This is an in depth review of the ELITE DRIVE II road bike wheels - sent to us for free for review. We have taken a close look at all the elements of the wheels including hub internals and design, the carbon spokes, the rim and the overall build quality with close attention to the spoke tension. The seem unbeatable value for the potential performance they offer on paper. To add context to the review we compare to the very similar, but european based, ERE Research GENUS II wheels.
The Elite Wheels are being donated to a Youth Racing Team on the strict understanding they have no guarantees from Mapdec as to their safety.
After the technical aspects we take a deep dive into the implications of ownership in terms of Aftersales availability of spares, warranty, and liability.
We provide insight into the enforceability of a warranty in reality, and help you make the decision between risk and reward.
-------------------- CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Into to the 3 sets on review 02:40 - Hub internals, bearings and ratchet designs 06:54 - Spokes, Construction and tension analysis 18:11 - Rim inspection external and internal 22:31 - Chat about Spares 24:02 - Chat about enforceable warranty 28:34 - Liability in case of failure 33:06 - REALLY BORING freehub sound check -------------------
This is an in depth review of the ELITE DRIVE II road bike wheels - sent to us for free for review. We have taken a close look at all the elements of the wheels including hub internals and design, the carbon spokes, the rim and the overall build quality with close attention to the spoke tension. The seem unbeatable value for the potential performance they offer on paper. To add context to the review we compare to the very similar, but european based, ERE Research GENUS II wheels.
The Elite Wheels are being donated to a Youth Racing Team on the strict understanding they have no guarantees from Mapdec as to their safety.
After the technical aspects we take a deep dive into the implications of ownership in terms of Aftersales availability of spares, warranty, and liability.
We provide insight into the enforceability of a warranty in reality, and help you make the decision between risk and reward.
-------------------- CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Into to the 3 sets on review 02:40 - Hub internals, bearings and ratchet designs 06:54 - Spokes, Construction and tension analysis 18:11 - Rim inspection external and internal 22:31 - Chat about Spares 24:02 - Chat about enforceable warranty 28:34 - Liability in case of failure 33:06 - REALLY BORING freehub sound check -------------------
We took a trip to the Piedmont region of Italy on an epic trip. We took part in the Alpi Del Mare Gran Fondo that started in the town of Mondovi, We then went to the @officinemattio2009 Headquarters in Cuneo, and finally onto Pedemonte Composites just outside Genoa.
For this trip Mapdec paid for own flights and travel, but Officine Mattio paid for our race entry and hotels.
Officine Mattio have a number of bikes in their range, including stainless steel and aluminium models. They are made using a wrapped tubes method. This video also features a short segment on Gregario Bikes, who use an adjustable monocoque mould. --------------------------- Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Genoa in Italy 00:45 Who are Officine Mattio? 02:04 The Factory visit 08:05 Interview with investor Scott 14:51 The Alpi Del Mare ride 18:13 Our thoughts 20:51 Introducing @gregariolab
With thanks to @spoken_velo for organising the trip.🇮🇹🍕 All dressed in purple for a special rideMapdec Cycle Works2025-09-21 | ...I asked Hannah to make her perfect bike, and it got weird.Mapdec Cycle Works2025-09-20 | 🔜 WIN cool bikes and wheelsets from our raffles. raffall.com/mapdec
Meet Hannah! In her first full length video for the channel she builds up a cool bike that is something between an ‘All Road’ bike and a Gravel bike. The short stiff framest meets wide tyres and deep rims to provide a really unique and fun bike
The build spec Time ADHX 45 in size Small Light Bicycle WG55 rims Challenge Strada Biancia 45c Tubeless tyres Shimano GRX wireless groupset FSA and Deda Finishing kit ————————————-
Chapters : 00:00 Build it, Fit it, Test it 01:05 Wheel Build and spec 03:20 Tbe rest of the build 04:05 Ai Bike Fitting 07:14 Test Ride
Find out more about our brands and servicing at mapdec.com
Or call the shop on 01539 267562 and speak to Hannah or Paul about your dream buildBSA is back! Is it really what we wanted?Mapdec Cycle Works2025-09-18 | WIN Bikes and wheels in our raffles. 🙌 raffall.com/mapdec
We found that more and more new bikes are being launched with ancient technology bottom brackets. Mainstream media reviewers have praised its return, but here at Mapdec we think that idea is misguided and potentially bringing us even more problems.
