New SRAM Force AXS Groupset - Detailed & Demoed!

[@gcn]

What do you make of the new SRAM Force AXS? 👀

[@sydneydowd3298]

been having this issue where my chain slips to the inside when I shift into the big ring up front, so as long as that's cleared up and hoods feel better, I'm all for it.

[@gcn]

@@sydneydowd3298 Have you taken it to your local bike shop for them to have a look? If not we have some great tutorials like this one 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJ22Xo2Qrad6f7M

[@YippeeSkippie426]

Well I can make a hat, or a brooch, a pterodactyl...

[@randolphmulder8051]

I really like the new look of the groupset.

[@kubackjeee]

Looks crap

[@julianamccaffree7925]

Would love to see a video comparing SRAM group sets, just like you guys did with Shimano’s Durace, ultegra, and 105.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

The difference within SRAM is nearly all weight and pulley and BB bearings. 105 has less functional capability than Ultegra and Dura Ace due to not being able to connect to all the accessories the other groups can connect to.

[@jamesmckenzie3532]

Something that is totally interesting is you can get Red shifters and run Rival FD and RD components...

[@Metrosmash]

mmm yes, another episode of "I can't afford it".

[@gcn]

At least you can look 👀

[@claesengstrom7871]

Poor you

[@ketle369]

@@gcn That’s why it’s called bike porn. 😂

[@marcellobittencourt1836]

I live in Brazil and our BRL/EUR ratio is about 6,5/1. Now I invite you to do the math and add 100% import tax 🥲

[@anitabiswas2477]

@@gcn true😂

[@marke9817]

I love the technical data over the background bicycle propped up with a stick Si found on the side of the road 😂. That’s just gonna get a “nice”.

[@Djoki1]

Sram Force chains look super clean and nice.

[@gcn]

Just imagine a waxed version 🤤

[@timklein4884]

@@gcn i run @moltenspeedwax on mine, and its super smooth, 🙂

[@gcntech]

Who'd like to see the tech team get our hands on it? 👀

[@pretzelhunt]

test it in a deep freeze. nice to ride in still air at -15f

[@PK-qq1lz]

Force vs ultegra?

[@clovisw]

Deez nuts

[@andrewmcalister3462]

@@pretzelhunt Can Hank kill SRAM Force?

[@harrybbbb]

Yes. I’d specifically like your tech team to tell me if this will run with an 11 speed cassette.

[@askmeaboutmattweiner]

I'm very into the cinematic aspect ratio of this vid. Give us more!

[@gcn]

Noted! If you want more cinematic GCN, GCN+ would be the place for you 👉 gcn.eu/8wZ

[@andrewmcalister3462]

Cheddar Gorge descent videos never get boring.

[@kenneththomas3558]

Great video, Si. Spot on voice and video, really well done. Where was it filmed? The riding looks epic.

[@gcn]

Great to hear you loved this video! This is just down the road from GCN mega base, Cheddar gorge is a cycling hotspot 🙌

[@ericpmoss]

@@gcn Cheddar Gorge is beautiful, but it terrified me. Ok, mostly because of the tourists walking backward into the road without looking in order to get just the right selfie. But still - and then they had the nerve to be out of Cheddar when I finally got there. How?!?!?!?

[@bradmonbarren1387]

Great review. I updated my 10 speed tri bike to the Rival AXS 12 speed front and rear derailleurs. I use a 10-36 shimano cassette and chain with wireless blips on the bars. Works flawless and budget friendly.

[@petermclean3053]

I knew a guy who had his chainrings replaced under warranty 2X on the old (2019) cranks, so I'm not surprised that they revamped Force. Good on them for addressing an issue and not raising the prices.

[@lazarusdifiore626]

i just got 17600km out of my sram red chainrings and cassette only changing the chain once!! absolutely amazing and i really only put on a new drivetrain because it's a new season!

[@robcalkelme]

cant wait to get mine this week ! thank you GCN

[@andrewbaggett8664]

Glad they haven’t increased the price. Top work SRAM

[@wplg]

Love that "STICK STAND!"

[@JeffreyJeffJeffrey]

I’m running 1st gen Force 1x and love them! Although it was a hefty price point bike, it was a treat to myself for many years and miles riding not so modern bikes.

[@reinholdachleitner2069]

Awesome video and D&B intro music.Si's Canyon Aero look amazing.The new force looks better than the Red etap.Safe riding.💯👌🏻✌🏻

[@prestachuck2867]

I wish they would bring back mechanical shift/mechanical brake options for Force and Red.

[@mads205]

Electronic shifting + mechanical brakes is a dream for me. Looks like they're not going that route though.

