SRAM avenue motorcycle groupsets be offering essentially the most various differ of choices of the entire large 3 manufacturers. Its groupsets have eclipsed each Shimano avenue groupsets and Campagnolo groupsets within the sheer differ of choices. They quilt each avenue using and gravel cycling, the place SRAM used to be a pioneer with wider differ 1x choices effectively earlier than Shimano gravel groupsets or Campagnolo Ekar got here to marketplace.
SRAM could also be the one logo to supply totally wi-fi digital transferring with its eTap AXS groupsets, and, till the newest iteration of Shimano Di2, had the lead on inbuilt configuration by means of a Bluetooth app.
SRAM groupsets are utilized by seven Girls’s WorldTour groups and within the males’s WorldTour by way of the Trek-Segafredo and Movistar groups, in addition to including Jumbo-Visma to its roster in 2023.
Here is a run-through of the SRAM avenue motorcycle groupset differ and what it provides. However first, a snappy information to SRAM’s groupset terminology.
Contents
SRAM avenue groupsets: Terminology and hierarchy
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SRAM divides its avenue motorcycle groupsets into 4 levels. On the height is RED which is its top rate groupset utilized by its backed professional groups. Subsequent down is Pressure, then Rival, and in the end Apex. The similar hierarchy is carried out to its 12-speed AXS digital groupsets and its older 11-speed and 10-speed groupsets.
AXS is SRAM’s identify for its 12-speed wi-fi digital groupset tech, and its accompanying configuration app. The 11-speed SRAM RED digital groupset used to be labelled eTap and SRAM ported this label to its 12-speed eTap AXS groupsets too, however it is now shedding the eTap from the nomenclature, simply calling them Pressure AXS, and so forth.
Inside of each and every groupset tier, there are double chainring 2x and unmarried chainring 1x (aka one-by) choices. AXS groupsets additionally upload wider differ XPLR cassettes and derailleurs, geared toward gravel riders.
SRAM avenue groupsets: Vary evaluation
RED AXS is the second one technology of SRAM’s wi-fi groupset which noticed all the device overhauled from the bottom up. To be had in each rim- and disc-brake types, the addition of a 12th cog to the rear cassette has spawned a brand new XDR cassette and freehub frame and chain common.
On the again, the rear mech options Orbit – a speed-sensitive fluid damper which does the similar task as a roller-bearing snatch. The fluid damper permits the derailleur cage to rotate ahead easily all the way through transferring in order to not overtax the motors or battery. This new device additionally removes chain slap and improves safety; which means the similar derailleur can be utilized with each 1x and 2x entrance chainrings.
The usual rear mech works with cassettes as much as 36 enamel and two chainrings, however the SRAM RED XPLR derailleur lets you are compatible a 10-36t or 10-44t cassette with a unmarried chainring for gravel or 1x avenue tasks. Each entrance and rear derailleurs have their very own separate batteries hooked up to the again of the derailleur frame to energy their transferring for a claimed 60 hours. They’re briefly detachable for recharging on a USB powered cradle.
In case you are operating a 2x setup, the entrance derailleur has been reshaped to make extra space for gravel wheels and is alleged to transparent as much as 42mm tyres. The entrance derailleur cage’s yaw design implies that, not like Shimano Di2 devices, the derailleur does not wish to self-trim as you shift up and down the cassette. At each ends, the derailleurs have new chips and motors which give quicker transferring than 11-speed RED eTap.
The cranks will settle for each unmarried and double chainrings, which can be all unmarried piece in building – you’ll be able to acquire them with a integrated Quarq energy meter. Whilst this creates a stiffer and lighter unit, should you put on out or harm probably the most chainrings, you can wish to substitute all the unit, together with the facility meter. The retail price is over €1000, despite the fact that SRAM provides a 50 in step with cent bargain on a substitute unit.
SRAM is providing 3 one-piece cassettes milled from a unmarried metal billet; 10-26t, 10-28t, and 10-33t, which mix with each 1x and 2x chainrings — the jumps between the 2x chainrings are 13-teeth in each and every combo. Despite the fact that you go for a smaller chainring on the entrance, the 12-speed cassette provides an in depth unfold of ratios because of the 10-tooth cog. Most often, this provides a broader differ than conventional avenue gearing. There is a new iridescent possibility too, if you wish to sing their own praises just a little.
The ten-tooth smallest sprocket implies that SRAM 12-speed cassettes are solely well matched with avenue motorcycle wheels with an SRAM XDR freehub.
