Sram Red AXS Review: Excellent braking and improved shifting in a lighter total package deal

The new Sram Red AXS groupset is formally right here, although it has been on present within the run-up to its official launch date on the Giro d’Italia, La Vuelta Femenina and some different races. Nevertheless, right here we’re, the official launch day of Sram’s top-tier highway groupset. 

There’s loads to debate with the brand new groupset and yow will discover a full breakdown of all elements together with weights and costs in our Sram Red AXS information piece. 

So what’s new? Well, after a number of years Sram Red has acquired an enormous replace, there are new shifter ergonomics and shift buttons, loads of weight saving, braking updates in addition to some recent new aesthetics. 

Sram has additionally launched three different new merchandise as we speak alongside the groupset two of that are designed to combine with it. Head to our Red AXS information piece to examine them. The first and most related to this overview is a brand new Hammerhead Karoo good pc. (Hammered was acquired by Sram on the very finish of 2021.) 

The new Karoo which will not obtain the ‘Karoo 3’ identify badge loads of us have been anticipating will ship with all groupsets to start out with and top-end bikes specced with Sram Red AXS will include a brand new Hammerhead Karoo pc, that is included within the worth of a groupset. This is not non-obligatory for the time being, and while I’ve gotten on nicely with testing the Hammerhead pc, I believe it could be a contentious level for some.

I attended the launch of the brand new groupset in Italy again in March and have been testing it out since then at house. I’ve spent loads of time using the brand new groupset and am prepared with my full overview. A full Red AXS groupset with an influence meter chainset possibility specced is available in at $4,200. This means it now sits in between Dura-Ace and Super Record WR price-wise, the opposite prime choices from the massive three groupset producers, however does the efficiency justify the worth tag?

Design and Aesthetics 

Aesthetically, Red AXS is all gloss carbon fibre and polished aluminium. The new groupset options slightly extra silver right here and there to go along with the carbon than the outgoing one. I believe visually the most important and most evident adjustments come from the gear shifters and the rear derailleur.

The shifters have undergone a reasonably dramatic transformation and are simply recognisable in comparison with the previous models. They are longer and barely smaller but additionally characteristic a extra curved, barely flared brake lever form and the brand new sq. ‘bonus buttons’ on the shifter insides. Comparisons to Shimano GRX di2 can be made I believe, however up shut, there is a truthful quantity of distinction. After seeing the brand new lever form on a couple of completely different bikes together with WorldTour setups I believe it appears bang updated and fairly futuristic. 

The rear derailleur has much more silver ending as talked about and the massive cutout in the principle physique attracts the attention simply, the obvious place for a distinguished emblem has been eliminated, an perception maybe into the aim behind Red AXS – efficiency. On the topic of logos, one small level, however one which bothers me barely is the mismatched ‘Red’ logos on the brake calipers. They are vertical and horizontal in orientation entrance and rear and as soon as it was identified to me, I could not assist however discover it, it simply appears a bit odd, to me. 

Shifters and rear mech apart, the adjustments are slightly extra refined, the weight-saving cutouts on the brake calipers and chain hyperlinks will mark out the brand new models. Whilst a distinct emblem and omission of ‘Quarq’ branding on the ability meter marks out the brand new chainset. I’m for the inclusion of extra silver on varied elements and just like the distinction it supplies.

On the design entrance, in case you have been questioning Red AXS remains to be 12-speed with 1x and 2x chainset choices up entrance. Shifting remains to be Bluetooth, and wi-fi and makes use of the AXS cellular app for management, so no adjustments there. 

Sram additionally informed me the professional rider suggestions and assist in growing the brand new group has been ‘large’. It definitely feels like professional males’s and girls’s groups, and particular riders specifically, have performed an enormous half within the improvement of the brand new Red AXS. 

A programme of weight saving has gone on throughout the board and just about each part has gotten lighter. There are loads of cutouts on the chain, rear derailleur and disc rotor carriers for instance and weight saving has been a precedence. 

The shifters are a brand new extra slender, smaller and barely longer form and have a small sq. ‘bonus button’ on every shifter inside which can be utilized for gear adjustments or pc management. I’ve been testing the groupset with the brand new Hammerhead Karoo and have used the buttons for each capabilities. Add in some Sram blip shifters and you’ve got much more shift factors within the cockpit space. 

