SRAM’s current road and gravel groupsets make wireless electronic shifting available across three distinct performance levels.
SRAM’s Current AXS Families
The current road hierarchy is:
- Rival AXS E1: value-oriented electronic performance
- Force AXS E1: lower weight and near-flagship functionality
- Red AXS E1: minimum weight, premium materials and maximum configuration choice
All three road groups use 12-speed cassettes and can be configured as 2x or, with the relevant components, 1x drivetrains. The electronic controls communicate wirelessly, while removable batteries power the derailleurs. The SRAM AXS application supports button customisation, battery monitoring, firmware updates and drivetrain diagnostics.
Pedal Passion currently lists configurable or complete E1 road groupsets. You can mix and match your groupset, using the customiser.
Prices depend on crank length, chainrings, cassette, power measurement, rotors and bundle contents. A low headline price may exclude parts included in another bundle, we always try to offer the sharpest pricing, reach out for latest updates.
What All Three Groupsets Do Well
Intuitive AXS shifting
SRAM’s eTap control logic is one of the strongest arguments for the entire AXS ecosystem.
The right paddle normally shifts the rear derailleur into a harder gear. The left paddle selects an easier gear. Pressing both paddles moves the front derailleur. This arrangement is simple to learn and reduces the chance of selecting the wrong shift during a hard effort.
Button behaviour can be personalised through the AXS app. Riders can change shift assignments, select sequential or compensating modes, monitor batteries and install firmware updates.
Fully wireless drivetrain control
The shift levers transmit commands wirelessly, eliminating gear cables and frame-mounted junction boxes. This is especially useful for modern frames with integrated cockpits because no electronic shifting wires need to be passed through the handlebar or headset.
Brake hoses still require routing, but the absence of gear wires simplifies a custom build and leaves a cleaner cockpit.
Each derailleur carries its own rechargeable battery. On a 2x bike, the front and rear batteries are interchangeable. If the rear battery runs flat, a rider can move the front battery to the rear derailleur and continue in one chainring.
X-Range gearing
SRAM’s road groups use relatively small chainrings combined with cassettes beginning at ten teeth. Common crank combinations include 46/33T, 48/35T and 50/37T, paired with 10-28T, 10-30T, 10-33T or 10-36T cassettes.
The 13-tooth difference between SRAM’s standard road chainrings is smaller than the 16-tooth gap found on a conventional 50/34T compact crank. That helps reduce the cadence disruption when moving between chainrings.
- A 48/35T crank with a 10-33T cassette is an excellent all-round arrangement. It provides a high gear comparable with a larger conventional chainring and a climbing ratio suitable for hilly rides.
- A 46/33T crank with a 10-36T cassette better suits steep terrain, endurance riding and riders who prefer a higher cadence.
- A 50/37T crank with a 10-28T or 10-30T cassette favours strong racers who spend more time at high speed and want relatively close jumps.
Hydraulic disc braking
All three groups use hydraulic disc brakes. Current E1 controls have been redesigned for improved hood comfort and lower braking effort from both hoods and drops.
Keep in mind, SRAM hoods tend to be a bit longer than Shimano when installed, so double check bike-fit position during a Shimano to SRAM shift.
The latest Force controls include one-finger braking, redesigned hoods, a programmable Bonus Button and a stiffer two-piston calliper. Current Rival receives a closely related ergonomic and braking architecture at a lower price.
SRAM uses DOT brake fluid rather than mineral oil in these road systems. DOT fluid absorbs moisture over time and requires careful handling because it can damage paint. It also maintains predictable operation across a broad temperature range when serviced correctly.
Rival AXS E1: The Rational Value Choice
Rival is no longer a basic groupset with electronic shifting added. The current E1 version adopts many features previously associated with Red and Force, including revised hood ergonomics, lower-effort braking and substantial weight reduction.
The current Rival is 213 grams lighter than the previous generation. The controls account for 72 grams of that reduction, while redesigned aluminium crankarms save more than 50 grams.
Materials and construction
Rival uses aluminium crankarms rather than carbon. Its cassette uses less expensive construction than the machined Red unit, while the chain and derailleur employ materials chosen more around value and durability than minimum weight.
These choices increase mass but do not make the system slower. Wireless communication, electronic actuation and the fundamental AXS control logic remain closely related across all three levels.
