SRAM Rival eTap AXS Long-Term Review: Wireless Electronic Shifting for Everyone!

[@justg2949]

If you don't like it, don't buy it. I love the up front honesty. No one needs electronic shifting. No one needs conditioned air in their vehicle. That said, I sure like being cool when I drive and the gentle tap of my Di2 shifter. Keep up the great reviews.

[@tmayberry7559]

Sorry wrong emojis before meant this one😄😁😂

[@lunathedog3924]

You dont NEED even HOUSE!!!

[@LIFEOFSTUFFEDANIMALS]

Hm I think you need ac down south (us) but I get ur point

[@LOGICAL-JAY]

Lol..true indeed..

[@BrandonMeyer1641]

Honestly the best part about the rival axs group set is the gearing. 43-30 and 10-36 sounds like a great idea on a gravel bike. You need a smaller big ring on gravel and who doesn’t like a nice low gear for climbing up crazy things.

[@GravelCyclist]

100% on your comment.

[@alfiefranklin7831]

Brilliant video, thank you……….I’m getting the groupset!😊

[@GravelCyclist]

Thank you Alfie, glad you liked my review.

[@theflyerpr40d]

Can you pair the rear derailleur with the flat bar electronic shifter used for mountain bikes or only with the drop bar version? Thanks!

[@GravelCyclist]

I haven't tried what you're asking, but the MTB SRAM electronic derailleurs pair with their road shifters, so I have to assume the reverse is true.

[@theflyerpr40d]

@@GravelCyclist thanks for the follow up. That sound good then it should work.

[@meibing4912]

Shimano rider myself, but SRAM hit a sweet spot for the masses with a price that makes electronic shifting much more accessible.

[@vongdong10]

Gotta thank you for tipping me off on this groupset just before I was about to go di2. I just completed a mullet build a few weeks ago(been waiting on stock for shifters) and am super happy with it.

[@Dressommer]

Just a quick question. Everywhere I see a showcase of the Rival Etap AXS, the shifters don’t fit snug on the handlebar? Theres like a gap on the inside - can this get changed or is it just the way they are?

[@Roger101Watson]

Just ordered a Gravel bike with FORCE AXS 2x12. I like the versatility of SRAM so I can rip that off and stick on an MTB Eagle set up expanding the range and losing the 2x chainset which I don't need where I live.

[@tmayberry7559]

How can you do an intro like that an keep straight face 😁😁😂😂 sorry wrong emoj before

[@Joecyclist66]

Great review! I love my Force AXS on my two bikes and this group set looks like it carries on the tradition.

[@mannyr8091]

Awesome review, love it...but I will wait for the trickle down version ($500.00) another 4 years 😁 maybe. The tech works but right now it is in its infancy still, and still a big overkilll on the pricing. Am sure it will become the standard in 8 to 10 years on all bike models and levels.

[@hansschotterradler3772]

Thanks for the thorough review. This is going to be a popular group set. Never been a fan of the SRAM FD with the battery sticking up high. Looks awkward to me. I'd probably set it up 1x for that reason alone. We all know that if it doesn't look good, it cannot be fast.

[@lechprotean]

the advantage of having FD is that you can swap batteries when the rear runs out.

[@hansschotterradler3772]

@@lechprotean 🤔 for that purpose you can simply carry a spare battery instead of having a FD???

[@rcdogmanduh4440]

Great review, working on my next ride but not a lot of choices in the States right now!

[@JMacSp]

I love electronic shifting (Di2), that groupset looks good and probably shift good too, but that's super heavy

[@Snicker60515]

Now this is a review! I'm looking at a Specialized Roubaix with this groupset and thinking of going WAY over my budget for my next bike, and since it has this set, I needed to know how it works. No filler, no unnecessary fluff, just the meat of the situation. Battery life, 1000 miles, OMG. Showing us how fast it can shift, I can't believe how quick that rear derailleur is. Oh, but it's so heavy, oh it's not the prettiest looking thing, bollocks! This review has me a LOT more confident about making the purchase of the Roubaix, especially since I'm gonna have to wait more months to buy a Canyon. Folks, it's a system that doesn't require any maintenance except keeping the batteries from going flat. This is a good thing. And if you don't like it, don't buy it! Thank you!