It’s not simply the shifter form that has modified although, the interior brake piston location has modified contained in the shifter physique from horizontal to vertical which has helped make for a really mild braking motion, it additionally combines with a slight piston relocation contained in the brake caliper itself. The braking motion now feels mild and optimistic. I’ve felt some Sram brake methods lever motion was slightly sticky prior to now however the Red AXS braking feels fairly completely different. 

Shifting is now quicker, I contact on why down beneath, and the entrance derailleur has narrowed to enhance shifting on the entrance. There are additionally new crank lengths and cassette measurement choices together with a 10-30T which the climbers of the WorldTour wished apparently as a result of sprocket measurement gaps.

Performance 

I’ve been utilizing the Red AXS groupset since March and customarily have been actually impressed with the groupsets total efficiency. 

When it involves groupsets, shifting efficiency might be going to get mentioned first. It’s most likely the best factor to really feel and understand and performs an enormous half in issues when forming an opinion.

Red AXS shifting has been excellent total –  quiet, quick and easy entrance and rear. I’ve been testing a Campagnolo Super Record WR groupset on the similar time and RED AXS has a calmer, smoother downshift specifically than the extra aggressive Super Record WR for me in the event you’re fascinated about a comparability there. In my notes from Italy and testing at house I did write {that a} handful of Red AXS shifts had been pretty much as good as I’ve ever felt, notably on the downshift Such was their smoothness I double-checked I had shifted. Sram did inform me they’ve ‘chopped 20% out of the wi-fi protocol’ for the rear mech, this has contributed partially to the quicker rear shifting.

The new bonus buttons on the shifters additionally present one other shifting level and are simply fairly cool. It’s good to have an alternative choice that will save slightly further effort, they show helpful on longer climbs I discover, however I believe in anger or when using onerous the buttons could also be slightly on the small aspect and blips or the shift levers themselves could also be a safer wager. They are additionally slightly difficult to make use of with full-finger gloves, however I recognize this most likely wasn’t a key design consideration. I have a tendency to make use of them extra when using extra simply or when locked into the hoods comfortably. When the chips are down and also you’re actually going onerous I believe most riders will stick with the levers; it simply requires much less mind energy to push the bigger button.

Front derailleur shifting, a sticking level for some customers over time has improved. I have not skilled any entrance derailleur chain drops, only one or two barely crunchy shifts. But I’ve actually examined the entrance derailleur with all method of quick downshifts to the little ring approaching or on steeper climbs and it offers with them very nicely typically. There is a noticeable distinction right here and shifting is quicker and extra dependable.

My check bike and groupset have been arrange by a Sram mechanic forward of the launch occasion and I have not wanted to the touch them since. We touched on the purpose that some groupsets are simply not arrange proper from the off and result in a nasty person expertise. I’ve spent loads of time studying vendor manuals and studying entrance mech setup procedures to get issues proper and typically the distinction between perfection and never nice is not very a lot. I point out this as a result of Sram says the entrance derailleur setup now is a bit more forgiving and alongside the brand new instrument ought to make for a less complicated process which ought to imply extra customers can modify and nail their f.mech setup and efficiency. 

Aside from the shifting efficiency, the brand new lever ergonomics present a cushty handhold. The crux of the brand new shifter size and design means it is snug to wrap three fingers below the hoods however use one or two fingers to brake very simply. Try this by yourself shifters, it is not really easy. The texturing, diminished measurement and smaller ‘pommel’ or prime of the shifter all actually work for me and I a lot favor it to the bigger Sram shifter measurement we’re used to. If you want parts of Sram groupsets for instance however are turned off by Sram shifter sizes this may occasionally change issues for you. 

I’ve heard feedback in regards to the longer shifters affecting the attain on the bike. It hasn’t been a difficulty for me, but when your bike is slightly lengthy or primarily a bit too large the marginally longer lever could trigger you a difficulty. In quick, I do not suppose it may trigger any main issues, however may not swimsuit some riders, like most issues. 

If issues are sounding optimistic at this level, they’re. Next up is braking which will get one other large tick from me. Due to the relocation of pistons within the shifter and calipers (and possibly a couple of different tips) the braking really feel is way lighter. Sram claims 80% much less effort is required in comparison with the previous groupset when braking on the hoods. The curved lever form actually helps you brake with one or two fingers very simply. There can be a bonus right here for riders tucked into an aero place on the hoods, you needn’t break it and sit up within the wind to brake. 