Entire RED chainsets are to be had in 46/33t, 48/35t and 50/37t. This sounds as though it might give low gearing, but if paired with a 10-tooth cassette sprocket, this nonetheless provides a larger height tools than the extra commonly-found 53×11. You’ll be able to additionally purchase a separate energy meter equipment, which provides 52/39t, 54/41t and 56/43t choices, designed for professional riders and time trials.
SRAM sells unmarried chainring cranksets with between 36 and 50 enamel in two-tooth increments as they function a narrow-wide enamel profile to higher mesh with the chain, and 48t, 50t and 52t energy meter kits. All have filled-in, fairly than drilled chainrings to up their aero quotient.
To make room for that additional cog on the again, the tools spacing has as soon as once more were given smaller leading to a narrower chain. SRAM has strengthened the chain by way of introducing a brand new flat-top building, which is alleged so as to add power and make stronger shift functionality.
The brand new groupset is built-in into SRAM’s AXS ecosystem, which means it’ll play great with the Eagle AXS derailleur must you wish to have to make use of the 12-speed MTB cassette to your gravel motorcycle, or the RockShox Reverb AXS dropper put up must you’re feeling the wish to get additional rowdy.
AXS too can communicate wirelessly to a better half app and lets you customize the transferring controls, together with the Blip remotes in addition to track the battery existence and firmware updates.
Maximum RED AXS groupsets are provided with SRAM HRD hydraulic disc brakes and levers, however you’ll be able to additionally acquire RED rim brakes and the related mechanical shift/brake levers. SRAM sells aero brake levers for TT bars in addition to stressed and wi-fi Blips satellite tv for pc shifters that may be related into the AXS device.
SRAM Pressure AXS is the easiest instance of trickle-down era. It is had an improve in early 2023, which has given it a brand new glance and simplified some elements.
Sure, it is reasonably heavier and no more bling than the Pink identical however at the avenue, Pressure AXS provides kind of the very same functionality. The brand new Pressure AXS groupset even seems to be extra like RED than its predecessor: As a substitute of the separate chainrings and crank spider, it will get the one-piece direct mount chainrings utilized by RED. As with RED, the facility meter is built-in, so you wish to have to interchange the entire unit as soon as it is wiped out.
All of the electronics are the similar, however the brand new Pressure groupset has had its shift levers slimmed down. This makes them more straightforward to grip, however eliminates chew level adjustment for the brakes and the way to are compatible stressed Blips satellite tv for pc shifters, despite the fact that you’ll be able to nonetheless use wi-fi Blips.
Different variations carried ahead from V1 Pressure AXS come with the cassette, which is pinned in combination versus a one-piece machined unit. There is a 10-36t possibility to be used with double chainrings, giving a little bit extra differ than RED, despite the fact that the 10-26t possibility from RED is dropped.
Just like the Pink AXS groupset, the rear derailleur additionally employs the Orbit fluid-based damper which means the similar derailleur works for each 1x and 2x programs and gives added chain safety. There is additionally a 1x-only XPLR derailleur which fits with a Pressure-level 10-44t cassette.
The crank hands are aluminium wrapped in carbon fairly than hole carbon fibre. Pressure eTap AXS nonetheless will get a flat-top chain, even though the pins are forged and the chainrings are stamped fairly than milled.
With its emphasis on gravel using, SRAM provides unmarried chainring and double chainring Vast cranksets. Those have a 5mm wider axle than a common chainset that shifts the chainline 2.5mm outboard, permitting you to suit wider tyres. Additionally they be offering decrease gearing, with a 40t unmarried chainring chainset and tool meter and 43/30t chainset and tool meter (with separate chairings and spider) offered. There is a Vast entrance derailleur that is had to paintings with this.
As a part of the AXS ecosystem, Pressure AXS elements can communicate to Pink AXS and Eagle AXS portions and will also be blended and paired with out issues about compatibility. The brand new Pressure AXS groupset is disc brake solely.
SRAM Rival AXS ports the emblem’s 12-speed wi-fi digital transferring to a 3rd value level. It makes use of much less unique fabrics than RED or Pressure AXS – assume metal as a substitute of alloy for the entrance derailleur cage, alloy as a substitute of carbon fibre for the brake levers and a weight that will increase by way of round 230g over Pressure and 700g over RED.
The Orbit rear mech damper from SRAM’s pricier choices is changed by way of a mechanical snatch. The hydraulic disc brakes do not function SRAM’s Bleeding Edge design, making it just a little more difficult to bleed them and so they too are heavier than RED or Pressure AXS elements.
