How SRAM built a component ecosystem and dismantled Shimano's monopoly

Описание: For decades, Shimano dominated the bicycle component industry with complete, fully integrated systems. If a bike brand wanted reliability, compatibility, and global distribution — Shimano was the obvious choice.
But then SRAM took a different path.
Instead of building everything from scratch, SRAM strategically acquired some of the most innovative specialist brands in cycling — RockShox, Avid, Truvativ, Zipp, Quarq, Time Sport, and more — assembling them into a fully integrated performance ecosystem.
In this video, I explore how SRAM transformed from a small drivetrain company founded in 1987 into a full-system component powerhouse capable of rivaling Shimano’s long-standing dominance. From Grip Shift and ESP derailleurs to suspension, braking, aerodynamics, digital power measurement, and pedals — this is the story of how SRAM built a complete alternative system for modern bikes.
How did this acquisition strategy work?
Why was RockShox such a turning point?
How did Quarq and digital integration change the game?
And what does this mean for riders and bike brands today?
This is the inside story of how SRAM built an ecosystem — brand by brand.
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00:00 - Start
01:01 - Sram
02:06 - RockShox
05:12 - Truvativ
06:19 - Zipp
07:24 - Quarq
08:51 - Time pedals
10:39 - PowerTap
12:06 - Summary