SRAM launch Via GT urban groupset

Component brand SRAM has launched a new urban/trekking groupset called Via GT. It comes with super-wide gear ratios from a double chainset and 10-speed cassette.

The chainset comes with either 48/32-tooth or 48/34T chainrings and SRAM say the groupset is optimized (everything is ‘optimized’ these days) for a 11-36 cassette. If you work in gear inches, that 48/32T chainset with the 11-36T cassette, a 700c wheel and a 28c tyre will provide you with a range of 24 up to 117.

SRAM say that you can use all 20 gears without any chain rub. In other words, you can have the chain on the big chainring and the biggest sprocket at the same time without any problem, and on the small chainring and the smallest sprocket.

You control gear shifting via trigger shifters that come from SRAM’s X0 mountain bike groupset, a neat little indicator showing you which gear you’re in without the need to glance down at the cassette.

There are two different brake systems available: V-brakes and hydraulic disc brakes. The disc brakes have been, according to SRAM, ‘urbanized’. Huh? It means that the design has been tweaked so they’re not as grabby as a mountain bike version; they’re intended to slow you down more gradually and smoothly.

Two hub dynamos of different powers are available to provide lighting. SRAM reckon that the optimized (told you) coil doesn’t flicker, even when you’re moving at slow speeds.

SRAM are claiming a complete Via GT groupset weight of 2,448g, or 2,691g if you go for the disc brake version, and it's available in both black and gret (Icelandic black and Falcon Grey, to be precise). They say that many of the leading bike brands will be fitting the Via GT components for 2013. We don’t have prices yet but availability is promised from the beginning of September.