SRAM was founded on a single product in 1987 and introduced the Grip Shift (twist shift) shifter to the road bike market in 1988. In 1991, this technology was adapted for mountain bikes, and the company quickly grew into one of the leading bicycle component manufacturers in the world.
SRAM\'s story begins in early 1987 with founder Stan Day, who was training for and racing in triathlons. He believed there had to be a better way to shift gears, as reaching for the downtube was inefficient. His idea was simple: place the shifter on the handlebar and change gears by rotating the grip.
During a ski trip in Colorado, Stan shared this concept with engineer Sam Patterson, who later developed the first prototype of the twist shifter in his garage in San Diego. This innovation became known as Grip Shift.
With a small team of entrepreneurs and cyclists, SRAM was established in a modest warehouse in Chicago. Despite humble beginnings, the company successfully introduced its product at the Long Beach bike show in 1988. Even the brand name came together quickly, combining the founders’ initials into SRAM.
Grip Shift put SRAM on the global cycling map, but the company’s real breakthrough came when it developed its first derailleur and expanded into the MTB segment. From there, SRAM evolved into one of the largest suppliers of bicycle components worldwide.
Where to buy SRAM products?
You can purchase SRAM products in our bikko.bike retail stores or online. SRAM products in Vilnius - Tuskulėnų g. 33C, SRAM products in Klaipėda - Baltijos pr. 26F, STOCK-O shopping area, SRAM products in Kaunas - Birželio 23-iosios g. 1, SRAM products in Šiauliai - Tilžės g. 134. SRAM products online - available in our online store at bikko.bike. If you are interested in SRAM components but are not sure which option suits you best, contact our store consultants who will help you find the most suitable solution. Contact us: phone: +37066441808, email: [email protected].