We discuss what are the actual pros of BSA bottom brackets and balance against what we consider the downsides in the modern carbon fibre era.
We fit Bikone bottom brackets as our go to brand. To find out more check out our website.
We built a modernised Titanium road bike, the Reilly Fusion with some top end Campagnolo parts and question who would a bike like this be suited to? We speculate about ultra distance riders, wanting to carry bags, and bottles and gear, but still enjoy a fast sleek bike to carry some speed.
Everything in this video wes bought by us. The frame was an exploration into possibly being a dealer. We did not pay for the custom anodizing though. The Campagnolo groupset was also purchased by us from @chicken_cyclekit
@reillytitanium @CampagnoloSrl
00:00 Who rides a bike like this 01:32 Equipment Choice 02:22 Order of operations 03:37 Bottom Bracket Chat 05:34 WIN THIS BIKE 06:06 Ride Review 10:43 The weigh inWhose tried these? @ChallengeTiresMapdec Cycle Works2025-09-09 | ...£700 to save this TREK from the brink of destruction?Mapdec Cycle Works2025-09-06 | Totally shot pivots, sticky shocks, destroyed drivetrain. At what point do you stop repairing it all?
Tom totally rebuilt this TREK Fuel MTB and in close communication with the rider got a working solution at minimal cost.
At Mapdec we offer a range of capped labour service packages that guarantee, no matter what state your bike is in, we won't let the labour bill run and run.
Featuring tools from @altaltbike , terrific tools for careful bearing extraction. find out more: altalt.caRubber is heavy, but that doesnt seem to matter anymore 🤷♂️Mapdec Cycle Works2025-09-05 | In 2025 everyone wants wide tyres. So much so that models with lower tyre clearance are seeing massive price reductions. Gravel bikes are now road bikes, just add slick tyres and road pedals. The question is, do these fat tyre road bikes handle like we imagined or are they just sluggish on the hills and slow in the wind. We look at the Time ADH, ADHX and ADHX 45 as examples as how we have transitioned from gravel to road. Our thirst for wide wheels seems to balance with our appetite for lightweight.
@TheTimeSport @Pirelli @ExtraUKtv @zippspeedSRAM AXS on Shimano Cranks 😱Mapdec Cycle Works2025-09-03 | ...Why Are So Many Bike Forks Breaking This Week?Mapdec Cycle Works2025-09-02 | Tighten your ring! Understand how a threadless headset works and make sure you don't faceplant. In this video we show the extent of the Ring of Death problem we see on carbon forks these days. None of these featured internal cable routing, that is often blamed. These were due to top caps not being tight enough to eliminate all play, AND actually compress the ring into the bearing so that it grips the fork steerer.
Call us on 01539 267562 to discuss your next dream build, service or upgrade.
Carbon Reincarnation http://www.carbonreincarnation.comI rode this bike and kit in the Alps and here is what I think of it now.Mapdec Cycle Works2025-08-30 | Putting some meters and miles into some of the kit we review and chatting through my thoughts. I'm on holiday with friends and girlfriends, just enjoying cycling in the big mountain cols. Not looking for Strava times, Podiums, or Kudos. However I do enjoy riding fast bikes, all day long and not feeling like I am uncomfortable, unsafe or out of control. Some of my kit is tried and tested, some of it I am still unsure about.
