SRAM Force eTap AXS: First test of the electric drivetrain for road bikes

It was only in February that SRAM Red eTap AXS presented the first road bike groupset with wireless electric twelve-speed drivetrain. This is now followed by the Force eTap AXS wireless drivetrain, which is priced lower. It offers almost all the functions of the Red eTap AXS, costs but around 1000 euros less and weighs about 400 grams more. With the mid-range Force eTap AXS drivetrain, the US component manufacturer wants to take market share away from the market leader Shimano and in particular its successful Ultegra Di2.

SRAM Force eTap AXS batteries and gears

The plan could succeed. In March, we were able to gain our first practical experience with a pre-delivered Force eTap AXS series groupset with disc brakes and power meter for more than 1800 kilometres. Problems: None! The groupset worked as perfectly as you would wish. Differences to the Red? Marginal. At most, there was a slight increase in chain noise as a result of a differently designed cassette. As for battery durability: The battery on the rear derailleur had to be recharged for the first time after exactly 1,430 kilometres. The identical battery on the front derailleur, on the other hand, showed no signs of weakness even after 1,800 kilometres.

Overall, it can be said that the new Force eTap AXS performs its tasks as convincingly and unobtrusively as the top Red groupset. This also includes the Noticeably higher shifting speed compared to the previous 11-speed Red eTap drivetrain. The delay between the shift command and gear change was a point of criticism of the first eTap generation. The shifting speed of the Force eTap AXS is on a par with the electric shifting systems of the competition.

Variable: brakes and gradations

Like the Red eTap AXS, the Force eTap AXS is only available with wireless electric shifting. A version with mechanical shifting is not planned. On the other hand, SRAM is taking a two-pronged approach with the brakes. Parallel to the version with Disc brakes the Force eTap AXS is also available with Rim brakeswith a choice of classic or direct mount. The groupset is for both 2-fold drives and 1-fold drives and therefore also an option for gravel bikes, cross racing bikes and time trial bikes.

As with the Red eTap AXS, SRAM also relies on the Force eTap AXS New drive concept with smaller chainrings and sprockets. The carbon crankset of the 2x12 groupset is available in 48/35 and 46/33 gradations; the 50/37 pro gradation is reserved exclusively for the Red groupset for the time being. In order to avoid restrictions in the area of fast gears, all three sprocket sets available for the Force start with a ten-speed sprocket (10-26, 10-28 and 10-33). Compared to conventional eleven-speed drivetrains, the Force eTap AXS therefore covers a wider gear ratio range with simultaneous smaller jumps between the aisles. As the spacing between the front chainrings is only 13 teeth instead of 14 or 16 teeth as with conventional cranks, shifting is extremely smooth. Because the chainrings, sprockets and the spacing between them are narrower than with eleven-speed groupsets, the Force eTap AXS requires a New super-slim twelve-fold chain required. It is largely identical to the Red chain, which is only five millimetres wide, but dispenses with its hollow-drilled rivets for cost reasons.

Weights and prices of the Force 12-speed electric gearstick

Chainrings from 36 to 48 teeth are available for the Force eTap AXS 1x crankset, each in increments of two teeth. The SRAM's own Quarq Dzero power meter can be retrofitted to both the 2x and 1x versions of the crank at a later date. Unlike the Red eTap AXS, it is not necessary to replace the power meter when replacing the chainrings.

The battery status can be checked via an app and the shifting behaviour can be adapted to individual preferences. The weight of the Force eTap AXS as a 2x version with disc brakes is specified by SRAM as 2912 grammes (Red eTap AXS 2518 grams); the 2x12 groupset with rim brakes should 2553 grammes (Red eTap AXS 2101 grams). The additional weight compared to the Red eTap AXS is mainly due to simpler manufacturing methods and cheaper materials (aluminium instead of carbon, steel instead of aluminium). In its most expensive version with hydraulic disc brakes, 2x12 gears and power meter, the Force eTap AXS costs 2548 Euro (for comparison: Red eTap AXS 3618 euros). This means that the new SRAM groupset is likely to be fitted to road bikes from around 4500 euros. According to SRAM, both the groupset and complete bikes with Force eTap AXS are available immediately.