There are loads of rumours swirling across the bike trade about an upcoming replace to SRAM’s top-of-the-line Red AXS groupset. There have been patent filings, early prototype testing and leaked photographs, however one factor that is lacking is the groupset being noticed within the wild beneath considered one of SRAM’s sponsored groups.
But immediately that modifications, as Lidl-Trek’s Simone Consonni was photographed by Getty Images photographer, Luc Claessen, firstly of stage 1 of the Tour de Romandie carrying his Trek Madone sporting what’s clearly a brand new model of a SRAM shift/brake lever.
Consonni was additionally captured utilizing the brand new groupset the day earlier than in the course of the stage’s brief however quick opening prologue round Payerne.
So far, the out there photographs are few and much between, and particulars of the remainder of the groupset aren’t forthcoming, however these photos give a transparent indication of three issues.
Firstly, it offers a transparent have a look at the design of the hood, shifter and brake lever. Compared to the outgoing mannequin, it seems smaller and options extra pronounced shaping to the lever itself. It seems to be as if the pivot level for the brake lever is larger, and there is a small indentation close to the highest, presumably to assist with braking from the hoods.
The shifter button can be smaller than the earlier mannequin. There’s solely considered one of them on both sides, which all however confirms that SRAM shall be sticking with its shifting course of which makes use of the left paddle for shifting to a neater gear, the correct paddle for shifting to a more durable gear, and each collectively to function the entrance derailleur.
There additionally seems to be a small button on the within of the hood close to the highest. Given the diminutive measurement of this button, it is unlikely that SRAM shall be taking up the Campagnolo thumb-shift technique. More possible is that this may work as an auxiliary button to regulate issues like bike computer systems or lights. With that stated, SRAM is understood for its customisation choices, and given Shimano’s comparable hidden button on its Di2 groupsets can be utilized to shift, there’s nothing to recommend this would possibly not be capable to perform in an analogous means.
The brake lever bears the big ‘SRAM’ emblem on the lever blade, however this design is usually reserved for the professional crew elements. It’s possible that consumer-ready fashions will use a special end.
Second, it confirms the legitimacy of beforehand leaked photographs. Those leaks, which got here again in January, had been from an unverified supply on Twitter, so the authenticity of the images was all the time a possible doubt. Given the shifter in these leaks is strictly the identical as seen right here utilized by Consonni, it is proof to recommend the remainder of these photographs are prone to be correct too.
Thirdly, and maybe most significantly, Lidl-Trek utilizing the product in a WorldTour race, reasonably than only a coaching experience as was the case with Movistar in December 2022, means that the brand new Red Groupset is nearing its launch.
Exactly when it’s launching and the way a lot it will value are each unknown at this stage, however as all the time, as quickly as we discover out, we’ll make sure you share it with our readers.
