SRAM Red Force Rival 2010 Dark Silver Brake Shoe and Pads by SwissStop Pair US $39.99

SRAM 2010 Red Force Rival Brake Pad Dark Silver Holde US $40.77

NEW SRAM Red Brake Caliper Pad Holder Pair Anodized US $44.95

NEW 2011 SRAM 500 TT Brake Lever Set Pair Red Aero Tri US $44.99

SRAM Red 20105 Silver Brake Shoe and Pads by SwissStop Pair US $45.99

SRAM 20105 Red Brake Pad Holder Pair US $46.15

According to the SRAM website the Red brakeset is designed for “superior” stopping power along with a light design. The brakes make use of a skeletonized design which utilizes the Dual Pivot in order to provide high levels of stopping ability. The brakes are also said to be race proven and hence are perfect for the serious road rider. The Dual Pivot system is designed to give the brakes a more staged feel than other similar models while at the same time increasing the amount of power which is available.

Along with the Dual Pivot system another feature of the SRAM Red brakes is how customizable they are. There are both spring and centering adjustments available which allow the brakes to be tweaked to your liking.

The 2010 SRAM Red Brakeset weighs 265g and has indexed QR. The brakes also have a titanium mount along with cold-forged arms. To buy a new set of SRAM Red Brakes will usually cost around $250.

One thing to keep in mind when looking to buy SRAM Red brakes is that some people aren’t a fan of the look. Red brakes are often described as “skeletal” in design which is probably one of the reasons why they are so light. This does give them a “bare bones” look which doesn’t go down well with some riders. SRAM Red brakes are also silver which may not suit the rest of the bike depending on the other components which are used.

The feel of the SRAM Red brakes is said to be sharp and responsive which is essential for a racing bike. Although not everyone is a fan of how the brakes look there is no doubt that they work and work well in a range of different situations. Other components in the SRAM Red product series include Derailleur, Crank set and Double Tap Controls and all are worth considering when building or upgrading a road bike.