You continue to get a lot of SRAM’s 12-speed capability even though, with the similar wi-fi gubbins and AXS app compatibility, in addition to mix-and-match doable should you fancy just a little of RED together with your Rival or a mullet construct with an Eagle AXS MTB rear mech and cassette.
As with the brand new Pressure, you’ll be able to’t use stressed Blips with the shift levers and there is no chew level adjustment to the (disc solely) brakes. There is just a unmarried sided energy meter possibility, which could also be to be had as an improve (despite the fact that all Pressure energy meter configurations aside from the standard width double chainring also are unmarried sided).
Additionally very similar to Pressure, there are Vast unmarried and double chainring choices and a Rival XPLR 1x-only rear mech and 10-44t cassette for gravel riders.
SRAM’s Pink eTap used to be the primary commercially to be had wi-fi avenue groupset, which laid the groundwork for AXS. Whilst it is been outmoded for a few years now, it is nonetheless to be had and a top-performing possibility for roadies searching for digital transferring and content material will 11 speeds. RED eTap marked SRAM’s intuitive transferring device; push the paddle at the proper shifter for a more difficult tools, the left shifter for an more straightforward tools, and each in combination to shift on the entrance.
To be had in each rim- and disc-brake HDR variations, it used to be the primary product to function SRAM’s Airea wi-fi protocol. In line with SRAM, it determined in opposition to Bluetooth or ANT+ since the corporate sought after to keep away from interference and stave off would-be hackers, too.
Pink eTap turns 11 cogs on the again and is well matched with brakes, chains, chainrings and cassettes from the Pink, Pressure or Rival mechanical groupsets in case you are hoping to mismatch and save money.
There aren’t any cables connecting the shifters to the derailleurs. Each and every derailleur is powered by way of a separate battery and SRAM says the rechargeable cells must ultimate about 1000km. By contrast, the shifters are powered by way of CR2032 coin mobile batteries however solely wish to get replaced each and every couple of years.
Not like the AXS equipment, Pink eTap isn’t geared up with any kind of snatch or damper, so there is no 1x answer. There are common or WiFli variations of the mech which will deal with as much as 28t and 32t cogs respectively.
Pink 22 is essentially the most weight-weenie pleasant groupset in the market, weighing in about ~200g not up to Dura-Ace 9100 and Tremendous Document. Mechanical transferring could also be nonetheless a hyper-reliable way of transferring that may be mounted on the roadside the usage of conventional strategies.
The DoubleTap Shifters transfer the chain with a good click on; part a push transferring the derailleurs all the way down to a smaller cog, and an extended stroke pushes it up the cluster. Pink 22 additionally permits pass chaining with out the wish to trim the YAW entrance derailleur — even though SRAM does not essentially suggest using this manner.
The rear derailleur is to be had in a standard- and long-cage WiFLi model which permits for a 28t or 32t cog on the rear, and there are entrance chainrings to be had from 35t as much as 55t.
Take note what we stated about Pressure AXS eTap and that it is most commonly the similar as Pink just a little heavier? Smartly, the similar applies to SRAM Pressure 22. It makes use of the similar DoubleTap mechanical transferring, options the YAW entrance derailleur and there are each common and WiFLi variations of the rear derailleur.
To be had in each rim- and disc-brake variations, Pressure 22 is lighter than Shimano Ultegra too, however additionally it is dearer.
With carbon-fibre cranks, Pressure sees a two-piece arm and spider design which adopts the hidden bolt design used within the earlier RED 10-speed crank. Chainrings are available mixtures starting from the burly 53/39, all the way down to a mountain pleasant 46/36.
In the past referred to as CX 1, SRAM Pressure 1 takes the similar fabrics and function as Pressure 22 however ditches the entrance derailleur. SRAM compelled the extinction of the MTB entrance mech in addition to led the street/gravel/CX 1x motion.
Handiest to be had with hydraulic disc brakes, the primary distinction between Pressure 22 and Pressure 1 is within the rear derailleur and 1x crankset. Pressure 1 is designed for motorcycles prone to spend maximum in their time clear of paved roads, so it is no wonder to peer it borrowing design options from the emblem’s MTB derailleurs, together with a roller-bearing snatch. The program provides just a little of friction to transferring however vastly reduces chain leap and dropped chains.