[@markmahoney5255]

I recently got a new ( to me) MTB that is equipped with SRAM XX AXS and now I can’t imagine going back.

[@SrFederico]

Does it shift faster und better under load? Is brake performance better (clearance, progressive braking)? Shimano seems to have made some progress there, does SRAM follow?

[@JIMMYHIBBS1]

Lovely - but a part of me wants to see groupsets going back to silver 😃

[@sc705]

Same! Dura ace 9000 was a gem

[@a1white]

This! I have an old Ultegra 6600 deraileur, it looks beautiful.

[@askmeaboutmymixtape]

The 10T cog was the one thing I wish they done anyway with

[@galenkehler]

Same, I don't understand why they keep trying to make this happen

[@davelaird]

I love my 10T cogs - they get a ton of usage on my 1x bikes. Maybe less useful for people with a 2x setup, but still nice to have the option if you are pushing hard down a hill.

[@askmeaboutmymixtape]

@@davelaird yeah the gear range is there but it is straight up less efficient

[@prestachuck2867]

Smaller chainrings and cogs weigh less, but will have more friction and load per tooth shortening component lifespan. Larger chainrings and cogs result in a longer chain and more weight, but lower friction and load per tooth, and longer component lifespan. All that Sram is worried about is groupset weight. That’s why the 10 tooth cog and smaller rings. Also, their bottom brackets are a friction factory. Am I too far off on this, @hambini ?

[@davelaird]

You guys have got me thinking! Excellent points about the increased friction. I get that it's not ideal, but compared to what? Does Shimano offer a better alternative for a 1x system? I'd hate to lose the whole eTap ecosystem, which I've found to be excellent. Every system has its compromises (the whole price/quality/feature triangle) so I guess it's up to each rider to figure out what their priorities are.

[@theohiggins9120]

excited for that chainring. Built my bike on axs red and couldn't justify spending the money on a red chainring. If this is priced well I am def getting one.

[@PK-qq1lz]

I changed back from force to shimano ultegra, the performance is better. But it looks great...

[@JamesBriano]

Exactly.

[@Tommy31416]

The SRAM DUB-step music was a nice touch 👌 chapeau

[@joegibson671]

It looks really good. I'm a little sad though that there's nothing about increasing the brake pad clearance. Swapping wheelsets isn't the most fun thing in the world, even with shims.

[@gcn]

Do you find this a sram issue or disc brakes in general? 🧐

[@joegibson671]

@@gcn I'm not sure. This is the first time I've had two wheelsets for one bike (gravel bike) and I didn't know it was going to be so close when I bought everything. I know Shimano found a way. I was just hopeful that Sram would too.

[@strikeIII]

@D. W. unfortunately it doesn’t work that way. You can spread them out but once you apply break they’ll just return back to their original position. Even when you bleed them properly. I haven’t experienced SRAM brakes until my gravel bike and much prefer Shimanos. Wish we could mix and match like with MTB.

[@mt5150e]

Took delivery last week of my new Aeroad slx…with the old Force AXS…ho-hum; still happy.

[@steffanh]

I think I prefer the unicorn grey to the silver of the RED version but that close-up of the broken stick holding the bike up may explain why Si wasn't trusted with the pretty cassette......if only there was somewhere one could get a clear piece of kit, maybe etched with the GCN logo, that was designed to cause no shadow whilst a bike was standing on it 🤔🤔

[@ustaznazmikarim]

Chain drop issue?

[@Huneidu]

I have the Red 1 AXS on my new bike, playing around with the power meter on my ride. Love everything about it overall.

[@rickcski8082]

Nice looking group set. Much better than the previous iteration.

[@gcn]

Will you be taking the plunge? 👀

[@rickcski8082]

@@gcn I will not, at least anytime soon. I am very satisfied with the 12 speed Ultegra Di2 on my 2022 Pinarello Prince.

[@flutoki]

6:29 sorry HOLD UP did someone forget the ghost stand again is that a stick HACK/BODGE of the week I’m voting BODGE

[@drsus0]

im getting the front chainring for my current force group... looks amazing . yes, i care about the looks of it as well. just hadn't because the Red price for the chainring was ridiculous.

[@justsomedude7556]

front rings are $410 with the power meter and $245 without.... not terrible , but not cheap either

[@drsus0]

@@justsomedude7556 that’s been the price for the force ring w and w/o power for the last couple years … the fact that they give you the red ring and power now for the same price of the outgoing force set up is more than good.

[@justsomedude7556]

@@drsus0 true

[@jasonwills6694]

The XTR chain is great per Zero friction. Might explain some of the Shimano durability. This changes all look great to me.