We stayed with Alpbase (aplpbase.com) in the Ercins Ride footage from @GoPro Hero 12 and @DJI Neo
Kit discussed @polymerws Handlebars @wahoofitness Elemnt Roam 3 @ContinentalBicycleTyres Archetype tyres @zippspeed 454 NSW Wheels ProLogo Dimension 143 NACK Saddle @smithoptics Helmets and Glasses @alecyclingaustralia3152 Shorts and Jersey @fizik Shoes @TopeakCycling Wedge saddle bag
Everything here has been paid for by me, the exception in the Wahoo that featured in a previous review, and the Time Scylon that is on loan as part of our demo fleet you can come and ride yourself.
Oh... and the @TheTimeSport Scylon Frameset @chicken_cyclekitWheel Build & ChillMapdec Cycle Works2025-08-28 | Something completely different! No speaking, just a chilled out video on the process of building a bicycle wheel. A process that takes about and hour, condensed to about 10 minutes. Absolutely no reason apart from me being creative and enjoying my job.
Filmed on @GoPro and @PanasonicLumixVideoA Pro bike made for amateur sportives? Makes perfect sense.Mapdec Cycle Works2025-08-25 | Our long awaited ride review of the V5rs from Colnago, before we give it away to one of you!
We were very critical of this bikes build spec and quality, but at the time we didn't get a chance to ride it. This was supposed to be the 2nd choice race bike, designed for the big mountains, but it hasn't worked out that way. The light weight bike is offering no competitive advantage. We try and understand the purpose of the bike. Is it a legit race bike, or a sportive start line flex for the ammeter riders only? Henry and I take the bike to the Wrynose Pass in the English Lake District. A famous climb known for its brutal steepness and rough surface.
The full build was designed to be lightweight, but still steadfast and modern. We experimented with couple of chinese products, and mixed them reliable kit from firm favorites like ERE research and selle italia.
It's obvious I am disappointed with this bike. The build quality did not live up to Colnago reputation. The fixtures and fittings were sub standard and below par for the peak of the industry, it also did not live up to the promises made of the white paper. Is is a bad bike though? This video hopefully sheds some light on that.
00:00 Intro 01:26 Recap of previous build quality review 04:32 Our trained racing rider 06:04 Henry's thoughts and my ideas 07:52 How does it descend 10:01 fixing those squealing brakes 14:00 Conclusion
@colnagoTV , @ereresearch2668 , @raffall_appIt’s just Oil and Air. It leaks, collects dirt, gets sticky and needs a good service now and then.Mapdec Cycle Works2025-08-25 | ...The Time 2012 dealer pack 🥸Mapdec Cycle Works2025-08-22 | ...Will we hear the last CLICK of mechanical shifting?Mapdec Cycle Works2025-08-21 | Our generation of cyclists will likely be the last to experience shifting our gears via a Bowden Cable, a steel cable in a spiral wound sheath via mechanical ratchets, cams and derailleurs. Once upon a time we stopped our bikes with steel rods, in the future we use hydraulics and electronics. When will that transition in technology take place? I think it will be round about the year 2030. Find out why, and what will lead us there.
00:00 Intro 00:55 Who still makes mechanical shifting? 02:07 What the future holds 03:44 The trends 06:24 Can you fix it? 09:25 Are we ready for the future?
@madronecycles @RideShimano @CampagnoloSrl @SRAMtechMounting points for everything! The FiftyOne AssassinMapdec Cycle Works2025-08-16 | The FiftyOne Assassin is a gravel bike born from the skills of this Irish 🇮🇪 custom frame builder. They harvested all that direct rider feedback and geometry knowledge and applied it to a production frame. The result is a gravel bike that is feature rich, but still light weight, exceptionally well made and an utter joy to build, ride and own.
