Questions about SRAM Rival 22 Hydro (Mechanical)

Hi,

I'm building an "All-Road" bike, a gravel frame with a Road transmission and 32 to 35mm slick tires. First of all, it's a budget build and I'm trying to squeeze a dual-leg powermeter and fully hydro brakes in it, so I have these limitations.

I was going to use Shimano 105 (R7020), but right now the availability is really bad, and I can't get all the parts. But I can get a Rival 2x11 Hydro with a very good price, so I'm thinking about it, and I have some questions.

1. Should it work well with this 50/34 crankset with powermeter? I'm almost sure it's fully compatible, but sometimes I hear SRAM is a little finicky to work well with other parts. Worst case scenario the powermeter is compatible with SRAM chainrings and the whole crankset, but I would like to use the ZRACE one.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001610467036.html



2. It's rated for a 11-32 cassette, could I squeeze a Shimano 11-34? I know the difference isn't so big, but the ideal gearing for my use would be 30x34 from GRX, so 34x34 it's already a compromise and 34x32 starts to get too far... The chainstay of the frame is 435mm, if this influence anything (CFR696).

3. The DOT oil is a problem?

4. It seems that everyone is going with 12s chains in 11s transmissions, claiming a lot of benefits and no downside. Should I go straight to a 12s chain or not? Plan to use KMC.

5. Should I wait to get the 105 instead?

Thanks.

1.  I doubt those chainrings will shift well regardless of what derailleurs you use.  Chainrings are not a good place to go cheap.

2.  A Rival medium cage will work with a 11-34 cassette.  

3.  Why would DOT be a problem?  Millions of bikes out there with it for many years.  Billions of cars using it.  Just be aware if you make a mess bleeding you have to clean it up as it will strip paint if left long enough.

4.  A 12 speed chain will mean less cage rub, but sloppier shifting in the front.   If that trade off is worth it then go for it.

5.  I am a big SRAM fan, but I run 1x.  For a 2x mechanical system Shimano front shifting is superior (if using Shimano chainrings).  If you are going to run those budget chainrings it doesn’t matter, you’ll have sub optimal front shifting no matter what.

@ljsmith many thanks for the answer. How about changing the chainrings for original Rival ones? Or would be better to just get the full original crankset? Or there's any other chainring/option would you suggest?

ljsmith wrote:If you’re going to go SRAM you can try out those chainrings and see how they do.  If you’re not happy with them then swap them out for Rival.  

That's a great idea. Since I'll be importing everything, I think I'll buy the original chain rings too. If the ZRACE works good enough I'll keep the SRAM as a replacement for when they worn out.

The reviews on the ZRACE chainrings aren't that bad:  https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003383252513.html

@acedeuce802

Many thanks for the answer. I think 46/30 11-34 would be perfect for me, from the tests I did in my MTB. Right now my lowest gear is 39x30 and I can climb anything in my region, but I would like to be able to do Z1 and Z2 training in some hilly courses, since the flat areas are limited. But them I would lose the budget powermeter and crankset option... It's 110 BCD, cannot fit a 30 chainring... So I think it's best to go with 50/34. As a plus, it's easier to find parts. I could do some mullet options with 11-42 cassettes, but that would cause large jumps in the gears.

Just as curiosity, the crankset you are using have the +2,5mm chainline like the GRX? Shimano says they are incompatible with their road front derailleurs.

acedeuce802 wrote:I actually have the same crank and power meter you linked.  I've got these rings from eBay https://www.ebay.com/itm/123706511747, you can fit a 30t on a 110bcd because the 30t is threaded, rather than using chainring bolts that have a male and female piece.  I'll have to measure the chainline, it definitely shifted it a few mm inboard than using the stock ZRace chainrings.

That's really great news! I thought would be impossible to do that, Sigeyi also told me this via e-mail, that lower than 34 only with 1x. Could you post a picture of the inside of the chainring? I didn't fully understood how it's threaded from the eBay pictures. And if possible, I also would like to know how much this shifted the chainline. The frame clearance with the chainrings will be pretty tight, and this could also influence my gears.

Thanks.

acedeuce802 wrote:I actually have the same crank and power meter you linked.  I've got these rings from eBay https://www.ebay.com/itm/123706511747, you can fit a 30t on a 110bcd because the 30t is threaded, rather than using chainring bolts that have a male and female piece.  I'll have to measure the chainline, it definitely shifted it a few mm inboard than using the stock ZRace chainrings.

v.gcl wrote:

 

 

That's really great news! I thought would be impossible to do that, Sigeyi also told me this via e-mail, that lower than 34 only with 1x. Could you post a picture of the inside of the chainring? I didn't fully understood how it's threaded from the eBay pictures. And if possible, I also would like to know how much this shifted the chainline. The frame clearance with the chainrings will be pretty tight, and this could also influence my gears.

Thanks.