The Next Generation in Wireless Groupsets: SRAM ETAP 12 Speed AXS Groupset
Since the advent of smartphones and social media, it’s become nigh-on impossible to keep things secret.
Over the last couple of days, we’ve seen photos shared on Instagram that provide the biggest indication yet that there’s a new 12-speed SRAM Red eTap groupset in development.
Today we’ve managed to take an exclusive close look at SRAM’s all-new 12-speed Red eTap groupset at this year’s SRAM launch show held in Nottingham
SRAM have unveiled their new eTap AXS groupset family. The launch of a new groupset is always interesting, but this one is particularly exciting.
Between the need to test on Pro’s bikes and the inevitable leaks it might seem like there are no surprises left in modern bike tech.
SRAM have always prided themselves on being the disruptors in the world of groupsets, what they might lack in history they make up for with innovation, and if you were merely expecting an upgrade to 12 cogs at the back you’re in for a big surprise…
Here are the key highlights, we’ll take a deeper dive into the specifics below:
- Wider gear range with smaller gaps between gears
- Fluid-damped rear derailleur provides smoother shifting and reduces noise
- One front derailleur works across the whole range
- Mix and match road and MTB components (e.g. combine drop bar shifters with wireless dropper seatpost controls)
- All chainset options (single, double and aero) available with integrated Quarq power measurement (and easily upgradeable if not chosen initially)
- AXS smartphone app allows you to quickly check battery level, change component behaviour, customise controls, get maintenance reminders, and update firmware
- Available in 1x or 2x drivetrain, disc or rim brake and drop-bar or TT/Tri bar configurations
- Fully wireless shifting across the range
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SRAM RED eTap AXS is available to order now and the first stock will be with us soon.
We expect initial supplies to be limited, so contact us to pre-order now if you want to be one of the first to experience this new groupset.
You can also expect to see it appearing on “off the peg” complete bikes over the coming months.
SRAM RED AXS 2x
Infinity Cycles will be the first retailer in the UK to display a full bike set up with the brand new SRAM eTAP 12speed.
This weekend Infinity cycles will be showcasing the brand new Giant Propel Advanced Pro Disc with full SRAM RED AXS 12 Speed Groupset! Stay tuned for more on this build in the coming days!
SRAM’s Red eTap has been a hugely popular groupset in the high-end road market and a serious alternative to Shimano Dura-Ace and Campagnolo Record.
The jump to 12-speed is a natural progression and relatively easy to implement since it has already developed a 12-speed groupset for mountain bikers called Eagle.
Eagle is a 1×12 groupset, however, the extra sprocket designed to get around the limitations imposed by taking away the front mech, with a huge 10-50t cassette. We’ve already seen photos of an eTap version of Eagle being raced by top XC mountain biker Nino Schurter.
Today, this wireless tech is released to mountain bike world:
Along with the SRAM Eagle ETAP groupset released today, the
Electonic Reverb Dropper which Rockshox has been testing this wireless Reverb on the EWS circuit becomes public knowledge.
What SRAM have to say about the new Reverb AXS
“Our intention with Reverb AXS™ was inventive and pure: No hoses. No routing. No energy wasted. Not a single thing in the way of the experience. We created a reliable wireless-electronic dropper post and controller that actuates with drastically less effort and zero distraction. Expanding what’s possible on a bike, Reverb AXS™ is enabled by SRAM AXS™ technology, a new level of interaction, personalization, and connectivity across all AXS™ enabled components.”
A touch of genius
The wireless-electronic Reverb AXS™ is all Reverb, revamped with a controller you touch instead of a lever you throw.
The perfect speed. Its infinite range lets you set it right where you need it, saving you time, energy, and keeping your focus on the trail ahead.
It’s 2019. Let’s make things easy.
Clean, simple and fast to install. No hoses to route, no fishing required
Cutting out the cables makes set up fast and easy. No external hoses. No internal routing. No energy wasted. The Reverb AXS™ complete wireless design is fast to install, and easy to pair.
Complimented with an all-new post head, the turn of a single rail-retention bolt makes for a quick and effortless saddle install.