The frame features • Variable Geometry +5, 0, or -5mm chainstay length to adjust overall wheelbase and stability. 43 • Variable fork offset to adjust trail length at the front wheel. Producing a stable or agile feel. • Cable ports for gears, brakes, dropper posts, and dynamo lighting front and back. • Massive load carry capacity with mounts for rear racks, fork panniers, bottles. • Mudguard mounts front and rear • 1x or 2x gear set ups with chainrings up to a compact 34/50! • 47mm (1.85") tyre clearance in either 700c or 650c wheel sizes.
... and then some beautifully standard features for useability. • T47 external BB • 27.2mm seatpost • Standard steerer tube and FSA headset • Flat mount brake mounts • 12mm Thru axles
We paid for all the other components ourselves.Is Shimano About To Change Everything With Dura-Ace?Mapdec Cycle Works2025-08-11 | The wireless shifting generation is almost complete, just the Shimano Road groupsets remain somewhat wired. That must be about to change. In this video I explore some of the things that Shimano should copy and improve on, and the gaps I really hope they fill.
Will we see a lighter trimmer rear mech, will they offer lower gear ratios? Will it be 12 speed or 13 speed, or even more?
I am really looking forward to your comments, and I am eagerly waiting to see how Shimano will be taking road biking into a brave new future.
WIN A Wireless Shimano GRX Groupset raffall.com/393189/enter-raffle-to-win-new-shimano-grx-wireless-upgrade-kit-hosted-by-mapdecStrong Idea + Firm Budget = Dream BikeMapdec Cycle Works2025-08-09 | Trust the process they say. If you have a really strong idea of what you want in terms of outcomes, and then seek advice with a firm budget in mind we can create dream bike builds totally tailored to you. This rider wanted a quick and fun road bike. It had to have great tyres, great wheels and from a quality heritage brand. A warm welcome to Wilier to the Mapdec stable. This is the Filante SL model.
The build came together like this: @WilierTriestina Filante SL (Size M) Includes Seatpost and bars @ereresearch569 Genus II 45 Wheels @ContinentalBicycleTyres Arcetype 30mm Tyres @RideShimano Ultegra 12s Di2 with Dura Ace Cassette, Bottom Bracket, and Rotors ProLogo Dimension Carbon rail saddle
00:00 Into 00:31 Build montage 01.41 The Design Brief 04:51 The bike spec run through 07:24 The bike fit and crank length conundrum 11:23 The weigh in 12:00 Why Wilier
Or call us on 01539 267562Cervelo BBright, misunderstood & poorly executedMapdec Cycle Works2025-08-07 | We were asked to get this Cervelo R3 featuring a BBright bottom bracket, up to scratch for a rider to build into a lightweight climbing bike. The design was great in principle, the stiffness of BB386evo, and the chain ring clearance of PF30 external. The headset was all rusted up and the bottom bracket was left hanging out and scuffed up. In this video I show you how to remove the bracket and how to decide on the best solution to install.
You can learn all about the BBright standard at www.bbright.net
@bikoneFirst returns of the DT Swiss recallMapdec Cycle Works2025-08-06 | ...Just one thing worries me about Shimanos FULL Wireless GRXMapdec Cycle Works2025-08-05 | Shimano is well and truly entering the wireless shifting generation. Overcoming the design challenges of the SRAM and Campagnolo patents and adding their own unique twist. We take a close up look at the new 2025 GRX system for gravel bikes and all road bikes.
it is almost 100% off road and quite bumpy in places. There are plenty of places to stop for proper lunch, but not many places to just pick up a snack.
We started from Kendal town centre, and joined the canal where the towpath starts just outside the village of Sadgill. Aside from 2 places where there is a well signposted diversion, you can follow the canal the whole way. There are sections with lots of people where you must be respectful and give way a lot. There are also long stretches where almost nobody goes and you can rip along quite happily.
Thanks to the @canalrivertrust for maintaining these great riding trails. Their website has loads of information.
