What's new about the SRAM Rival eTap AXS?
After the two top groups Red eTap AXS and Force eTap AXS SRAM is now also using wireless transmission on the Rival for the first time. The US manufacturer promises a wireless drivetrain for road bikes with an innovative gear ratio, integrated power measurement and AXS connectivity - and uses the same actuators, batteries and wireless technology as the two higher-priced road bike drivetrains. In addition to the comparatively smaller shift levers, Quarq's axle-based power meter is particularly interesting. Compared to previous shifting systems from the competition, a wider range of gear ratios should also create more flexibility. The SRAM electric drivetrain will be available in stores from 15 April 2021, with Specialized (on the Roubaix), Storck (on the Aerfast3) and Orbea (on the Orca M31e Team) being the first manufacturers to equip their bikes with the SRAM Rival eTap AXS.
Who is the SRAM Rival eTap AXS suitable for?
If you are already travelling electronically with the Shimano Ultegra Di2 and are therefore open to technical innovations, you should also be interested in the SRAM Rival eTap AXS. Especially as the integration of a power meter has hardly ever been easier and, above all, cheaper than with the US manufacturer. Because the grip body of the shift lever has also been made smaller, riders with smaller hands now also feel comfortable. SRAM itself names riders in the 150 to 250 watt range as the target group. However, the mid-range groupset is less suitable for ambitious competitors due to its high weight and the lack of configuration options with the large 50/37 chainring.
What are the biggest differences to Force eTap AXS and Red eTap AXS?
Unlike the Force eTap and Red eTap, many components of the Rival eTap are made of aluminium and not carbon - after all, the low entry-level price has to be achieved somehow. Instead of the liquid damping of the rear derailleur, a conventional spring clutch is used. The Rival groupset also has to make concessions when it comes to the power meter. While the Red and Force measure in the crank spider and can therefore provide more precise data, the Rival "only" measures in the left crank axle. However, the new complete groupset is not for weight fetishists. Above all, the difference to its biggest competitor, the Ultegra Di2 from Shimano, is enormous with an additional weight of almost 500 grams. The difference to the Force eTap AXS is not quite as significant with an increase of 250 grams.
How much should the mid-range road bike groupset from SRAM cost?
The Rival eTap AXS is available in the single version without power meter for 1228 euros. The double version without power meter costs 1463 euros. By way of comparison, a Shimano Ultegra Di2 or the Force eTap AXS currently costs around €2000 in online shops - a whopping price difference of around €500.
How many kilometres can you cover on one battery charge?
When fully charged, the Rival eTap AXS should last around 60 riding hours and, according to the manufacturer, more than 1,000 kilometres. A comparison is also worthwhile here: in the TOUR endurance test, we got about twice as far with the electric Shimano drivetrains, while the Force eTap AXS is capable of 1,400 kilometres. The battery must be removed from the rear derailleur/front derailleur for charging, and the battery should then be fully charged again within an hour.
Is the Rival eTap AXS only suitable for road bikes?
No! The standard front derailleur allows a rear tyre width of up to 42 millimetres (for 28 inch tyres), with the optional "Wide" cranksets (double and single) more than 45 millimetres are possible - something no other manufacturer can offer. The new Funk groupset is therefore also ideal for gravel or cyclocross bikes.
What else does the new wireless road bike gearbox offer?
With a free app for iOS and Android devices, the shifting settings can be personalised, shifting processes evaluated and the components updated, among other things. SRAM points out that the Rival complete groupset is also fully functional without a smartphone and the mobile application. However, firmware updates or personalisation options require the app. With Garmin or Wahoo, the most common bike computers are also supported.
Weights of the SRAM Rival eTap AXS from the TOUR test lab
- Rear derailleur 351 grams
- Front derailleur 182 grams
- Crankset 46/33 incl. power meter 888 grams
- Shift brake lever 491 grams
- Brake callipers, pair 234 grams
- Brake discs, pair 320 grams
- Pinion set 10-30 282 grams
- Chain 239 grammes
Prices of the SRAM Rival eTap AXS
- Double with power meter: 1688 Euro
- Double without power meter: 1463 Euro
- Single with power meter: 1453 Euro
- Single without power meter: 1228 Euro
Crank steps:
- 2x (standard): 48/35 or 46/33 teeth
- 2-fold (Wide): 43/30 teeth
- 1-fold (Wide): 38 to 46 teeth
Cassettes: 10-30 and 10-36 teeth
Crank lengths: 160/165/170/172,5/175 Millimeter
Julian Schultz
Editor