The second one large distinction is the narrow-wide X-Sync enamel profiles came across at the entrance chainrings and jockey wheels. Alternating between tall sq. enamel and standard triangles, the large edges grip the chain and save you it from falling off, whilst the pointy enamel stay the whole thing operating in line. X-Sync chainrings are to be had in sizes from 38t as much as 54t.
The rear derailleur can deal with each an 11-36t avenue cassette and a 10-42t MTB cassette, granted you are compatible an XD motive force frame and lengthy cage.
Occupying kind of the similar area as Shimano’s 105 groupset, Rival 22 leans closely on era from Pressure and Pink. With the 22 moniker, you get a double chainset paired with 11 gears on the again, utilising the similar DoubleTap trim-free transferring over all the cassette.
The levers function the similar ergonomics as their dearer cousins in each the rim-brake and hydraulic-disc variations, however the entire carbon bits had been changed by way of aluminium. If we are truthful there is no actual loss in functionality, the dimensions simply reads just a little upper.
At this point, a 52/36t is the biggest chainring mixture to be had, in conjunction with 50/34 and 46/36. On the again, the cassette is to be had in 11-26t, 11-28t and 11-32t and will also be had in each brief cage and WiFli rear mech choices.
Identical to Pressure, Rival could also be to be had as a 1x particular team. There aren’t any carbon bits to be came across right here however, most significantly, the Rival 1x rear mech options each a roller-bearing snatch and the X-Sync narrow-wide jockey wheels and chainrings. To be had as a short- and long-cage model, the derailleur can settle for a 36t or 42t 11-cog cluster.
Like Pressure 1, Rival 1 is solely well matched with hydraulic disc brakes.
Apex occupies the entry-level step of SRAM’s avenue groupsets. There are solely 10 sprockets at the rear cassette however Apex nonetheless sees crisp DoubleTap transferring. The derailleur hasn’t been up to date to the Yaw profile, so that you could keep away from chain rub as you progress down the cassette, you can wish to trim as you move.
Apex used to be the primary to supply a 32t rear cog, even though it did not take lengthy for Shimano and Campagnolo to observe go well with; the rear derailleur is to be had in short- and WiFli long-cage types. The crank seems to be just a little dated, alternatively, the chainrings take care of SRAM’s Powerglide enamel and are to be had in 50/34t and 48/24t sizes.
SRAM not lists Apex 2×10-speed on its web page, despite the fact that you’ll be able to purchase substitute shifters, so it looks like this groupset is ripe for retirement.
Trickling the entire means all the way down to the entry-level Apex is the roller-bearing snatch rear derailleur and its lengthy cage in a position to accepting a 42t cassette. The entrance chainrings nonetheless have the narrow-wide X-Sync enamel however are subsidized up with a series information for extra safety. Confusingly, despite the fact that 2x Apex is 10-speed, Apex 1 is 11-speed. That implies that the 2 Apexes don’t seem to be well matched, however Apex 1 will paintings with Rival 1 or Pressure 1 bits.
At the same time as an entry-level possibility, the SRAM disc calipers are hydraulic, even though they do be offering a cable-driven lever must motorcycles be geared up with a mechanical actuation.
SRAM, its manufacturers and its tech
Who’s SRAM?
SRAM is an acronym for Scott, Ray and Sam, the 3 founders of the American-based company that started off generating grip shifters for avenue motorcycles in 1987. Whilst those shifters did not promote specifically effectively, SRAM tailored the era for off-road use and it changed into an fast hit a few of the mountain cycling fraternity.
Since then the corporate has made vital strides so far as technological trends and world-firsts move, having offered wi-fi transferring in addition to pioneering wider, decrease avenue motorcycle tools levels and the 1x and 12-speed drivetrain revolutions.
What else does SRAM do?
SRAM does not simply make avenue and gravel motorcycle groupsets. It is a large participant in mountain motorcycle elements, rivalling Shimano. A vital a part of its MTB tech has spilled over into its gravel groupsets and to a lesser extent its avenue motorcycle groupsets as effectively.
Particularly that comes with the focal point on unmarried ring groupsets and the rear derailleur tech to shift over in reality massive cassettes, the usage of a snatch to stay issues operating easily.
While Shimano has traditionally advanced its MTB and avenue motorcycle tech one by one, leading to a loss of cross-compatibility, a lot of SRAM’s MTB componentry will also be run with its avenue motorcycle groupsets.
That permits the mix-and-match “mullet builds” favoured on some gravel motorcycles, the place avenue motorcycle shifters can be utilized with a wide-range MTB cassette and an MTB derailleur that may deal with it. “Trade up entrance and birthday party in again”, as SRAM says.