Current Rival controls even use a carbon brake lever, helping reduce weight and improving similarity to the more expensive groups. At the time of writing this, the Rival E1 shift-brake assembly sells for a bit over $400 per side, depending on configuration.
Shifting performance
Under normal riding conditions, distinguishing Rival from Force or Red by rear-shift speed alone is difficult. In other words, they are all very good.
The meaningful differences emerge in weight, drivetrain refinement and component construction. A Red cassette is lighter and structurally more sophisticated. Force carbon crankarms reduce mass. Red offers additional control options and broader chainring selection.
Power-meter option
Rival offers an accessible spindle-based power meter. It measures power through the crank spindle and is a practical way to add training data without the cost of a dual-sided spider system.
The main limitation is that spindle-based measurement principally reads the left side and doubles the value to estimate total power. If the rider has a changing left-right imbalance, total output can be over- or underestimated.
For training load, pacing and fitness tracking, this system remains useful. Riders requiring independently measured left-right balance or the most accurate race analysis should consider a spider-based Force or Red power meter.
Weight
Complete-group weights vary according to crank length, chainrings, cassette, rotors and power-meter selection.
As an example, a Rival E1 2x with spindle power is approximately 3,200 grams, compared with around 2,990 grams for an equivalent Force spindle-power configuration.
These totals include a broad collection of components, including brake assemblies, hoses, fluid, rotors, batteries and bottom bracket. They should not be compared directly with marketing figures that exclude some of those parts.
The important practical conclusion is that Rival carries roughly a few hundred extra grams over Force and substantially more than Red. On a heavier endurance bike, that difference may be insignificant. On a lightweight custom build, it can determine whether the bike build ends up being 7.3 or 7.8kg
Who should choose Rival?
Rival is best for:
- Riders entering electronic shifting.
- High-mileage training bikes.
- Value-conscious custom bikes.
- Riders who want an affordable power meter.
- Gravel racers who prioritise durability and replacement cost.
Rival is often the smartest choice when the saving funds better wheels, tyres or professional fitting. A Rival-equipped bike with exceptional wheels and a correct position may outperform a Red bike compromised by budget wheels or poor fit.
Force AXS E1: The Performance Sweet Spot
Force is the easiest recommendation for most performance-focused custom builds. It delivers most of Red’s functional experience, uses carbon crankarms, offers sophisticated power measurement and avoids the flagship price.
The current Force E1 group was introduced in June 2025 and adopted significant technology from the redesigned Red platform. It includes revised controls, improved braking, a redesigned rear derailleur and lighter construction than its predecessor.
Carbon crankarms and one-piece chainrings
Force E1 uses carbon crankarms and direct-mount, one-piece aluminium chainrings. At the time of writing, we sell 46/33T, 48/35T and 50/37T combinations. SRAM’s consistent 13-tooth difference across these pairings supports smoother transitions between chainrings.
Compared with Rival’s aluminium arms, Force saves weight and gives the bike a more premium appearance. Differences in measurable crank stiffness are unlikely to transform normal riding performance, but the lower mass supports lightweight complete builds.
Force power measurement
Force’s premium 2x power meter integrates Quarq measurement into the chainring assembly. This provides total power and left-right balance with a claimed accuracy of plus or minus 1.5 per cent.
The system is neat and light, but integration creates a replacement-cost consideration. When the chainrings eventually wear, the measurement assembly may need to be replaced with them. SRAM operates a discounted replacement arrangement in some markets, but current Australian terms should be confirmed before purchase.
Force can also be configured with a less expensive spindle-based meter. This provides flexibility: buyers can choose lower-cost power measurement or a premium dual-sided-style estimate through the spider system.
Controls and braking
Current Force controls are very close to Red in practical performance. They provide powerful one-finger braking, refined hoods and a programmable Bonus Button that can shift or control supported cycling-computer functions.
This additional button differentiates Force from more basic configurations. It can be positioned for thumb access while riding on the hoods, reducing the need to move the hand.
The carbon brake lever also contributes to lower weight.
Rear derailleur
The Force E1 rear derailleur is compatible with 10-28T through 10-36T road cassettes and can serve both 1x and 2x road builds. The current model uses larger pulleys and is approximately 12 grams lighter than previous generation.