Make it perfect with one additional bolt at the front of the head for tilt-adjust and position lock. Drop it in, and send it down
What most noticeable is the lack of additional cables and wires coming off the front of the bike.
The introduction of wireless components to the mountain bike world cleans up the front of the bike massively. As seen on this 2019 Yeti SB it makes for super clean and slick looking cockpit.
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The 12-speed era for road is here!
Although not the first, Campagnolo has that honour with it’s Record and Super Record groupsets launched earlier this year.
The SRAM ETAP will come with both 1x and 2x options as well as a new 1x time trial option.
SRAM haven’t simply stuck an extra cog on the back to make a 12 speed groupset. They’ve rethought the front and rear drivetrain components completely, to give what they refer to as X-Range gearing. This gives a wider gear range than a conventional setup but without introducing any unpleasant gaps between gears – in fact they’ve been able to provide more 1-tooth jumps between gears than on a traditional system.
All of the new X-Range cranksets are compatible with any of the X-Range cassettes, so you can mix and match to find the perfect combination for any style of riding.
One of our favourite things about AXS is that it has been designed with an eye on the future, SRAM have taken into account the wide range of different riding styles that modern cyclists encompass and built a groupset that can handle them all with ease.
One rear derailleur handles every combination. This is welcome news, meaning you can opt for a 2x setup, then change to 1x later without needing to swap out components.
Likewise the front mech will work with any rear cassette combo. Flexibility is very much the name of the game here – we’re very pleased to see that SRAM are maximising compatibility rather than making change for change’s sake.
Even the brake disc rotors have been updated, to the new Centerline XR model, making them more road-focused and aerodynamic, quieter and with rounded edges for added safety
Aero electronic shifting has been one of the great innovations of recent years for TT/Triathlon, enabling shifts with a minimum of effort and no need to change from the most efficient position. Red eTap AXS includes a range of aero options, including bar extension shifters, an aero crankset, and even a brand new Vuka aero bar from SRAM’s sister company, Zipp:
- Integrated BlipBoxTM mount
- Improved adjustability; wide adjustment ranges with small steps in adjustment
- New extension angle adjustment Independent armrest angle adjustment
- Works with any 31.8mm clamp stem
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AXS (pronounced “Access”) is of course a fully wireless drivetrain system, keeping cable clutter to a minimum. That means no wires or cables for shifting, only for braking.
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You have full control over configuration via the AXS app, giving you the ability to assign shifting actions to different buttons as required.
There’s also the option to change the gear shifting pattern via Enhanced Modes:
Sequential – Activates the next available gear using the assigned upshift and downshift buttons.
Automatic actuation of the front derailleur keeps your gear ratio and pedaling cadence steady. You can still manually command a front shift.
Compensating – Smooths gear transitions.
When a front gear change is performed, the rear derailleur compensates for the large change in gear ratio by shifting 1 or 2 cogs, keeping your pedaling cadence steady.
The rear derailleur uses SRAM’s “Orbit” chain management to minimise chain bounce and ensure crisp shifting whether at lower speeds, under load, or on rough terrain. Rather than a clutch system, which can arguably increase drag, it uses a fluid damper to maintain even tension. Certainly based on initial rider reports it is doing a good job, we’ve found it to be noticeably smoother and quicker shifting than comparable groupsets from other brands.
Of course a narrower chain is needed when adding cogs to the cassette.
SRAM haven’t simply thinned out an existing design, they went back to the drawing board and came up with a new shape that they’re calling FlatTop.
This distinctive chain with it’s asymmetrical flattened outer profile is designed to be stronger and quieter than a conventional chain despite its slimmer construction.
Overall AXS isn’t just a small step up in performance, we can see a tangible improvement in the smoothness and accuracy of shifts. The new wider range cassettes and redesigned derailleurs combine with a host of updates throughout the drivetrain, and the end result is that you’re simply more likely to always be in the right gear at any given moment.
We’re looking forwards to putting some serious miles on this stunning groupset, so keep an eye out for blog updates.
Meanwhile, if you are tempted to try it for yourself, don’t hang around – initial supplies are likely to be limited, so contact us now to reserve a set for your build!