[@GravelCyclist]

Thanks Jose! You will love this groupset, it offers the best value in electronic shifting on the market.

[@JogBird]

have they given up on mechanical shifting? im never gonna go to electronic shifting

[@GravelCyclist]

Pretty sure you have nothing to worry about, but I have been puzzled about SRAM not releasing a 2x12 mechanical drivetrain. Campy has the only options if so inclined... and they are pretty nice!

[@kaseycarpenter73]

Great review, also FYI you can buy rechargeable CR2032s I run them on my wahoo gear, hrm, etc...

[@GravelCyclist]

Nice, I wasn't aware of that, thanks! Super handy for the HRM strap.

[@lechprotean]

@@GravelCyclist I had no idea but my HRM from Garmin runs for about 3 years between batteries - not sure if recharagable ones makes sense for this use case.

[@GravelCyclist]

@@lechprotean Had the same experience with Garmin soft and hard straps, I'm currently playing around with a Stages...

[@mattsidebottom7603]

I love my new groupset, although im struggling to adjust the reach of the levers in. The 2.5mm allen key bolts dont move

[@_dmart]

That’s odd. I just adjusted mine yesterday

[@mattsidebottom7603]

@@_dmart i wonder if the pad contact need backing off before i bring the reach in?

[@peterm.7497]

I own an AXS system and, while I don't know it all, I learned something -- front derailleur needs more frequent charging. I've enjoyed my SRAM components --- I tried to order another set, but it was on infinite hold, and I decided to wait and set up a mullet system when it becomes available.

[@GravelCyclist]

Indeed, the front derailleur shift requires much more power than the rear to execute.

[@DaveCM]

Yes! I have the old ETap, so I don't know if they changed it on AXS, but I've had my front derailleur battery go dead just sitting on the bike. I charged it, put it on the bike but didn't ride that bike for two months. Went on a ride and the front battery was dead while the rear was fine. I guess the front derailleur doesn't fully go to sleep.

[@brianmccloskey6451]

I love your reviews Jom: great practical info and hands on feedback. The biggest plus of your website is the 'no bs' straight shooter approach that you take with all the various products. As a longtime Shimano user, (mostly Ultegra mechanical and Di2) I recently had the opportunity to ride an Open Up outfitted with Sram Rival eTap AXs. I have to say, I loved it. I wouldn't hesitate to put it on my next gravel bike purchase. Your indepth video reminded me why I wouldn't hesitate to go with Sram..

[@johngardner1898]

I am in love with this bike. 😍

[@adamglass2599]

I've yet to run into anyone who has had their ETAP shift lever batteries die.. I know it has to happen *someday* but talk about being lured into a false sense of infinite battery life. :)

[@GravelCyclist]

Haha, for sure, longest lasting ever!

[@tothlalaka]

Ok. Count me in the "had to change" category, I had to change it on my road bike, Red. Works super great, no question.

[@davidadamus177]

Someone I know had a battery die on a ride. He got a battery from his cadence sensor, then put it in the shifter, and all was well.

[@googlekonto2851]

Does sram sell your data you send them via the app?

[@GravelCyclist]

You would need to ask SRAM that question. I've used it to update firmware, poke around with shifter mode settings, etc. To my knowledge, only the email address is collected. I cannot comment if the electronic components are up to anything when they connect.

[@nochancecw]

I almost never watch one video about a product but that was very solid. Nice review, all the info I wanted.

[@GravelCyclist]

Happy to have helped, I think you will really enjoy this groupset.

[@nochancecw]

@@GravelCyclist I run di2 on my road bike and didn't want to drop the cash for a gravel build, but rival is much cheaper and has better gearing options for 1x. I should have checked out SRAM sooner

[@1gregalbert]

I’ll add it Too my gavel bike eventually as my road bike is etap and when I often need to shift quickly on my ultegra equipped gravel bike I hesitate for the first few miles due to the different shifting process.

[@lechprotean]

I want click shifters on my tri bars. Would it suffice to have say Force AXS shifters and the rest of the groupset could be Rival? I know Rival shifters sadly don't support remotes.

[@GravelCyclist]

For sure, Force shifters / Rival elsewhere would be the way to go. I love the clic / blip shifters, and shifters on TT bar extensions, so nice!

