The US component manufacturer SRAM is expanding its range of wireless groupsets for road and gravel bikes. The Force and Rival AXS component series have been given new parts for road and off-road, with options for 2x and 1x drivetrains. This also raises the mid-range to a new technical level, as Red already demonstrated last year. The Force AXS is to be positioned as a lightweight drivetrain at professional level and is seen as the American counterpart to Shimano's bestseller Ultegra. The Rival AXS is intended to appeal to a broader target group with more favourable prices. The new features include revised rear derailleurs, front derailleurs, brake levers, cranks and cassettes. Basically, only the tried and tested batteries, brake discs and chains have been retained.
The most important innovations in brief
The technical innovations essentially concern the improved ergonomics of the levers, stronger brakes and a faster front derailleur, as already introduced with the Red AXS. The highlight for gravel bikes is the new 13-speed gearbox with a chainring and robust UDH rear derailleur, which will be available for both new groupsets. In addition, almost all components are said to have reduced weight: As a double drivetrain, the Force AXS is said to be 183 grams lighter than its predecessors, while the Rival AXS is even 213 grams lighter. There are also price changes - the new groupsets are set to be available at slightly lower prices.
New Force AXS components for road bikes
All parts of the Force have been revised and the groupset is said to be 183 grams lighter overall. The Force AXS shift/brake system has been given completely new grip body ergonomics and is based on the design of the current Red. The product developers have deliberately modelled the graphic design on its predecessor. This means that an older groupset can be upgraded with the new parts without a visual break. The drivetrain components of the 2x12 groupset are fully compatible across the generations.
The pivot point of the lever has been moved upwards and the brake callipers have been made stiffer. This is accompanied by a significant improvement in braking performance. The shift buttons are slightly slimmer but higher than the previous version and have a distinctive texture. The grips also have additional bonus buttons with a textured surface on the grip bumps. These can be used to operate the gears or optionally an ANT+-compatible bike computer.
The new Force AXS rear derailleur is 12 grams lighter than the previous version; it has larger derailleur pulleys, which should make the drivetrain quieter, and can be used with one or two chainrings. Aero chainrings between 44 and 50 teeth are available as a single option for the road.
The Force AXS front derailleur is designed to shift faster and more precisely between the chainrings. As with the Red, the front derailleur cage has been made narrower and an auto-trim function has been introduced that aligns the derailleur over the chainring depending on the sprocket being ridden. The Force crank is available in lengths from 160 to 175 millimetres. The chainring combinations available are 46/33, 48/35 and 50/37 teeth. There are also four cassettes with band widths of 10-28, 10-30, 10-33 and 10-36 teeth.
Force XPLR AXS for gravel bikes
SRAM presents the Force XPLR AXS especially for gravel bikes. The levers, brakes and crank arms are identical to the road version. The rear derailleur has a UDH interface and full-mount attachment for precise shifting and protection against impacts. It is designed for use with a new 10-46 13-speed cassette. This gradation will remain the only 13-speed option for the Force at market launch; you will have to wait for other gradations. Fine-tuning is done via the chainring size: 36 to 48 teeth are available in 2-tooth increments, and the Aero chainrings can also be fitted with up to 50 teeth. Despite the additional sprocket, the setup is said to be 83 grams lighter than a previous 1x12 gearbox.
Rival AXS for road bikes
The Rival AXS groupset has also been given new components. The shift/brake system also has the brake lever pivot point positioned further up and the new grip ergonomics. This means that significantly less force is required than before when braking from the top handlebar position. The brake lever on the Rival AXS is now also made of carbon, and the grip width is also adjustable. However, the additional "bonus button" is missing from the Rival grip.
The new Rival crankset is characterised by a striking design with a generous cut-out. Like the more expensive ones, the double version now has integrated chainrings and the crankset is 50 grams lighter overall. The crank is available in lengths from 160 to 175 millimetres. Only 46/33 and 48/35 teeth are available as chainring combinations.
The Rival AXS front derailleur is also compatible with the Force's larger 50/37 chainring combination. It also has an auto-trim function and should shift just as quickly and precisely as the more expensive derailleurs. A sporty 10-30 and a wider 10-36 cassette are available for the Rival in combination with a double crankset.
Rival XPLR AXS for gravel bikes
Off-road fans can look forward to the Rival XPLR components, which make 13 gears more affordable for gravel bikes. The rear derailleur also has a full-mount attachment in accordance with the UDH standard. It is designed for use with a 10-46 tooth 13-speed cassette, and there is no alternative to this gradation on the Rival for the time being. Chainrings are available from 38 to 46 teeth.
Various options for power measurement
SRAM offers suitable power meters for both the Force and the Rival groupsets. The Force offers power measurement in the integrated chainrings, similar to the Red. In contrast to the Top groupset, however, the chainrings can be replaced with a special tool and the measuring unit does not need to be replaced. However, both chainrings must be replaced as a unit.
New for Force is a simple power meter built into the bottom bracket shaft, which is also available for the Rival. It measures the power on the left-hand side in order to calculate the total wattage. The additional weight compared to a crank without power measurement is said to be just 40 grams. The device costs 180 euros extra for the Rival.
First driving report and test
We have already been able to mount and ride both groupsets: The Force as a 2x12 road version, the Rival as 1x13 on a gravel bike. A detailed test of the groupsets will be published in the August issue of TOUR.
Our first impression is already positive: the powerful brakes and comfortable ergonomics are particularly impressive on both groupsets. The levers sit comfortably in the hand and fit both large and small hands. Your fingers have a secure grip on the brake levers, and the Rival in particular has made a big leap forward with the new carbon levers. The additional buttons on the Force deserve at least a little criticism: although they are much easier to feel, the feedback is, as with the Red, rather doughy. As shift buttons, they are actually superfluous in their arrangement, but they are certainly practical for the bike computer. It is a shame that they are missing on the Rival.
The front derailleur of the Force works noticeably faster than before and the drivetrain runs more quietly - the Americans have not promised too much here. The large selection of cranks and cassettes in the Force road range is great, with something for every type of rider. We find the fact that only the 10-46 cassette is available for the single drivetrains somewhat limiting. The gradation is suitable for many applications and also allows for very easy climbing. However, we could well imagine a slightly narrower gradation option for a sportier riding style - especially because 1x13 could then also be an option on a road bike.
Availability and prices
All of the components mentioned are expected to be available in stores at market launch. Many complete bikes will also go online when the embargo comes to an end, for example the new Cervélo Aspero or new variants of the Cannondale Synapse. Force and Rival are even said to be slightly cheaper than their direct predecessors.
The cheapest entry into the SRAM AXS world will be a Rival 1x13, which costs €1560 as a complete groupset. The simple power meter costs 180 euros extra. The 2x12 road version starts at 1765 euros.
The Force starts at 2135 euros for the 1x13 without power meter. A complete 2x12 Force AXS groupset with spider power meter is around 2800 euros.
Jens Klötzer
Editor