Force uses SRAM’s Orbit fluid damper for chain control on standard road configurations. Rival has traditionally used a spring clutch. Orbit aims to control unwanted cage movement without adding excessive resistance during normal shifts.
Weight
A current Force E1 2x group without a power meter is listed at approximately 2,650 grams. A spider-power configuration should be around 2,750 grams, although exact figures change with gearing and included components.
Force’s advantage is that the weight saving is large enough to matter in a premium custom build but not so expensive that it overwhelms the budget.
Who should choose Force?
Force is best for:
- Competitive club riders.
- Road racers.
- Climbers seeking a light custom build.
- Riders who want premium controls and braking.
- Athletes using structured power training.
- Buyers seeking near-Red performance without Red pricing.
- Gravel racers balancing weight and replacement cost.
For most Pedal Passion road frames, Force is the natural match. It is sophisticated enough for Evolve CIMA, Cannondale SuperSix EVO, ENVE Melee, INCOLOR, TIME and Wilier builds without consuming the entire budget.
Red AXS E1: Flagship Weight and Refinement
Red is SRAM’s premium road group. Its major advantages are low weight, material quality, maximum gearing choice and complete control functionality.
At the momentm our Red AXS E1 2x groupset is around $5k, depending on configuration. That places it more than $2,000 above Force and roughly twice the price of some Rival packages. However bundle deals and manufacturer specials often help to bring the cost down. Reach out to us for latest price update.
What Red adds
Red uses hollow carbon crankarms, the lightest levers and calipers, a highly machined cassette, an extensively relieved Flattop chain and ceramic derailleur pulley bearings.
The latest Red controls save 83 grams compared with the previous generation. The crankset saves 29 grams, the chain saves 13 grams, the rear derailleur loses 16 grams and the Paceline X rotors save a combined eight grams. These improvements are individually small, but together they produce one of the lightest electronic road groupsets available.
Red cassette
The Red XG-1290 cassette uses X-Dome construction. Most of the sprocket cluster is machined from a single block of hardened tool steel, with an aluminium large sprocket.
Pedal Passion currently sells 10-28T, 10-30T, 10-33T and 10-36T options..
The design is light and rigid, but cost is on the high side. A rider covering very large annual distances could consider the ongoing wear cost, not just initial purchase price.
AXS components are cross-compatible within the relevant road generation, a rider can use a Red derailleur and crank with a Force cassette for training.
Front shifting and chainring range
Red offers the broadest chainring selection. In addition to 46/33T, 48/35T and 50/37T, supported configurations extend into larger race gearing, including 52/39T, 54/41T and 56/43T with the appropriate components (availability of those is generally limited, so check stock ETA)
This matters to elite racers, time-trial specialists and exceptionally strong riders who can genuinely use a larger top gear. Most recreational cyclists will be better served by 46/33T or 48/35T.
The current front derailleur uses refined Yaw cage geometry and electronic auto-trim. It is designed to deliver fast shifts without chain rub across usable cassette positions.
Control adjustability
Red provides the most extensive control configuration, including premium Bonus Button functionality and additional adjustment. Professional comparisons identify bite-point adjustment as a Red advantage, allowing riders to tune where the brake pads contact during lever travel.
This is valuable for riders with particular hand-position requirements, but it is not essential for strong braking. Rival and Force already provide reach adjustment and effective braking.
Is Red faster?
Red does not shift dramatically faster than current Force or Rival. The rider pays for lower mass, premium finishing, cassette construction, chainring breadth and small refinements. Oh, and in our opinion, it looks stunning!
Independent comparison between current Red and Rival found the tactile shifting experience and hood ergonomics remarkably similar.
Red can still improve race performance when every gram matters. Saving several hundred grams may matter in elite climbing and repeated acceleration. For typical club riding, tyres, aerodynamics, position and fitness will create larger differences.
Who should choose Red?
Red is best for:
- Elite and high-level amateur racers.
- Weight-focused climbing builds.
- High-end custom bikes.
- Riders requiring the broadest chainring selection.
- Owners who appreciate flagship finishing.
- Athletes requiring maximum control adjustment.
- Riders already using premium wheels and frames.
Braking and Handling Confidence
A groupset does not change frame geometry, but brake ergonomics significantly influence descending confidence.
The current E1 generation provides a narrower hood shape and reduced braking effort. This helps riders maintain a secure grip while controlling speed from the hoods. It is particularly useful on long descents, rough roads and gravel, where repeatedly moving into the drops may be inefficient or uncomfortable.