[@free2be]

First time I tried it, I fell in love. It's like going from a typewriter to iPad. I bought a Scott Addict last week and I can't stop riding it. This is from a die hard stick shift driver.

[@GravelCyclist]

eTap is so so good! I too be a die hard stick shift driver! #savethemanuals

[@jasonwright6823]

6:25 Get some gloves mate :-) Is this a bicycle or a computer with wheels?

[@GravelCyclist]

Pass on the gloves barring cold weather, but thanks for the concern :) Electronics and bikes have been together a while now, so nothing too crazy here.

[@Mrmarginofsafety]

Great review Jom, be interested if the system as is can mullet up to 42

[@GravelCyclist]

Wait until a big announcement next week... I cannot say more at this time, but keep an eye on my website or Instagram. August 10 is the date.

[@n1ppe1]

Thanks for your no-bullshit thoughts. Love the look! I know Force/Red users have had a lot of issues with chain drops because of the FD. Is this anything you've experienced with the Rival? Thanks!

[@GravelCyclist]

I've had very good luck, but it all comes down to proper front derailleur setup. The SRAM front derailleur guide helps during setup, but the limit screws are pretty touchy, so you need to get those sorted. Here's part two of my bike build involving Rival eTap AXS, front derailleur setup is the first thing shown - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jX_Xapx3h5yBgLs

[@n1ppe1]

@@GravelCyclist Thanks!

[@hornet224]

As you suggest, if you don't like it, don't buy it. What is so hard about shifting gears manually? It's bulky looking (ugly), heavier, and not fail-safe as a mechanical. Not many of us can afford a $6,000 bike. After all, I own four of them, but it's still just a bicycle.

[@f1hotrod527]

I think you can use the blips with Rival and the new Apex systems now.

[@GravelCyclist]

This is confirmed, I have already paired blips with Apex, Rival is a definite. Solves the no additional shifter port issue.

[@ilanpi]

It appears that this build does not allow the addition of the SRAM dropper seatpost. Also, professional road racing has not validated electronic shifting, there have been numerous fails where the derailleur froze and a bike change was required during a winning move, for example, Remi Cavagna, Paris-Nice 2021 as well as numerous fails at Paris-Roubaix (which is relevant for gravel riding). These were not SRAM, but very few Pro Tour teams use this system.

[@sccxvelo]

Looking at this groupo for a new CX bike my team friend gave. It came with rival 1 post mount mech discand basic heavy beater wheels. No front derailleur cable routing options. First bike like this coming from years on canti-vbrakes on CX bikes. Planing on taking it out for rides soon. If I do not like the 42x 11-32 gearing for my region after some time on it with various terrains and gradients locally maybe be forced to go with rival axs. Hopefully apex axs will made by then as it fit the price point with better wheels and crankset.

[@jeremyowens441]

Buy the sound of the rear cassette on that particular bike it seems like SRAM have gone and done some R&D on the rear cassette noise problem. I've got force with the black cassette which is about 18 months old and I love everything about it except for how noisy it is and I'm not alone with this issue,it's horrible. I've even had a certified SRAM mechanic take a look at it and he admitted that the SRAM force is a noisy drive train, mabye they have addressed this issue and done something about it?

[@lowrights33]

Excellent review, thanks for pointing out the need for Force shifters if you want to run satellite shifters

[@DieterVanHolder]

Thank you for this very informative video. It really helped me with my decision making. New sub!

[@GravelCyclist]

Thank you Dieter, you should really like this groupset. My GF has it, it has been flawless during her year aboard the groupset.

[@macdaddy1617]

Great review from a rider that rides hard. A defiant up grade for me in the near future!

[@GravelCyclist]

Thanks Mac Daddy, love the KZbin name :)

[@scottelectronic]

I bet you meant “definite”.

[@emmett1980]

Excellent review just bought a bike with this groupset absolutely love it

[@Ghostina1]

I have moved from Sram Red Shifters to the Rival. Love the feel. Deraillerur is still Red - Bling Wise. De Rest is Force Anyway

[@goodboyringo9716]

I thought I was to old for gravel riding but not now.

[@MrWale323]

Where can I buy the full groupset?

[@GravelCyclist]

There are several online options, check SRAM's website, they should have dealers / retailers listed, etc.

