SRAM

Force eTap AXS 2x Groupset - 2023

For those who own a rim or mechanical disc brake road bike and want to run eTap but can't quite fully commit to Red, good news, SRAM now offers its Force eTap AXS 2x Groupset. Subbing out exotic materials adds a few grams to the group, but it does save a good chunk of change and because it uses the same electronics, shifting is virtually indistinguishable. Coming just a few short months after its Red eTap revamp, Force keeps its super easy shifting logic and benefits from Red trickle-down technology updates. Yes, it's no surprise that it's 12-speed, however, SRAM engineers didn't simply add another cog to this impressive group, it's a 10-tooth starting cog, afforded by an XD-R freehub, allowing for smaller chainrings up front and a completely new way to think of gear ratios. Additionally, the new group receives full customization afforded by its AXS app, improved front derailleur battery clearance for all-road, gravel, and cyclocross tires and of course, easy setup and travel by removing the constraints of shift cables and housing.

This group includes a right and left Force eTap AXS brake lever/shifter, front and rear Force eTap AXS derailleurs with batteries, a battery charger, and a charging cord.

One of the most exciting new features with the group is its AXS integration. Once you connect the group to the AXS app via Bluetooth on your smartphone or tablet, you can easily personalize the groupset including button customization, numbers of up or downshifts when the buttons are held down, as well as sequential and compensating shifting. Sequential shifting reduces redundant gear ratios and maintains a better chainline by automatically shifting the front and rear derailleurs to the optimal gear as you up and downshift, allowing you to focus on the ride. This option is great for those already used a 1x setup. In this mode, however, you still have full control over the front derailleur to shift as needed. Compensating shifting simply shifts the rear derailleur to a self-selected number of shifts after making a front shift, so your change in cadence isn't drastic. This is something we already do with mechanical shifting but it's nice when the system's electronics can do it for us.

The shift/brake levers offer the same fully wireless, simple, and intuitive electronic shifting as the previous eTap with some new features. The before mentioned AXS integration allows for customization and the shifting paddles are now larger with a new texture for an improved feel while receiving two Blip ports on each lever for remote shifters. Lever preference is easily adjusted with SRAM's Reach Adjust technology and works with rim and mechanical disc brakes.

The new Force eTap AXS front derailleur returns with SRAM's excellent Yaw pivot design for trim-free cage operation. It rotates slightly when shifted into the small ring improving shifting while also preventing chain rub, no matter what cog the chain is on out back. It also features an optimized cage profile for the new smaller, close-ratio (33/46, 35/48, and 37/50t) X-Range front chainring combinations, afforded by that 10 tooth cog thanks to the XD-R driver, for smooth and quick shifting. It's also completely compatible with existing eTap batteries and gravel riders can now rejoice: its battery placement is streamlined to allow for more rear tire clearance which SRAM claims is up to 700c x 42mm.

The rear derailleur gets the Red AXS trickle-down changes, namely in its Orbit silicon fluid damper chain management system providing a quiet, secure, and smooth ride even over the bumpiest terrain. Simply put, it reduces chain bounce without placing additional resistance on the derailleur's spring when under slow or light movement so you still receive easy shifting and rear wheel removals. Its updated motor and signal provide faster and more precise shifting. Large X-SYNC pulleys with ceramic bearings provide extra efficiency and durability while riding and it's compatible with existing eTap batteries. One last thing, it uses the same cage length for 10-26, 10-28, and 10-33t cassettes so you can make changes to your gearing based on the terrain, all while using the same rear derailleur.

Please note to complete the groupset, you will still need to purchase a SRAM 12-speed DUB or GXP crank, cassette, chain, and appropriate bottom bracket