SRAM's Red eTap AXS groupset isn't just an upgrade, it's a rethink. With completely redesigned shifters, brakes, and derailleurs, this Red groupset is optimized for road racers, all road riders and those who want top of the line performance on their road bike. SRAM has consciously decided to not make any changes to the Red XPLR gravel components. This groupset is designed to be the most effortless ever designed.- from set up, to riding, to maintenance. Let's take a look at the new features of each part of the new Red AXS groupset.
First things first, weight weenies rejoice! SRAM Red eTap AXS is seriously light. We're talking a claimed weight of just 2496 grams for the entire groupset. The old Red AXS version weighed in at 2,649 grams, a savings of 153 grams. This is reportedly the lightest electronic groupset on the market, lighter than its main competitor, Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, and it translates to a noticeable difference on the climbs.
The new shifter / brake lever is where the new Red AXS truly shines. The hood and brake lever have been completely redesigned. Position on the bars will be different but SRAM promises the reach will be the same as long as you use the easy alignment provided on the hood cover grip patterns. SRAM continues to better integrate all of its products by adding the blips or ‘bonus buttons’ into the shifter allowing you to program their use to include switching screens in the newly designed and integrated Hammerhead bike computer. The overall size of the hood and lever make comfort and control much much better allowing you to stay on the hood in almost all riding conditions. Weight savings
The real performance difference with the redesign is the braking. SRAM took a fresh look at the brakes, with a newly designed caliper and brake lever piston. The new piston is a push design vs. a pulling design previously. This allows for less effort to use the brakes. Modulation is superb, meaning you can feather the brakes for smooth speed control or come to a complete stop with confidence and do it with less hand fatigue. The new piston design improves braking performance, with up to 80% less power required to actuate the brakes while riding on the hoods or 66% less effort from the drops. This gives you true one finger braking. On a road bike! Better braking makes for faster riding. There is also a new design fro the rotor, giving 83 gram weight savings between the rotor and caliper.
The Red Flat Top chain is also redesigned with a hollow pin and inner/outer plate cut out to save 13 g. It's smooth, quiet, and built to handle the demands of high-performance riding. Plus, it just looks cool.
The crankset offers a new look but not much change in the way of performance. SRAM was ble to do this and cut 29 grams. There is an additional crank arm length of 160mm offered as well. Power is still available via the Quarq spider power meter.
Finishing out the drivetrain, both the front and rear derailleurs were redesigned. The front derailleur was redesigned with a narrower cage for more precise shifting with three trim positions. The derailleurs are always talking to each other so the front derailleur can move between the three trim positions precisely aligning the chain and keeping the drivetrain quiet and smooth. There are still wedges available for a snug fit to the frame, with the install bolt moved to the front- thank you. The front derailleur set up tool allows for easy set up and now the derailleur adds labeling of the Low and High setting for easy installation and set up.
The rear derailleur now features a longer cage to give room for a larger cassette. For those that love simplicity and wide gear ranges, the 1x setups are a better option with a wider-range cassette, now offered up to 10-36T (even in rainbow color). The new 14 tooth lower pulley wheel reduces friction and SRAM got the weight down by 16 grams.
SRAM is moving towards better integration at every level. The updated AXS app opens up a world of customization and integration. You can personalize your shifting preferences, monitor battery life, and even get maintenance reminders. It's a level of control and insight we haven't seen before and the new bike garage lets you check in on your bike's status before you ride- battery power level, firmware, tire pressure, etc.
SRAM is also rolling out a new Karoo Hammerhead to fully integrate the Red groupset. The Karoo hardware has been redesigned with better tactile feel and button location. The integration with Red AXS is also a new feature. The bonus buttons on the shifters allow control of the bike computer and you can customize your bonus button control in the Karoo. The new Karoo comes with the groupset and will be included with some of the bikes.
If you're rocking the previous generation of Red eTap AXS, the improvements might seem incremental, but the new stuff is all backward compatible with all AXS and Red components. The shifting was already fantastic, and the weight difference is small but appreciated. However, the refined braking, expanded gearing options, and enhanced data integration are definitely appealing for serious riders looking for that extra edge.
For those with the previous generation of Red eTap AXS, the upgrade might not be essential. However, if you're looking to build a dream bike or want the absolute latest and greatest, the new groupset offers noticeable refinements and expanded functionality.For riders on older mechanical groupsets or other brands, the leap to the new Red eTapAXS is a significant one, offering a whole new level of performance and customization.
SRAM Red eTap AXS is a bold step forward in road cycling technology. It's light, it's fast,and it's packed with features that will appeal to both performance-oriented riders and tech enthusiasts. If you're looking for the ultimate upgrade, AXS is definitely worth considering. It will available as of this publish date, price is still TBD. If you're looking for a customized bike equipped with the latest in SRAM technology, drop us a line at info@cobaltbike.com.
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