[@xXxTreadstonexXx]

Very helpful! Keep them coming!

[@martinbiering3094]

So they made it look cheap, removed cable blibs and put both chainrings and power meter in one piece? Meh. New shifters looks good, but overall a little disappointing. Nothing on the technical side. Happy to have the old force, don’t need to rewrap the bartape for blib battery replacement and able to upgrade to power meter later… and of cause replace the chainring when it’s worn.

[@5ch4cht3l7]

With wireless blips, you wont have to rewrap your bartape for a battery replacement either. The batteries in the blips are not replacable, you you have to buy new blips once the old ones run out

[@Jean-jk4zv]

But how is the shifting ? The braking ???

[@chrisstrider]

Definitely on the shortlist for my next bike

[@gcn]

It should be! What frame are you thinking? 🤔

[@chrisstrider]

@@gcn I d like something Italian…it will probably be the best overall package and get better wheels for the special days

[@a.k.1351]

The only people who really need electronic groupsets are TRIATHLETES and cyclists on TT bikes. That pretty much sums up EVERYTHING a cyclist needs to know about this new GCN marketing video.

[@CatManDoSocial]

I want my expensive power meter to be integrated into my chainrings so that I have to replace it if my chainrings ever get damaged, wear out, or I just want to change the number of teeth that I use. Said no one, ever. SRAM can have all the data that they want but I will never believe that having the power meter permanently attached to a consumable item like chainrings is a good idea. The rest of the group looks great.

[@nickslatter3559]

I have the original version and it is fantastic this just looks that bit more expensive

I would update my Rival crank just for the looks to this!

[@kaltonian]

God damn those chains are nice ahy, unfortunately i have converted back to mtb after nearly a 20 year break & after discovering this channel i would really like a road bike again, these power meter cranks are to die for, lovely design,

[@folixmute]

good use of an anti-gravity stick

[@Grunge_Cycling]

Never thought I’d hear Sram Force and shifting performance in the same sentence.

[@D_isco_D_ancer]

Gorgeous crank

[@YippeeSkippie426]

The more I see "e" this and "e" that, the more I want a 2008 Campy Record groupset on a Mondonico steel frame.

[@gcn]

Nothing wrong with that! Sounds beautiful 💕

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Awesome & Thanks :) I like the idea of 56 T or higher like 60 T with this 10 - 44T cassette :)

[@dominikbach8525]

What about the noise issue we had with the old version? That was the only thing that really annoyed me. Has that been finally solved with the new one?

[@bebopman5]

I haven’t gotten through this vid all the way yet, but the presenter for BikeRadar did say that the noise has been noticeably reduced from the first iteration.

[@ralfmimoun2826]

I had that noise with the first version of the Force. With the o ring set, it became way better. The Red cassette is ok. Now I am riding a Rival 10-36 cassette (Mallorca 312 is coming). It weights a bit more, but it does not make any noise. All you hear are the tires kissing the road.

[@prestachuck2867]

I had first generation Force AXS on my Tarmac Pro Sl6. It was noisy and a little rough compared to any road bike I have ever owned, and there have been many. It was tuned as well as possible by a bike mechanic with nearly forty years experience, Me. My Ultegra R-8000 bike is nearly silent, shifts better front and rear, and I can actually feel a reduction of drivetrain friction compared to the AXS bike..probably from the bottom bracket, and the chainrings. I sold the Force bike after two years. I like the app they provide for it. I like the idea of wireless shifting, but still prefer mechanical. I find the smaller chainrings and cogs to be noisier and not as smooth running as traditional designs. Those pros are probably preferring the larger chainrings because they run more smoothly, and use the 10t for high speed descents more often than anything.

[@phd8296]

The price make no sense to me. These duopoly companies need more competition.

[@sepg5084]

They are not a duopoly, chinese groupset manufacturers exist. It is up to you to decide which product to spend your money on. The price makes sense to the manufacturers since they won't price themselves out of the market. They can keep this pricing because people keep buying them. If people did not buy them, they'd be left with unsold stock, and will be forced to lower the price.

[@Steen447]

I definitely like the look of the new crankset but the fact you throw away the power meter once the chainrings are worn really doesn't sit well with me.

[@joshuaroe11]

I would just get the one without the power meter and get power meter pedals. Or a crank power meter instead of the included one

[@ifitrollsrideit530]

As a somewhat bodgy home mechanic I worry about the DOT fluid that SRAM use in their brakes. It's not something you want to get in contact with your skin and I really wish they would move to mineral oil for safety reasons.

[@prestachuck2867]

Not to mention Dot 5.1’s habit of drawing moisture out of the air right through the seals and into the system. Mineral oil is safer, offers superior performance, and is more environmentally friendly.

