From component to component the storyline between Force and Rival is the same: Force and Rival products are mechanically and functionally very closely matched. The only meaningful distinction is their weight. Rival provides similar lock-up power and speed modulation as Force; they're built with similiar "skeletonized" caliper arms to reduce weight; they use the same brake pad compound to optimize stopping power in both wet and dry conditions. In short, blindfolded it's impossible to feel an on-the-bike difference between the two.

Aside from less extensive machining of the arms, Rival brake calipers lack the stainless steel mounting bolt and pivot hardware that Force uses. This allows the Force calipers to come in just a few grams lighter. And Force has a gray finish, while these second-generation Rival calipers have a black finish.