Save 30% + G-Form Pro X3 Knee Pads when you subscribe to MBUK magazine. These are there to please the pros, who were worried about chain articulation over the smaller sized sprockets in SRAM's standard X-Range configuration. It's 12-speed out back, it uses the same electronic bits as Force eTap AXS and Red eTap AXS, it gains some weight, there's a pulley cage clutch, there are wide-range 1x and 2x gearing options . Launched in 2015, RED eTap was SRAMs first foray into electronic groupsets. New 10-36 cassette and crank with 30/46 rings make Force eTap AXS more gravel and fondo friendly. The SRAM AXS app is used to configure its electronic groupsets. With its 12-speed groupsets, rather than develop new road-specific parts Shimano has used some components from its MTB range, one of which is the chain. The lag from the wireless protocol should be imperceptible. In comparison to Shimano's traditional gearing, the 50/37 and a 10-26 cassette is the equivalent of the 53/39 with an 11-25 cassette. Even better from a value point of view is the "entry-level" Aethos Comp complete bike, which comes equipped with SRAM's new Rival eTap AXS wireless electronic groupset, a nice carbon fiber . You can choose to shift at the front should you want to, like when youre coasting up to traffic stops. SRAM Red eTap AXS XPLR drivetrain review The gravel variant of SRAM's top-tier shifting Our rating 4.0 USD $1,610.00 Rear derailleur, cassette, crankset By Warren Rossiter Published:. While it looks super shiny, its the shape that sees the biggest change the plates are not only thinner, but a different shape, with the chains links having a flat top edge. Shimano is rolling out special editions for gravel and road. The first ten sprockets are machined together, as are the largest two. Thanks! SRAM Force eTap AXS groupset options, weights, and pricing are as follows; Force eTap AXS 1X Electronic Road Groupset Rim (1,983g): RRP AU$2099 Force eTap AXS 2X Electronic Road Groupset Rim (2,453g): RRP AU$2,779 Force eTap AXS 1X Electronic HRD Groupset (2,572g): RRP AU$2,779 Force eTap AXS 2X Electronic HRD Groupset (2,812g): RRP AU$3,399 It developed a new type of freehub body the XD Driver for the dirt, which introduced 12-speed gearing to its flagship Eagle groupset, and has cleared the path for use on the road too. Now, you should be able to easily clear a 70045 (frame/rim/tire dependent, of course), which is about as big as most of us are likely to run on a 2x setup. This is the increased weight of using the hydraulic calipers and hydraulic shifters. You can assign the groupset to work in one of two semi-automated ways. Personally, Id probably not use this option very much, but its fun to experiment with. In his time as a cycling journalist, Warren has written for Mountain Biking UK, What Mountain Bike, Urban Cyclist, Procycling, Cyclingnews, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike and T3. Also looks pretty much like the red from far so IMHO a nice upgrade. Shimano doesn't yet offer a 12-speed gravel or single ring groupset option. Shimano Dura-Ace R9200 2403g / RRP 3,701. on the other hand, a spider-based unit reads total power, so it is more accurate. This design, XDR, is close to XD (and compatible with the use of a small spacer). SRAM took a new approach to road bike gearing with Red eTap AXS. Spotted: A New XC Race Bike from Specialized 2023 Epic? Its rather odd that sluggish shifting was the biggest complaint that a lot of people had about eTap v1, and it seems like SRAM hasnt addressed it to any significant degree. Beyond these changes, little things like improved texture on the shift paddles and visual refinements add up to a group that offers a drastically improved experience. > SRAM unleashed a whole new concept of gearing and gear ratios. Turn them on in the app, and the derailleurs will dance together to keep you at either an optimal cadence* or optimize gear steps. The new brake rotors are the first SRAM has produced that are dedicated to the road, previously adopting designs from its extensive mountain bike line-up. Just as the original eTap had plenty of innovative touches, so does the new kid in town. I rode Force 22 for years before switching to a bike with DA 9150, and Id swap back to Force in a second. With the new 12-speed RED eTap AXS groupset, out go traditional gearing ratios and in comes something entirely new: As you can see, the chainring sizes are reduced and the cassettes look broadly similar, but what you actually get is harder and easier gears at both ends of the spectrum, across all combinations (Fig 1). The spindle-based unit measures left side power and doubles it to calculate total watts. Crankset weights will vary depending on size and length. There are no wires to route through the frame, which simplifies setup. That Trek Checkpoint is now in