[@maxx0r050]

I think I saw somewhere they're stopping that with the new eagle

[@strikeIII]

I can finally get rid of my Rival shifters and upgrade to Force for the adjustability. The size the shape of the Rival shifters is what kept me on them.

[@mazhoace]

There is only reach adjustment like on rival

[@hillcountrymax]

Wait Wait Wait, hold up here. Is the rider in Biggie BIG there at 2:00 before shifting to the small ring at 2:01?!?

[@timprice944]

SRAM Eagle has Flat top chains coming later this year, so I believe that the chain does make a big difference in durability.

[@torinstorkey]

These electronic groupsets are still extortionate. Bike prices need to come down.

[@davidpurcell-chung8568]

Beautiful kickstand :)

[@108kitsune]

2:00 for some hardcore cross chaining

[@MichaelWilliams-iv6dj]

I just wish Campy would release something similar. It is tough to be a Campy fan these days.

[@johnwuspam1]

Have they fix the rear cassette noise issue?

[@JonathanHair]

Sram ignores the real reason for larger chainrings: drivetrain efficiency. It's been well demonstrated that larger chainrings and cogs have less chain loss. I don't need the gearing because I'm spinning out the 10 tooth. Rather I want the bigger gears to save a few watts.

[@randolphmulder8051]

Have the brake callipers been improved in anyway? Not that they are currently bad

[@simonrichardson5259]

The didn’t mention it, but I think there had been a slight change at Rival so potentially a small difference. They work great.

[@YuriThorpe]

Important thing to note about the 56x10: the only reason why the 53/39 is used in the pro peloton is because they're moving at much higher speeds than an individual. This is the only way to really keep up.

[@ItsMe-ex2vu]

I changed my Red chainrings after 6000 miles. They were getting a little bit sharp

[@rickmorse3351]

Of the eight SRAM Force videos that showed up in my subscriptions this morning, this is the BEST one! But, did someone forget to bring a shadow stand along to the video shoot? Or is that a new model also? :}

[@blienafa]

Fantastic video, thank you. Any chance for a lower budget bike equipped with this group?

[@gcn]

Our eyes are peeled for where we see this groupset! 👀

[@simonrichardson5259]

I’m sure other brands will hit lower price points. The Canyon has carbon wheels and a power meter so it would definitely be possible to save a bit of money on the build.

[@zaq96270]

Good Update

[@mlee6050]

I am hoping for auto shifting mode to keep cadence steady so shifts front and back being and option if want it

[@Hill_Walker]

If for my next groupset I stay mechanical, I'm going for a Chinese brand. If I were to go electronic, with what's currently available, no question it'd be Force.

[@darylfahy1]

The drag off that rear derailleur will make the bike steer to the right

[@jameslee-pevenhull5087]

A white horse may be called a 'Grey', but a unicorn is always WHITE.

[@MysticMac000]

What about performance? Does it shift quicker or smoother?

[@martinhoppe9511]

If even this comercial doesn’t say so, it still wont be any better.

[@sepg5084]

This is an ad, so don't expect to hear anything very negative.

[@ninibur]

No it won‘t because they haven’t designed anything new. Most of it is just a mix between rival and red parts.

[@tlgabrantes]

I wanted to buy the new Force chainrings. "Unfortunately" my girlfriend didn't like it as much as the Red. So I had to go with Red. What a shame!

[@gruensein]

Are the new components backwards compatible, e.g., the new chain set with the older Force eTap AXS derailleurs and chain? It seems likely but a confirmation would be nice

[@ninibur]

100%

[@Thomas-fk6ep]

Is Shimano supposed to release a 12 speed grx (di2) later this year?

[@maxx0r050]

Yes

[@douglaspate9314]

I loved that video as I recently acquired and ex-Team Trek Segafredo bike, my first with SRAM and my first 12 speed. I run 50/37 10/36 which is awesome living in Andorra. The AXS app and web are the BEST! Though 2515€ and the use of a twig? Ollie, any comments on Nice or Supernice?

[@Killroy76]

Only disc?

[@Zen_Cycling]

That's all good and well But have they improved the price and availability though?

[@oasam.cycling]

What's the ideal set-up if you climb some 17%-25% percent gradient? I am contemplating if I'll get the 46/33 or 48/35 chain rings with 10-36 cassette.

[@christopherbaird4952]

I just want mechanical shifting. Preferably with a 10-36 12sp cassette and 50-34 chainrings.

[@koreanongbungol]

superb 👏👏i like it but i dont have money for that😭😭😭

[@atassisamer]

What about issues like chain drop and cassette noise? Some people also report hand pain caused by the shifters.