Yes, you may most likely do that on different levers, however it’s actually very straightforward right here. The really feel when the pads contact the rotor itself is de facto optimistic and this sense is one among, if not my favorite issues concerning the brand new system. There’s a wholesome quantity of lever throw earlier than the pads chunk, so in the event you like a very quick lever throw this is probably not proper up your road, however pad contact may be adjusted as can attain, which could be very straightforward to do. Braking has been quiet and highly effective. The braking is de facto glorious and represents one other step ahead.

My check bike was fitted with a 10-33T cassette and 35-48T chainset and I personally had all of the gears I wanted. I often discovered the distinction between the 24T and 28T sprockets (2nd and third largest) slightly massive at occasions when climbing however that is most likely a extra private really feel than something. The 48T-10T was sufficient for me on the flat on quick changings and so forth although ‘professional measurement’ bigger chainring sizes can be obtainable like 54 and 56T rings. The drivetrain additionally ran very quietly in use. I suspected the brand new chain would by some means run louder with its cutouts however this wasn’t the case, all the things was very quiet and easy. Sram additionally jogged my memory that an acid or citrus-based degreaser is not really useful for the chain as it could weaken high-strength metal over time (that is within the vendor guide) however I assumed it was a superb reminder.

On the subject of cleansing, the chainrings and energy meter unit, which carried out precisely over the check (apart from one botched guide zero offset simply earlier than a journey) stay built-in which has drawn criticism prior to now. Whilst I agree that prematurely sporting your chainrings out can be a really expensive mistake, there is a level to be made right here on retailers speaking this level clearly to clients at handover and changing this into drivetrain deep cleans, utilizing the very best chain lube and upselling chains. With the suitable care, there is not any purpose chainrings should not final a few years.

The Sram AXS app manages all the things very well and you may make an account in your bike and handle elements and replace firmware the best way you usually would. The Hammerhead pc additionally makes issues very straightforward and recognises your entire AXS system and lists all paired AXS part clearly.

Value 

With an influence meter chainset possibility, which is fascinating in the event you aren’t utilizing energy meter pedals a Sram Red AXS groupset is available in at $4,200 and consists of the brand new Hammerhead Karoo computer systems (rrp $500). A non-power meter groupset will are available at $3,700. This remains to be over $1000 cheaper than Super Record WR which is $5,399 and also you’re additionally getting a model new top-end pc in your cash. Unless you are a die-hard Campy fan, that is a simple sufficient option to make. It’s cheaper than Super Record WR (which I doubt will get discounted a lot as time goes on) and consists of a pc however is costlier than Dura-Ace which may be discovered on-line for a superb bit much less nowadays.

I really feel the inclusion of the Hammerhead Karoo with the groupset and bikes goes to be the elephant within the room. However, particular person elements needs to be available for purchase individually later within the yr. If riders are pleased with their current bike pc I can perceive them feeling annoyed at having to pay the worth for the included pc after they favor their very own. The flip aspect of the argument is in case you are pleased shelling out near $4000 already, are you too bothered in regards to the further spend?

Trimming the ability meter possibility will avoid wasting money if you wish to use your individual energy pedals, however finally in the event you can afford it or purchase a brand new bike with it I do not suppose you may be dissatisfied. Red AXS is designed to be essentially the most superior highway groupset Sram has ever produced and that clearly comes at a little bit of a worth.

Verdict 

I’ve actually loved attending to grips with Sram Red AXS and may discover little fault with the groupset. Sram has carried out a wonderful job with it and I believe addressed loads of the factors riders typically have cited as negatives prior to now. 

Three factors have existed which have made Dura-Ace (when speaking in regards to the prime groupsets) a simple choice for me prior to now. The shifter measurement in comparison with Sram, braking motion and entrance shifting efficiency. This new model of Red sees these points eradicated for me. The new shifter form is smaller which I favor and extra snug while offering a superb vary of accessible hand positions, entrance shifting has improved and the brand new braking really feel and motion are unbelievable, persistently mild and optimistic. 

DOT brake fluid could cause points long run and I do nonetheless personally really feel Shimano has a bonus with its use of mineral oil which causes fewer points for patrons in the long term. But aside from that, Red AXS is a very glorious groupset for me. 

It’s an costly groupset that is been designed to assist athletes win on the highest stage. If you may afford it and wish to improve or wish to purchase a brand new bike with the groupset I do not suppose you may be dissatisfied.