SRAM Red AXS on test: What can the components from the innovative company do?

Over the past 15 years, the US component supplier with its development department in Schweinfurt has evolved from a racing bike newcomer with technical weaknesses to an innovation driver with a steadily growing market share. SRAM pushed modern technologies such as disc brakes, wireless shifting and single-chainring drivetrains at an early stage and thus also influenced the product policy of its competitors. Shifting behaviour and drivetrain technology have been continuously improved and are hardly inferior to the competition. In view of the current Red AXS, which was presented last year, even component giant Shimano has to dress warmly: The ensemble is consistently praised. Especially with the powerful brakes, the intuitive operation of the app and the seamless integration of power measurement, navigation computer and riding data analysis, the Americans have gained a relevant lead over the competition in some disciplines.

• Sram Red AXS groupset
• Sram Red AXS rear derailleur
• Sram Red AXS brake/shift lever

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The Sram Red AXS drivetrain

In contrast to the gravel version with a single chainring, which is offered with 13 sprockets for the rear wheel, the road version of the Red AXS with a double chainring has the usual twelve sprockets. A SRAM freewheel is mandatory for the cassettes, which most wheel manufacturers offer as an option. Even less experienced riders will be happy with the choice of gear ratios: in addition to three chainring combinations, four differently graded sprocket sets are offered - this variety is not available from the competition. In the lowest gear, a significant reduction (33/36) is possible for steep hills. The very expensive wear and spare parts are worthy of criticism: A new cassette costs more than 400 euros list price. The two chainrings are milled from a single piece, and the (optional) power meter is also inseparably integrated. If they are worn, they will cost 448 euros with a power meter.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Plus: Smoother running, many transmission options
• Minus: Expensive spare parts

The Red AXS circuit

The current Red runs more smoothly and shifts noticeably smoother over the sprockets than its predecessor - thanks to a new, more flexible chain and larger derailleur pulleys. The front derailleur has an automatic trim function and also works more precisely. In terms of shifting quality, the Americans are now on a par with Shimano's sophisticated gearboxes for the first time.

While the rear derailleur can be easily adjusted via a smartphone app, the correct alignment of the front derailleur remains particularly sensitive. The batteries can be swapped with each other if one of the components runs out of power. Their range is on a par with the competition: depending on the shifting intensity, 2,000 kilometres and more are possible. They are charged exclusively in a charging port.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Plus: Improved front shifting function, replaceable batteries
• Minus: Sensitive adjustment of the derailleur

Operation and ergonomics

Even complete beginners will have internalised the shifting scheme in seconds: there are only two large buttons, the left one is easier, the right one is harder. Both buttons are pressed simultaneously to change the chainring. The buttons are easy to reach and provide good feedback. Both large and small hands get along well with the slim and long grips. The grip width and pressure point of the brake can be adjusted independently of each other and customised to your own needs. The brake lever is flat and wide, which feels comfortable. One could criticise the less pronounced grip hump, which does not offer a real holding position for the hands. The levers from Shimano and Campagnolo are easier to grip. A small control button on the inside of the hump can either be assigned the shift function, but in our experience the feedback is not precise enough for this and the position is superfluous. The option of using it to control the bike computer is better - this allows you to change the views on the display without taking your hands off the handlebars.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Plus: Additional control button, impressively simple switching diagram
• Minus: -

The Sram Red AXS disc brakes

The undisputed highlight of the Red AXS. There is almost an abundance of braking power available, even on steep descents you can easily perform an emergency stop at high speed, without needing more than two fingers. The braking power clearly surpasses the previous front runners from Shimano and Campagnolo. Even at high speeds, the brakes are easy to modulate; at moderate speeds, you can do everything with your index finger. Grinding noises and heat problems are not an issue, but squeaking in the wet must also be expected with the new Red brakes.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Plus: Braking power in abundance
• Minus: Occasional squeaking in wet conditions

App & additional functions

SRAM currently sets the standard when it comes to software connectivity. The app can be used to call up the battery status, fine-tune the rear derailleur or change the button assignment. Rides can be analysed via an associated web application: Gear statistics, performance data and even tyre pressure, provided you have registered and the corresponding sensors are installed. The power measurement in the crank is obligatory for most complete bikes. If you buy the groupset separately, you also get Hammerhead's own navigation computer, which is already installed on many complete bikes. With the Hammerhead applications, not only can routes be planned on the computer and then navigated; the computer can also display the battery status, the gear engaged and the data from the power meter without the components having to be laboriously coupled and set up first.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Plus: Wide range of functions, simple operation, many evaluation options
• Minus: -