[@DaveCM]

Good luck! I've only been able to find bits and pieces online. I can't find the full or mini groupset at all.

[@bobgibson3516]

Thanks for putting this together

[@bertb3731]

great review - thank you!

[@91722854]

bikes are becoming electronic products

[@GravelCyclist]

Electronic shifting has been around since 1982, when the Browning Electronic Accushift Transmission was released, and later, a variant by Suntour circa 1990, known as BEAST. Circa 1992 / 1993, we saw Mavic Zap, 1999, Mavic Mektronic, the first wirelessly shifted rear derailleur. Bikes and electronics are nothing new.

[@91722854]

@@GravelCyclist sorry for my ignorance but I wasn't born then, however how come it didn't latch on until the release of Di2 and SRAM wrap? As in if electronic shifting was already possible so many years ago, but Shimano trickle down scheme, even tourney groupset should be electronic shifting or would at least have electronic shifting available yet currently there's just ultegra and above having electronic shfitnv

[@AzureBeatPony]

@@91722854 I'd think it's a combination of mostly battery tech and a bit of controller electronics improvements. Without good li-ion batteries you'd have much shorter battery life or very large battery packs, or both depending on how long ago. The electronics also need to be faster then mech systems.

[@GravelCyclist]

@@91722854 The technology of the early 1980's and 1990's wasn't where it needed to be for these systems to be successful in the long run. Hence, Di2, SRAM, came later with miniaturisation of motors, and so on. I don't make the rules as to the manufacturers trickling down the technology, but I'm very happy these choices exist!

[@GravelCyclist]

@@AzureBeatPony Yes, all of what you mention, plus the sizing down of the motor technology. Mavic Zap utilized a solenoid for its gear changing, not a motor, that required the top jockey wheel to be moving in order for the gear change to happen. A very different time.

[@DDGB08]

Great job on the review

[@jaivora423]

Fantastic review - THANK YOU ! Two questions : 1. Can you explain what is “brake contact adjustment” which does not exist in Rival n does in Force & Red. 2. I believe there is a difference in ways to bleed the brakes in Rival when compared to Force & Red. Do explain this difference. With appreciation - Jai

[@fazlee712]

1. I think it's the lever reach adjustment

[@M3GRSD]

I just bought Red AXS for my road bike, but I love this honest take. If Rival is this reliable, it makes me feel good about my purchase. Thanks mate.

[@GravelCyclist]

You are welcome, and thank you.

[@robchiappe9253]

Hi Jom, have you had a chance to review any of SRAM's new XPLR gravel groupset?

[@GravelCyclist]

Hi Rob, all being well, that review will post later this week.

[@sc0608023]

I just hope Shimano may finally pull the head out of their collective asses and make 105 level (read cheap, reliable and heavy) electronic shifting a reality!!!

[@GravelCyclist]

I expect they will respond in some manner, but would such a system be 11 or 12 speed? I think we'll see Dura-Ace 12 speed hit the market before we see another trickle down.

[@joaofigueira2918]

Hello! How much did you ride the bike with SRAM RIVAL AXS? Tks

[@GravelCyclist]

A lot! My girlfriend has been riding it for a year, perfect. 👌

[@jakel9810]

I am getting ready to jump but some local bike shop told me that SRAM products are much less reliable than Shimano and that the Rival Etap disc system is a "nightmare" to bleed and that the brake fluid corrodes seals much faster than mineral oil. Is there any truth to any of this?

[@GravelCyclist]

Hello there, I have ridden and reviewed every level of SRAM eTap from Rival to Red, and still ride Force eTap a lot. My GF uses Rival eTap just about every day. Can report good reliability, just keep an eye on your batteries. Shimano, at least with 11 speed Di2 of any flavor, has SRAM beat with battery life. No corrosion issues, and I have demonstrated the bleed process in my Force eTap build video(s). No drama. With that said, I prefer Shimano's use of mineral oil vs DOT like with SRAM. Hopefully you can figure out what is best for you, and hope these words help somewhat.

[@74aztlan]

After seeing that new 105 pricetag it's time to say goodybye to shimano indeed.

[@GravelCyclist]

I am wondering how long before we actually see 105 on the store shelves?

[@gordonmiller6691]

I've heard of some issues with the derailleurs losing connection to the shifters. Has anyone here had that problem?