The bikes used were: @fiftyonebikes4568 Assassin with the i9 wheels and Pirelli Mid Gravel tyres in 45c. @TheTimeSport ADHX45 with Goodyear tyres in 44c. @AvantiWestCoastRail were so helpful transporting bikes and there was lots of space. The tickets cost £36Fix these common issues, before you try and balance your wheels.Mapdec Cycle Works2025-07-28 | Kudos to Oli for a fab video about about wheel balancing on @gcntech Building on that video I offer some of the simple things to check and fix before you begin trying to balance your road bike wheels. watch it here: youtube.com/watch?v=iclit1diFIw
Links to wheel balancing kit we use. Effeto Mariposa https://www.effettomariposa.eu/products/shelter-wheel-kit-valve-silencer-and-wheel-balancing-kit?srsltid=AfmBOopFyHzCdw61TWO-XKLaTJM0Wkci9ZGgeZx5HkMUVz2FtDrUJcBo
For wheel building info check Roger Musson website wheelpro.co.uk/wheelbuilding/book.phpLove a new gadget. Tech nerd 🤓 @tymewear1Mapdec Cycle Works2025-07-26 | ...SRAM force + Polymer + ArcheypeMapdec Cycle Works2025-07-25 | ...Industry 9 - Trying to be more than just cool wheels. 🇺🇸Mapdec Cycle Works2025-07-24 | Specialist road, gravel and MTB hubs from Industry 9, built in to wheels using famously durable spokes, and a rim that is well tested and backed with a generous warranty. We have been leant these wheels from local cycling and outdoor distributor Lyon Equipment. In the county of Cumbria they are well known for providing great service from great brands like Petzl, Ortlieb and La Sportiva.
About a year ago we were very critical of how hard it was to obtain parts for Industry Nine wheels. Since then Lyon equipment have taken on the UK distribution, and so far have been doing a great job.
We often build wheels using Industry 9 hubs, but we rarely get into their range of fully built wheels. At one time they really pushed their unique spoke patterns and use of aluminium spokes, in all kinds of colours.
You can contact us to commission your own custom built wheels. We generally build with VENN or Light Bicycle rims and a hub best suited to your needs and budget.
This video has not been sponsored, The wheels are on loan only and we only benefit when a customer chooses to commission a set of wheels using i9 hubs.
Thanks to @LyonEquipmentWorkandRescue and @industrynine3931
The grease shown in this video is Dumonde dumondetech.com/portfolio/freehub-greaseThe first spokeMapdec Cycle Works2025-07-22 | ...That Campy Groupset vs Shimano & SRAMMapdec Cycle Works2025-07-19 | This Campagnolo Super Record S 12s Wireless groupset was so eagerly awaited, but proved to fall short of expectations. A bloated price, underwhelming features and modern art aesthetics produced poor reviews. Now the wireless groupset has already beed superseded by the excellent 13sp variant, it's a year or so later, and the price has dropped considerably. Does this groupset still have life on your bike. Can you forgive it's shortcomings and reap the benefits?
We compare to Shimano Dura Ace Di2 currently £2300, and SRAM Force E1 currently £2444.
We built the @CampagnoloSrl Super Record Wireless S 12sp on to a @fiftyonebikes7589 Sika with the help of @chicken_cyclekit
We used the Campagnolo Shamal wheels, a set of 30c Michelin PowerCup tyres, a Selle Itallia 3D printed saddle, and bar tape from Burgh.
The total weight with Time pedals, an Elite bottle cage, and a 51 computer mount was 7.28kg.
We are dealers of the 51 brand, and Campagnolo. As well as Shimano, and SRAM. None of these brands had any say in this video.
To come and test ride or hire this bike, just get in touch via the website, visit the shop or give us a call. Everything you need to know is at www.mapdec.comThis Bike Frame Looks Like Magic!Mapdec Cycle Works2025-07-17 | Reilly Fusion - A modern take on the titanium work hourse bike. Designed to compete with the modern era of Carbon race bikes, this frame features 3D printed titanium frame joints making it appear like a carbon fibre frame from a distance. These frames are anodised rather than than painted or treated. the design can be almost anything you can dream of. In this video we question how you might choose to spec it out.