SRAM has emphasized the mullet as an possibility for its AXS 12-speed groupsets, the place the digital transferring lets you use its Eagle AXS 12-speed MTB elements on the rear, however its constant cable pull ratios between avenue and MTB groupsets imply that you’ll be able to construct a mechanical mullet too if you wish to have.
What different manufacturers does SRAM personal?
SRAM has used its power within the groupset marketplace to vacuum up a vital portfolio of alternative biking manufacturers, including them to its product circle of relatives and generating cross-compatible merchandise.
For roadies, Zipp wheels and elements are essentially the most high-profile SRAM-owned logo. Some Zipp elements are cross-branded with SRAM merchandise with the XPLR label, signifying that they are designed for gravel.
SRAM additionally personal Quarq, integrating its energy meters into its cranksets, in addition to promoting them as stand-alone merchandise.
SRAM competes within the biking pc head unit marketplace as effectively, with its Hammerhead logo biking pc. At the present, there may be just one product, the Karoo 2. It is well-regarded even though and we will be able to be expecting Hammerhead to increase its differ in long run, simply as its primary competition Garmin and Wahoo have.
Some other logo that SRAM has received within the ultimate couple of years is the Time pedal industry. Two decades or so in the past, Time used to be a vital participant within the avenue motorcycle pedal marketplace, however it is languished since, in spite of making the XPRO 15, the lightest pedal to be had at a claimed 174.6g a couple.
It has suave blade tech as effectively, the place the pedal binding remains open till the cleat is engaged, fairly than the rider having to power the cleat into the pre-tensioned binding.
Now Time is again within the WorldTour with the Trek-Segafredo males’s groups and 3 girls’s WorldTour groups. Be expecting SRAM to invest in revamping the Time pedal differ. The obvious building can be a pedal energy meter, increasing the Time pedal differ and giving Quarq its first pedal-based product.
Extra MTB cross-over tech comes from the RockShox suspension industry. You’ll be able to purchase a RockShox Rudy XPLR suspension fork on your gravel motorcycle and are compatible a RockShox Reverb AXS XPLR dropper put up out again. As its identify signifies, the Reverb seatpost is electronically operated and well matched with AXS avenue motorcycle elements.
In the end, SRAM owns the Truvativ MTB part logo. Its cranksets have up to now been observed on a spread of decrease priced mountain motorcycles. At the present, there are simply 3 elements offered bearing the Truvativ emblem, so it looks like SRAM is also merging the emblem’s product differ into the SRAM portfolio.
What subsequent for SRAM?
SRAM has been suave at integrating its various product portfolio throughout its manufacturers, which we might be expecting to proceed. We would watch for additional integration and broadening of its avenue motorcycle providing, with merchandise like new Time pedals and Hammerhead computer systems.
Hammerhead makes use of an Android-based running device, which provides it numerous cross-compatibility with smartphone tech, so even tighter integration is imaginable right here. It is usually been first to marketplace with options like on-the-fly climb profiles when no longer following a pre-planned direction. It is most definitely were given different new options within the pipeline as effectively.
Zipp continues to innovate each in avenue and gravel wheelsets, with designs like its NSW wave-form wheel profiles. It is switched wholesale to hookless beads for its avenue wheels, making them less expensive and lighter and spearheading the power to wider rims run at a lot decrease tyre pressures. It even has pressure-monitoring valves to ensure that they are staying inflated. Lenticular disc time trial wheels are changing into scorching tech, however Zipp has offered a lenticular disc design for years.
Zipp has some suave gravel wheel tech too, like its single-wall Moto rims, ported from its MTB wheelsets, which can be designed to flex to adapt to the outside as you journey over it.
SRAM itself is bound to proceed its double-headed push in avenue and gravel, with extra cross-compatible merchandise. Many motorcycle manufacturers see the spill-over of unmarried ring groupsets onto avenue motorcycles as inevitable and a couple of have put their cash the place their mouth is, promoting frames and not using a entrance derailleur hanger.
Because the choice of to be had speeds grows, there may be much less and no more explanation why to have a entrance derailleur to permit a large unfold of drugs ratios with single-tooth jumps within the mid-range, which is the place maximum using takes position and fine-tuning your tools is maximum necessary.
Even the professionals are forsaking their entrance mechs in some races, with Paris-Roubaix and flat time trials being the stand-out examples.
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