our offices for long term review, too, so Ill report on long-term durability and function after many, many more miles. Note: SRAM eTap component weights includes batteries because batteries all weigh the same. If I do go down the AXS path this year, I think an Easton crank might be the way to go. Meaning, you no longer have to make front shifts, you simply press one side to go easier and the other side to go harder, then it shifts front and/or rear for you to run through the gears in the most appropriate sequence. The fact that the rings are machined together is a huge issue to me. Dura ace is much cheaper. SRAM calls this sequential shifting, Shimano synchronised shifting. Any improvement in the new group with a 212 set up? The AXS technology allows you to make your shifters do what you want them to, and the brake levers have a customizable reach. Meet Rival eTap AXS. The derailleurs and shifters each contain their own battery, and the connection between them happens over an encrypted, wireless protocol. Both of those features make the best fit possible for any rider. Which I have always noted was lacking with etap as did another commenter. ya know with no cranks or hubs available. Rotor UNO Hydraulic Groupset The sheer quality of the operation is magnificent and the addition of an app adds the last piece of the puzzle to the user-friendliness of eTap (both old and new). Not sure where youre getting your info. Shimano rarely releases duds while Sram constantly does. Some of their mountain drivetrains are so sensitive to cable tension its annoying as hell. Full details of the updated 2023 Paris-Nice route have been published and it includes some appetising highlights. Compatible with all other AXS components. This design allows any chainset in the range to be easily upgraded to use a power meter from sister brand Quarq. A quiet, secure and smooth ride, whatever the terrain. Their products are sexy and light but not on par with their price in my opinion. With Rival, more riders can upgrade their ride with a fully wireless design, X-Range gearing, and an integrated Quarq power meter. A complete group. Subscribe from just 13.50 and get a Lezyne Pocket Drive Pump, worth 29! Direct-mount chainrings are available in 38t through 46t in two-tooth increments.Read more about the difference between 2x and 1x drivetrains on gravel bikes. Scope of delivery With setup tool, without battery. Plus detailed bike, kit and accessory reviews from the experts! In contrast, Shimano has stuck to cassettes that start with an 11-tooth smallest sprocket, as it claims that this is less prone to wear as a greater number of teeth are in contact with the chain. This also means that, unlike SRAM Red eTap AXS, you can swap the chainrings on a Dura-Ace power meter chainset without needing to replace the power meter. Theyve addressed what few issues the first group had, made it faster and more capable, and its better looking than ever. SRAM Red eTap AXS 2518g / RRP 3,794 You'll save yourself around 100g by opting for Dura-Ace over Red eTap, although the latest 12-speed Dura-Ace is actually a few grams heavier than. Graduations: 10-28 or 10-33 teeth. Specifications : Feature 1 Wide: tire clearance up to 700x45c and 27.5 x 2.1". The move to 12-speed could have been just another trinket to get people to part with their hard-earned cash, but what SRAM has achieved with eTap and its fresh approach to modern bike drivetrains could well be the shape of things to come. The levers havent really changed in shape, but the finish looks impressive with carbon levers finished with chrome graphics and a new softer and textured grip that feels good and offers a solid connection even in heavy rain wearing winter gloves. The Durable Unifying bottom bracket (DUB) is SRAMs answer to creaky press-fit bottom brackets. One thing that isnt mentioned here is that the powermeter is built into the rings, thus once you wear the rings out, you have to buy a new powermeter. Finally, the 46/33 with a 10-33 is the same as a 50/34 with an 11-34 cassette. SRAM RED eTap AXS Actual Weights Road 2x (48/35 combo) - 419g with powermeter Road 1x (48t X-Sync) - 395g with powermeter Left crank - 156g Front derailleur - 165g with battery Rear derailleur - 247g with battery 10-33 Cassette - 211g Shifters - 233g/234g with coin cell batteries installed Updated Blip Box - 24g Then they trickled down to the X9, X7 and X5 dual chainring cranksets. Quarqs crank-based power meters have become legendary for their accuracy and reliability. You can keep track of battery levels within the mechs and shifters and also assign up and downshifts to whichever lever you want. SRAM says that it's engineered its chainrings to up their longevity by 50% over its older 11-speed groupsets. Shimano is total opposite. You can also run a 10-36 cassette with a