The grueling seven-stage, 1,100 kilometer, Tour of California marked the stage racing premiere for SRAM?s Force professional level road componentry as Kodakgallery.com/Sierra Nevada rider Ben Jacques-Maynes completed the inaugural event equipped with the all new 10-speed Force component group.

Jacques-Maynes has been one of SRAM?s top road test-pilots since 2005 and commented after the event that ?the SRAM Force shifting is smooth and accurate. It?s simply better than anything I have ever used.? He remained aggressive throughout the race, launching a bold attack on stage 2, and finished inside the top 25 overall against ProTour competition.

SRAM has signed on to sponsor the 12-rider KGSN pro team as well as the Spanish Orbea team. KGSN will race at major U.S. events including the Sea Otter Classic, Tour of Georgia, as well as the USPRO Championships. Orbea will also compete at Sea Otter, but will follow a European calendar including the Tour de l?Avenir and the Euskatel Bicicletta.

SRAM Force product details

The Force road group will feature SRAM?s revolutionary DoubleTap shifting technology, where both up and down shifts are executed by a single inward pivoting shift lever. Force takes innovation further with a distinct focus on weight, ergonomics, materials, and finish.

In ergonomic terms, SRAM Force features unique right and left ?fighter pilot? style shift levers for superior control. Advanced construction materials include magnesium, carbon, and aluminum for weight savings and a beautiful finish. SRAM?s Force group redefines lightweight with 307 gram integrated brake/shift levers (111 grams less than a leading competitor ? we won?t mention any names here ? that?s a 25% weight saving at the handlebar!).

Kodakgallery.com/Sierra Nevada as well as Team Orbea will be fully equipped with the SRAM road kit by April of this year, based on SRAM?s phased release strategy. Consumers will get there first opportunity to see, touch, taste, and feel the new componentry at the Sea Otter Classic, which follows SRAM?s global launch of the Force group in April 2006. Be sure to check in at Roadcycling.com for a review of the new SRAM Force group shortly after it arrives in our mail.