I’m looking at getting a Trek Checkmate 7 or 8. They’re the same price and have virtually identical specs except for the drivetrain. The 8 has the old SRAM Red drivetrain, while the 7 has current Force drivetrain. I’m primarily a mountain biker, so I’m not up to speed on road/gravel groupset nuances. Any suggestions?
I would recommend force. Might be slightly heavier but the shifters alone are worth it over Red d1.
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One of SRAM’s “features” is that the shifting is the same at all levels. You’re paying for weight reduction primarily. I would certainly prefer the newer Force over the older Red unless you’re racing and really care about the weight (and maybe even then): the newer Force incorporates some new design changes and is overall a better technology.
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I would get the Red model and upgrade the shifters to the new Red E1 or the refreshed Force that’s coming later this year. That’s if you don’t mind spending a little more money. Otherwise, I would go with the Force model.
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I’d say get Force and just buy the Red shift lever “exchange kit” with the savings, and install those levers with the Force calipers. Or wait for the new Force about to launch and do the same.
The updated lever shape, brake power and accessory buttons are all huge improvements. I have a bike with new Red levers driving old Force calipers and you get all the improvements but weight savings.
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I think they both use the same XPLR cassette, basically the RD, and shifters/brakes. You’re looking at crank difference.