SRAM simultaneously announced new 12 speed wireless groups for both road and mountain bikes today. With the release, several bike manufacturers released new bikes with the groups.
Eagle AXS Mountain Bike Groups
While SRAM’s eTap road system has been out there for a while and has been very well received, the all-new Eagle AXS has only been seen in spy shots – occasionally showing up on the Scott bikes of World Champion Nino Schurter.
Eagle AXS debuts in two builds – Eagle XO1 for trail bikes and Eagle XX1 for XC. It’s available for sale now in 5 piece build kits (derailleur, shifter (now called a controller), chain, crankset and cassette). The X01 kit will retail for $1900, while the XX! comes in a little pricier at $2000.
While the X01 kit is a little more focused on durability with the forged aluminum derailleur cage and stainless steel hardware, the XX1 adds a little bling with a oil slick coating on the chain and derailleur and a carbon cage with titanium hardware.
Initial news about both sets are very positive, lauding the personalization of shifting through the connected app, smooth shifting under load and ease of setup. Riding conditions and cable conditions will have no effect on the performance of the group.
Installation is said to be very easy. Once the new drivetrain has been bolted on, all you need to do is set the high and low limit screws on the derailleur, press the pairing buttons and go.
Wireless Dropper, Too
With the announcement of the AXS drivetrain groups, RockShox also released the Reverb AXS Dropper Post.
The RockShox Reverb AXS is built with a low friction internal floating piston for a quicker actuation (needing less downward saddle force) and should prove to be more reliable than its predecessors. Just like Eagle AXS, the system will not be affected by riding conditions or cable conditions.
The Reverb AXS uses a similar controller to that of the Eagle AXS groups and if I heard correctly, functions for the controllers can be swapped around, allowing use of the dropper controller to down or up-shift and moving dropper functionality to the ‘shifter’.
SRAM RED eTap AXS
SRAM’s RED eTap group goes to 12 today as well.
Available for both 1x and 2x drivetrains and pulling in X-Range shifting for wider gearing and smoother shift gaps, SRAM has truly hit all of the checkboxes for the modern road and gravel riders.
On tarmac or gravel, 1x or 2x, eTap AXS™ gives a quiet, secure, and smooth ride. Thanks to Orbit™ chain management and a unique Flattop™ chain, you’ll ride more confidently and efficiently than ever—no matter the terrain.
The SRAM RED eTap AXS™ front derailleur has been updated to work better with X-Range™ gearing and an updated design makes more space for wide rear-tire clearance, making it a perfect fit for modern riding. And the shifting is quick and precise.
The rear derailleur is designed for both 1x and 2x systems and is AXS enabled for ultimate personalization. Advanced chain management keeps it silent and secure no matter the terrain. The derailleur also comes with smoother & faster pulleys, bearings, motors and signals, improving speed in every way.
The most exciting change for the RED eTap group really comes in the chain and cassette.
The new Flattop™ chain enables a narrower chain with quieter operation and increased strength and durability. Hard Chrome™ plated inner link plates and rollers reduce wear and prolong the life of the chain.
Those that decry the increasing wealth of standards will not like the cassette – yes, we get another freehub standard with the new XDR driver. The cassette seems to mount in a similar fashion to SRAM MTB-focused XD driver, but extra slots on the inside of the cassette look as if they will require a different freehub shape. SRAM says, however, that ZIPP wheels made after 2012 will be compatible with the new standard. Like the XD before it, the new driver allows the incorporation of a 10 tooth cog on the cassette.
The RED eTap AXS really comprises a complete refresh of the entire RED line, encompassing cranksets, chainrings, bottom brackets, power meters, rotors, disc & rim brakes and more.
The group options look to cover a full range of riding needs for the road and gravel rider.
1x cranksets will be available in 36t to 50t options while 2x cranks can be had in 50/37, 48/35 and 46/33 combos. Cassettes will be available in 10-26, 10-28 and 10-33 configurations.
Prices for the RED eTap AXS line comes in a little higher than the road line, starting with a 1x rim brake gruppo at $2838, going all the way up to 2x hydraulic brake group with power meter for $4158.
I’ve already heard news of new bike models from BMC and Specialized incorporating the groups. I’m sure more are to follow.
Ron is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.
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