We have paid for this frame as our demo bike as a prospective dealer of this brand. The video has not been paid for, but we do hope to build some of these for our customers. That said, we only choose to work with brands we are really impressed with for their quality.Grab & Ride in 2025! But is the Synapse still a benchmark bike?Mapdec Cycle Works2025-07-14 | The Cannondale Synapse is famous for being the most ordinary and least offensive of road bikes in the 'endurance' category. The Synapse was a bike you couldn't go too far wrong with. This new model takes the model further into the true endurace class, but with modern electronic features that will divide opinion.
We discuss the geo, the bikes legendary reputation, its future direction and how all the models stack up on price.
There is no sponsored content here. This is just my own observations and awareness of key bikes in the market.
00:00 Intro 00:09 Why the Synapse is a benchmark bike 01:40 Why I like the new Synapse Geometry 03:38 Features I like 07:00 Things I dislike 09:36 Range and PricesIs it TRUE? - Nothing Rides Like a TIME ScylonMapdec Cycle Works2025-07-10 | Does the TIME Scylon live up to the hype? You’ve heard the claims—“nothing rides like a TIME”—but is it all just marketing, or is there real magic in the carbon layup, uniquely woven and moulded in Slovakia. This is the first bike from the new leadership with Tony Karklins.
In this video, we take a comprehensive look at the TIME Scylon—from the build process and component choices to the ride itself. We break down exactly why we chose each part and then hit the road to see how this legendary frame performs in the real world. We go deep into the detail on the headset standard, the bottom bracket spec, and the build options and geo.
For clarity, this frame and handlebar was provided for this review and will remain at our store as a demo bike for short term test rides, or long term hire. YES. YOU CAN RIDE THIS BIKE!
Here are all the links you need to do your own research:
🎁 Enter to WIN big in the Mapdec Raffle! LOOK 785 • ZIPP Wheelset • Colnago V5RS 👉 raffall.com/mapdec
00:00 Intro 00:45 The weigh in 02:31 Frame Inspection 03:56 Deda DCR and FSA ACR headsets 07:26 Ceramic Coat with GTechniq 09:30 Polymer Workshop Bars 10:51 Bottom Bracket madness 17:18 Zipp 454 NSW and Continental Archetype 23:20 The build reveal 23:29 Weight comparison 24:50 Ride Review
@polymerws @TheTimeSport @SRAM @parktool @GtechniqUK @bikone6239Ready to go. Brakes bedded, test ride done. ☑️Mapdec Cycle Works2025-07-06 | ...Ride review inbound. Can not wait 🥰💜Mapdec Cycle Works2025-07-03 | ...112g and lots of £Mapdec Cycle Works2025-06-30 | ...The bike shop striving to be better everydayMapdec Cycle Works2025-06-27 | How we work, the digital tools we use, and how we are just trying to get better and better every day. _______ No two days are ever the same here—and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We’re constantly evolving, improving, and pushing boundaries. From new team members bringing fresh energy, to tech upgrades and exciting new projects, there's always something happening behind the scenes.
In this video, take a peek inside our store and get to know the people, the tools, and the passion that drive everything we do at Mapdec. Links mentioned in the video are below:
Raffall Links Colnago V5RS, LOOK 785, and 353 ZIPP Wheels 🚴♂️🔥 Enter the draw here 👉 raffall.com/mapdec
This video is not sponsored, Bikebook is a service we subscribe to and and are proud to use.Bottom Bracket of the Day! A nice one pice treated aluminium sleeve. Asymmetrical 🤦♂️Mapdec Cycle Works2025-06-26 | ...Could these be the new GP6000???Mapdec Cycle Works2025-06-26 | The Continental Archetype limited edition. On the Mapdec shop now. We only have 30! Click here to secure yours: mapdec.com/products/archetype-tdlfltd25-bk-bk-foldable-700x30Apparently it’s stiff, now we will find out for sure.Mapdec Cycle Works2025-06-25 | ...He watched all the videos and this is what happened.Mapdec Cycle Works2025-06-23 | This set of frame and parts came to us from a fan of YouTube cycling channels. He was curious to what we thought, and trusted us to build the bike for him. This is his first road bike and has bought it to ride to Brighton to raise money for his sons cancer treatment.