[@GravelCyclist]

I haven't experienced any of the issues you describe, perhaps do a check of your firmware inside the AXS app? The app can also give you an indication of shifter battery life. Good luck!

[@benko7ab]

Thanks mate!

[@aldrinclementina4297]

Thanks for sharing. I would be no problems to swap the crank and BB for a Force one?

[@GravelCyclist]

Hey there, shouldn't be a problem, and you'll save a little weight.

[@nicolaspadron3167]

Since I rarely shift front gears, I would only need electronic in back. No benefit in front

[@GravelCyclist]

Keep an eye on the Gravel Cyclist website / Instagram for a big announcement next week that may be of interest. Tuesday is the day :)

[@jok658]

Good stuff

[@mikep277]

Awesome Review ! Can i use flat bar axs shifters with rival etap 1x system ?

[@GravelCyclist]

Hi Mike, I don't have any flat bar AXS shifters to try, but all of SRAM's electronic parts usually play well together. I'm visiting SRAM today at the Sea Otter show, if I remember to, I'll ask and confirm.

[@comedyman112]

what are some cost-effective upgrades I could do to it to lower its weight? force/red cassette? force/red crank? brake rotors, but what brand and model?

[@GravelCyclist]

Force cassette would save some weight, Red is very expensive. Force crank as well. For Rotors, there are many lightweight options with less surface area, which is fine for flatter terrain, but I would not descend mountain passes on such a configuration. Ashima Rotors are among the lightest out there.

[@comedyman112]

@@GravelCyclist are ultegra rotors with ice tech lighter and worth it vs sram?

[@stephenwest673]

Great accurate review, I’ve got Rival AXS on my Ridley Fenix and it shifts effortlessly. I had a chain spotter fitted to protect the frame if the chain ever goes inboard and chews up the frame but that aside, it’s as it came from my LBS and I love it ❤️

[@roxochri5]

What’s a chain spotter?

[@stephenwest673]

@@roxochri5 chain catcher ensures the chain can’t come off the chain inbound and get stuck between the small ring and the frame

[@kenbuist1]

Fantastic review, thanks. How bad (or not) is the supposed "lag" in rear shifting with eTap. Di2 fans always criticise SRAM for their comparatively sluggish rear shifting.

[@GravelCyclist]

Hi Ken, I would disregard that criticism, I've found the Force and Red shift very fast. Rival seemed a smidge slower, maybe perception, but far from sluggish. I've found eTap 12-speed to be on part with Di2, but I cannot vouch for the latest 12-speed Di2, that is meant to be the fastest...

[@kenbuist1]

@@GravelCyclist thanks mate, that's great to hear. I also read one encouraging review that says SRAM eTap might be marginally slower that Di2, but eTap seems to have a smoother transition with rear shifting. Quickest isn't always the best. BTW ... I've got the latest Ritchey Road Logic Disc frame, which rides beautifully - amazing in fact - but it doesn't have a Di2 version - so SRAM eTap is my best option for going electronic. I'm thinking of getting Force, but with the narrower Rival shifters

[@davet003.5]

Hey JOM - the new AXS Wireless Blips (when they arrive in reality) will give you satellite shifting on Rivals. I only saw them available for a while on an Aussie site (Pushy’s) and they sold out in a day

[@GravelCyclist]

Hi Dave, I am hoping to receive a set from SRAM HQ sometime soon. Would like to add blip functionality to Rival.

[@davet003.5]

@@GravelCyclist Our LBS is expecting delivery in Dec. it helps to be a famous mega influencer :)

[@GravelCyclist]

@@davet003.5 Haha, thanks Dave. I'm a regular bloke like you. I do put serious effort into my reviews, I try my best to be thorough and really run the bikes / wheels / groupsets / tyres, through their paces.

[@SecwetGwiwer]

You buy your batteries from a pharmacy?

[@GravelCyclist]

The CR2032 batteries I generally purchase from Amazon or a local supermarket.

[@bobalexander9420]

Won't be too long before the adverts take more time than the presentation, bloody pathetic. How many do we have to be subjected to before can actually see the program

[@GravelCyclist]

KZbin decides the type of ads shown, and considering nobody pays anything to view this KZbin channel, this is how they make their money. I get a tiny cut from whatever advertising revenue KZbin derives.