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With the introduction of the Force and Rival road groups, SRAM brings some long-overdue fresh thinking to component design. Their creativity and innovation doesn't stop at components with inherent sex appeal like shift levers and cranksets. It extends even to traditionally mundane parts like the cassette. Unlike Campagnolo and Shimano who insist on maintaining multiple models of cassettes despite the minimal differences between them (we challenge you to distinguish between an unmarked Chorus and Centaur cassette; ditto for Ultegra and 105), SRAM did the sensible thing: They offer a highly scaled back range of cassettes. The standard model is known as the OG-1070, while the deluxe model is known as the OG-1090.

Whether you're riding a Red, Force, or Rival-equipped bike, the "OpenGlide" shifting of OG-1070 will provide crisp, positive shifting under any circumstance -- a mellow spin, or at max power on a steep climb. The first time you set eyes on the OG-1070 you'll likely have the alarming realization that one tooth is missing from each of the 5 high cogs. These missing teeth have two purposes: It serves as a gateway that allows the chain to shift fluidly no matter what kind of stress you're putting the bike under. And, unlike Dura-Ace and Record, it allows the OG-1070 to weigh in at a scant 220g without having to resort to easily-worn titanium cogs. Rather, the OG-1070 is made from durable heat-treated steel, giving you tons of mileage before you'll need to replace it.

The OG-1070 is available in several ratios: 11/23, 11/25, 11/26, 11/28, 12/25, 12/26, and 12/27. Its spline configuration allows it to fit on any Shimano 9/10-speed freehub, and it's compatible with any 10-speed chain: SRAM, Shimano, or Wippermann's S-series chains. What SRAM suggests, of course, is that you use one of their 10-speed PC-1000 series chains for optimal shifting. Includes a forged, anodized, and laser-etched lockring.