[@bobbybobman3073]

You know personally I think I'm more likely to use a 10:56 before a 56:10

[@yukiko_5051]

You want to climb walls or something? Lol

[@bobfoster687]

Glad to hear Simon say oriented, not the butchered oreintated that so many say!!!

[@vv5179]

Take my money !

[@a1white]

and they'll take it again, when you wear the chainringin a few years and have to throw out your perfectly good Powermeter as it's all integrated

[@Silidons91]

This groupo looks better than the new Red.

[@NewPolishScientist]

Tbf iam more exited about new Shimano cues groupset than this. Finally some bike packing groupset.

[@alvaroodeh4794]

What's the deal with the power meter failing? you need to replace the whole chainset? The color scheme reminds me of the old outdated sram. I do love the new chainring black design, however, im not convinced of all the components aesthetically!, I will wait until the new SRAM RED comes out

[@gcn]

Each to their own 🙌 We love the look of the new Force AXS... It's very sleek in person 👀

[@simonrichardson5259]

I think if ever there was an issue with a power meter failure you’d be looking at a warranty replacement.

[@a1white]

@@simonrichardson5259 No the issue is, the big chainring will wear with time. normally you can just replace the chainring, it's bolted on seperately, minimal cost. On this, you have to replace the entire crank, powermeter and all. ridiculous E-waste and £400 cost.

[@simonrichardson5259]

@@a1white Yes, you’re right. That wasn’t clear from your first comment. As I said in the video, I did ask SRAM and they said that people weren’t replacing Red rings so it wasn’t an issue. Ultimately it’s up to you to decide if it is I guess, the power is in the hands of the consumer.

[@a1white]

@@simonrichardson5259 Ok fair enough. i just know from experience with Shimano, they do wear eventually (I'm on my 3rd big chainring in just over 10 years of daily riding). I mean, it does make sense, like your casette also wears (even if at a lesser extent). Making a seperate bolted on chainring would have been a good move in my opinion.

[@cliffmckenney7310]

I think Si needs to head over to the gcn shop and get his hands on a shadow stand to replace the stick 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@KenSmith-bv4si]

Tankx Si, awesome video. Just so you know, because of your review back in 2019 my Specialized SL6 Tarmac came with Sram Force it was love at first shift, I liked Force so much my 2022 Atheos has Sram Force group set, but I gotta tell ya I've always lusted for the Red chain ring. Now you're doing a second video of the updated Sram Force that now has the same chain ring as Red only painted black, deer gawd man now I gotta have the crank set. Seriously when will it be available and where?

[@michaelkennedy9064]

Has the chain dropping feature been dropped?! Hopefully they have fixed that front D

[@WattWireNet]

Let me think about it for a secon--I want it!

[@dylanl9532]

I wanna know about brake clearance, Crank length options, The hood/shifter reach increase. Front mech shifting. This video covers none of it.

[@Aeroasduck]

Don’t tt riders use bigger rings to reduce friction? Wouldn’t that mean this smaller ring set up is actually less efficient?

[@krazyhartin]

"Unicorn Grey" color, rainbow cassette, ....ok whatever. Still, is a cool piece of kit.

[@n22pdf]

I’ll stick with mechanical Ultegra 👍🤩🏅🚴

[@aikigreg]

Retro grouch.

[@alexherceg9496]

Is there a huge difference in shifting performance between Force and Ultegra Di2? There was a very different feel with mech group sets (I own both 11-spend mech versions), but I am starting to think they’re getting closer and closer in feature sets and performance now that it’s all electronic. Same goes for Force vs Red - how much different can they “feel” or perform besides the weight?

[@sotsuna6704]

SRAM eTap 12sp is a much slower shifting performance than the Shimano Di2 11sp. This has been noticed in many reviews. I also own both (Force sTap 12sp and Ultegra Di2 11sp), and it is true. SRAM rear shifting speed is like a ~1.5 time slower than Shimano.

[@nemeanf27]

Have the pogo connection pins on the mechs been improved? The springs are weak and one of the pins on the front mech of mine unexpectedly broke so the battery wouldn't make a full circuit. Fixed it by using small piece of aluminium foil between the battery and pin to make full circuit. Needs improvement

[@brittle1]

The 48/35 crank is a dealbreaker for me

[@aikigreg]

Any idea when it will actually come out?? I just bought a force v1 group set and have my bike stripped down to install. I could still return and swap if it's coming really soon.

[@jameslee-pevenhull5087]

Through the app, you tell it your optimum cadence and FTP, and it shifts for you for best efficiency.