Grip Shift has been a favourite of many of our staff and customers for years, especially but certainly not limited to winter riding applications where big mitts can make trigger shifting more cumbersome. Grip Shift has also long been the lightest way to build up a cross country racing bike (or any bike for that matter).
However, Grip Shift has been left behind on many new builds for the last couple of years because the maximum number of rear shifts it offers is 9, and newer high end cross country mountain bike set ups are moving to 2x10. A 10 speed Grip Shift has long been rumoured, and frankly it either had to happen or Sram may as well have abandoned the product completely, and we can't imagine that was ever a consideration.
Well finally some concrete rumours, with pics no less, have surfaced, and things are looking very promising. Surf over to bikerumor.com to check out what they have to say on the matter, including news on a near bearing design and a lock ring that doesn't apply pressure to the grip itself, both of which are bound to contribute to a smoother feel. We're looking forward to getting our hands on this product later this year!