specific, compatible wider-range Red derailleur. The pics show only the drive side arm crank weightedso not sure if 395g with powermeter refers to the whole crank or to only one arm (this latter case would make no sense). shipping country: language: [email protected] om (+49) 351 811 975 90 . Yes, those crank arms are homely. The higher boiling point should make a DOT fluid-based system more stable, says SRAM, leading to longer periods between brake system bleeds. SRAM says that this ability to absorb water is an advantage if you do get damp in your brakes, as it means that it's less likely there will be free water droplets in the hoses than with an oil-based system, where it would boil at 100C and so potentially impact performance. A system that does exactly what you want, when you want. Similarly, aftermarket groups should be shipping now, too, and you will need the complete groupsadly, nothing from the original eTap group will work here. Youre welcome. Always a strong suit of SRAM, the braking is better than ever, looking and feeling like something dedicated for the road and not something cobbled from a mountain bike parts bin. Works like a charm and IMHO shifts better now than it did with the force chainring. Force uses 11-26 cassette. Purchased as a standalone upgrade, the power meter spindle is $100 less than a Quarq power meter spider (without chainrings) and $470 less than the integrated power meter and one-piece chainrings used on Red AXS. Sram's most affordable eTap AXS groupset ridden and rated - but does the performance justify the cost? The Rival AXS rear derailleur uses a spring clutch rather than the Orbit Fluid Damper found on the Force and Red AXS rear derailleurs. So I wanted to take a minute to process all that before writing my first ride impressions of the new groups. Compatibility Drive: SRAM Red | Force eTap AXS 12-speed. Rival eTap AXS 2x cranksets use an integrated spider, while Rival 1x cranksets have a single direct mount chainring. Weight difference negligible. SRAM unveils its new Force eTap AXS component group, in a dual chainring, 23-speed option. Numerous reviews have been written but none that I have read comment on what is in my opinion, Reds biggest shortcoming noticeably slower shift speed relative to Di2 and for that matter mechanical. The group offers 33/46 and 35/48 chainrings but not the 37/50 option. And it certainly looks bulky and clunky even compared to Ultegra di2. How is that possible on a decade old groupset? SRAM Gravel SRAM XPLR The Takeaway: New parts offer lower gearing options for SRAM's eTap AXS 12-speed groups. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. SRAM Red eTap AXS changed the way we think about gear ratios. It's a beauty! By far my favourite, however, is the compensation shifting. It's worth noting though that Shimano's rear mechs also come packed full of tech, including the brand's Shadow design which is borrowed from its mountain bike groupsets. > and have yet to run into compatibility problems. Shimano just has a much bigger market share and marketing budget. > Ive ridden the group and theres no friction to be found. The roads we used were mostly dirt, looping in and out of Saguaro National Parks western district (check out our Where To Ride guide for more on this sweet winter training area!). Add custom gearing Learn more about bike gearing Estimated Spec Level Were a year on and availability is still sketchy, and theyve had to go back to the drawing board one hubs and cranks, after releasing them a year ago. A remote mount for the battery would give even more clearance at the front derailleur. Get Shimano within a few clicks on the barrel adjuster and its good to go. Learn how your comment data is processed. The integrated PM is so wack in my opinion. Shimano meanwhile has a single central battery that's usually mounted in the bike's seat tube and powers both derailleurs via wires. Overall, the group offers a not just a refreshing new take on what a road bike drivetrain can be, but also opens the doors for some pretty amazing things in the future. Not so much. Warranty: Multiple Warranties and/or Time Frames Apply. This pushes up the top end ratio slightly to satisfy the ever-increasing speeds of pro racers, but also leads to a more efficient chainline when riding faster. Hiding under the hood, though, are a big collection of incremental running changes that have been added to both Red and Force groups over the years and finally getting codified here. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Shimano's E-Tube app provides similar lever customisation, but you can also alter the speed of shifts. SRAM has always majored on gravel bike riding and now bundles this functionality into its XPLR range, which is available at Red eTap AXS spec level. Can its new 12-speed eTap AXS repeat the trick?