I just managed to sneak away from the Tech area at Sea Otter long enough for a quick update. A pre-dawn raid on SRAM's tech headquarters proved fruitful with us coming away with another first-look at 2004 products. Wanted to make sure you read it here first.

Here's the short story (look for complete coverage in VeloNews #8 due out in two weeks).

A look at SRAM 2004

SRAM has introduced two all-new trigger shifters: the X-9 and X-7. Both use 1:1 "Impulse Technology" which is said to provide riders the flexibility to activate shifts with multiple parts of their hand. This translates into shifting ability with the either an upstroke or lift of the rider's thumb or a simple nudge of any part of your hand (back of your thumb, forefinger, or outside palm.)

This is accomplished by the trigger shifter offering two different types of paddles with which to shift.

The "thumb" shifter works as we've become accustomed to (i.e. Shimano RapidFire). Your thumb pushes the lever forward to achieve a lower gear (a bigger cog/ smaller chainring). The real difference is in the downshift (smaller cog/ bigger chainring) which achieved via activating the paddle vertically toward the handlebar.

According to SRAM's Greg Herbold, "a high end X.0 version is in the works, but we want to make sure and sweetin' it up before we show it off and offer it for sale."

A look at SRAM 2004

Two accompanying rear derailleurs will also be available. Just like their trigger shifter brethren, the X-9 and X-7 rear derailleurs will offer 1:1 ratios. Both are more-affordable version's of the company's successful (but hyper-expensive $180) X.0 rear derailleur. Look for all this product to be available mid-summer.