00:00 Intro 00:21 Light Carbon Frame Inspection 11:24 9Velo CD55 Wheel Review 17:56 Wheels Comparison to FFWD Raw and Zipp 303sw 23:47 Meeting the owner 27:06 9Velo Spoke Tension Issue details
The full build features: Light Carbon LCR017 Frameset - Size Large 9Velo CD55 Wheels Shimano Ultegra Groupset RideWrap frame and fork protection Continental Grand Prix 5000 sTR TPU Tubes Selle Itallia Saddle and bar tape Hambini T47 bottom bracket with non contact sealsHow the Bottom Bracket get aligned.Mapdec Cycle Works2025-06-21 | ...Love it when sales reps bring us cool things with sensible prices.Mapdec Cycle Works2025-06-20 | ...Crazy gravel build coming up.Mapdec Cycle Works2025-06-19 | ...But this video will save you money - Ultegra for the win!Mapdec Cycle Works2025-06-18 | Yesterday I launched my first look review of the New SRAM Force and Rival groupsets, and upset everyone by comparing Force with Shimano Dura Ace. I read all your comments, and felt this video would help everyone from buying anything over priced, or of poorer quality than it should be. You can watch that video here: youtu.be/VA_d6RJqAlg
In this video I show how the Road Cycling Groupsets from SRAM, Shimano, and Campagnolo line up in terms of value in their current state in mid 2025, and predict how it might look when Shimano make their product release.
00:00 Intro 00:33 £1000 to spend 00:44 £1500 to spend 01:40 £2000 to spend 02:03 £2500 to spend 02:25 £3000 to spend 02:59 Fully built bikes rip off 03:58 SRAMs gift to Shimano😞 SRAM cant trickle down - The new FORCE & RIVALMapdec Cycle Works2025-06-17 | Everything in this video was bought by us for stock. SRAM had no say in this video.
17th June 2025, SRAM Launch the update Force Road, Rival Road, Force XPLR and Rival XPLR groupsets. This is our first look at the range, and we discus how it fit with the current and potential future offer from Shimano and Campagnolo. I am critical at how they have choosen to trickle down the tech from the Red range.
The video concludes with my opinion that SRAM Red and Campagnolo Super Record dominate the top tier.
SRAM Force and Shimano Dura Ace are a close match up
Then Shimano dominate the mid tier with Ultegra and 105 being no match for anything else on the market.
SRAM Rival and Apex, is too heavy and over priced to be a compelling choice.
00:00 Intro 02:14 SRAM Force 2025 Road 04:53 SRAM Rival 2025 Road 06:56 Levers 11:02 A look at Gravel 12:39 ConclusionsPassion & pride, but is there any real quality here?Mapdec Cycle Works2025-06-14 | We take a deep dive in the Willier Filante SL model. A slightly toned down version of their race winning SLR model. We dress it in the latest Campagnolo Super Record groupset and the incredible Bora wheels.
00:00 Intro 00:23 Weigh in and Frame Inspection 05:02 Scores out of 10 06:58 Campagnolo Build details 08:43 Pairing the Campagnolo Shifters and Mechs via Factory Reset 11:37 New QCK- TECH bottom bracket 14:50 Campagnolo Brake Bleed 17:39 Super Record Gear set up, zero set and micro adjust 20:41 Ride Review 28:32 Conclusion