SRAM claims an 80 per cent reduction in braking effort from the hoods and a 33 per cent reduction from the drops for the latest Force XPLR controls compared with the prior generation. These are manufacturer figures, but professional testing broadly confirm that the new controls provide powerful one-finger braking.
Reliability and Ownership
Electronic reliability
AXS eliminates gear-cable contamination and cable stretch. Once the derailleur is correctly aligned, shifting should remain stable without routine barrel-adjuster corrections.
Wireless systems introduce battery management and firmware as maintenance considerations. Batteries need charging, contacts should remain clean and firmware should be kept current.
The removable AXS battery is a practical advantage. A spare is small enough to carry, and batteries can be swapped between compatible components.
Front-derailleur setup
SRAM front shifting depends heavily on accurate derailleur height, angle and frame rigidity. Poor setup can produce slow shifts, chain rub or chain drops.
The current front derailleurs include setup tools and improved cages, but professional installation remains worthwhile. A chain catcher is a sensible addition to a performance road build, particularly on a carbon frame.
Wear components
Flattop chains, XDR cassettes and direct-mount chainrings are proprietary parts. They work across relevant SRAM road systems but are generally more expensive than broadly available mechanical drivetrain components.
Regular chain-wear measurement is important. Replacing a moderately priced chain before it elongates excessively can greatly extend the service life of an expensive cassette and chainring.
Warranty
SRAM provides a two-year limited warranty to the original purchaser against defects in materials and workmanship. Australian Consumer Law operates alongside the written manufacturer warranty.
Pedal Passion’s role as an authorised dealer and workshop is relevant because many symptoms that initially appear to be warranty issues are caused by firmware, hanger alignment, brake contamination or installation. Local diagnosis can reduce delays and avoid unnecessary component returns.
Forum discussions
Not always super-reliable, but we read them as well. Complaint examples include battery contact issues, derailleur damage, brake noise, front-shift setup problems and power-meter concerns.
Pedal Passion Rob's personal rebuttal
I rode every generation of SRAM since 10-speed mechanical. Also extensively rode Shimano Ultegra as well as Dura-Ace. The battery concern is real, after a year or more some may lose contact, this was generally fixed with an alcohol spray and good clean. Never had an issue with Power Meter accuracy.
The fundamental electronic architecture is shared closely enough that Red should not automatically be considered more reliable simply because it costs more. In some circumstances, the less expensive replacement cost of Rival makes it a more practical high-mileage choice.
Final Word
The current SRAM hierarchy is not a simple progression from poor to good to excellent.
Rival AXS E1 already provides accurate wireless shifting, strong braking, modern hood ergonomics and accessible power measurement. It is the most rational choice for riders who want electronic performance without allowing the drivetrain to consume the complete build budget.
Force AXS E1 is the standout. It delivers most of Red’s real-world performance, saves meaningful weight over Rival and adds carbon crankarms, sophisticated power options and Bonus Button controls. For most custom road and gravel builds, Force produces the best balance.
Red AXS E1 is a specialist premium product. Its low weight, machined cassette, hollow carbon crankarms, broader gearing and maximum adjustment are genuine improvements. They do not create a proportionate improvement in shift speed, but they matter in elite racing and cost-no-object builds.
The latest XPLR systems broaden the decision, but that is a topic for another article. XPLR 13-speed 10-46T cassette makes 1x more credible for fast gravel, all-road and selected road applications. XPLR is no longer limited to loose gravel or adventure bikes. On a compatible UDH road frame, it can create a clean, robust and versatile race drivetrain.
It does not replace 2x for everyone. Riders seeking close cadence steps, fast bunch-riding flexibility and high-speed road efficiency will generally remain better served by Rival, Force or Red 2x.
For most cyclists, the recommendations are straightforward:
- Choose Rival for maximum value.
- Choose Force for the best performance balance.
- Choose Red for minimum weight and flagship finishing.
- Choose Rival XPLR for practical gravel.
- Choose Force XPLR for gravel racing and road-capable 1x.
- Choose Red XPLR when price is secondary to race weight.
The correct groupset is not the most expensive one a rider can afford. It is the one that supports the intended gearing, power measurement, terrain and maintenance budget while leaving enough of the build budget for wheels
