The 2013 RoadCyclingUK winter bike continues to take shape, with the addition of the groupset to the frame.

We’ve already made a detailed inspection of the Kinesis GF_Ti V2 frame selected for the build and fitted the supplied carbon fibre fork, TRP long-drop brakes and Zipp finishing kit. Now we’ve chosen SRAM’s mid-range Rival groupset to take the build to the next step.

The 10-speed Rival setup combines the affordability important to a winter build with many of the features borrowed from the American firm’s upscale Force and Red groups.

SRAM’s DoubleTap levers provide positive shifting and we’ve opted for a compact chainset with a 12-27t cassette to provide a wide spread of gears well-suited to winter miles, though the medium cage WiFli rear derailleur can accept a sprocket with up to 32 teeth. The groupset’s jet-black finish continues the black-on-ti theme that will feature across the bike once complete.

Jon Hayes of Ride in Dorset, is our mechanic for the build.

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