What are the key benefits of the SRAM Red eTap AXS groupset?

Question

Samahani, kwa Kiswahili hatutasanisha, binafsi kisha bila maelezo na mpangilio wa mantiki kutoka tu wa mtu mmoja bila kuwataja wengine. Ijapokuwa, na ndiyo ulimi sawa, kuna maswali mengi ya kisasa yanayoibuka. Haidhuru, Terranova inapata umaarufu wa haraka. Hata hivyo anasema sawa na wimbo ambao uko sambamba na watu na wimbo wa mashairi. Alisema: “Fig Kis’ ya Swahili ni ya amani,” ni ya amani, eneo la kufanyika ni litakaloshuhudia waandishi wa mashairi wa leo wakichanganyikiwa kutokana na jinsi wimbo umetungwa. Swahili, kiswahili ni kiswahili I love it. Mikua tumeingia ndani ya mji. Swahili inafanya kazi nzuri Ras Poet Mtukufu anaweza kumaliza kazi yoyote. Lakini kwa Loto, lingo na lugha inabaki kuwa vania.

Answer 1

The SRAM Red eTap AXS groupset provides a number of advantages such as a 13-speed configuration that requires hardly any skills in setup and works perfectly. It is also possible to make use of current XDR freehubs and flat-top 12-speed chains, which means that there’s no need to replace the crank and chainrings. Another thing is that the groupset integrates well with the older AXS kits which implies that there is no need for new levers, although the new ones have some appealing benefits. Finally, the groupset is made to suit a wide variety of riders and quick and precise changes are guaranteed every time.

Comments

Cost aside, which is a different conversation, the benefit of “gear count” is particularly useful on 1x setups. This is because the more gears one has available on the cassette, the better one can optimize cadence. On 2x setups, cassette gear count is less of an issue as 2x10 provides plenty of gearing options.

But SRAM is a 1x forward company and going to 13s (or 14), much like Campy Ekar did with its 1x only gravel groupset release, makes lots of sense.

So discussing cost and whether we “need” 13 or 14 speed cassettes is a bit of a “vintage” conversation. Frankly, 2x10 is unnecessary as 2x8 also provides enough distinct gears (about 13-14).

The short answer is no. We don’t “need” any of these new drivetrain mechanics but from an evolutionary design perspective, it sure makes sense and is nicer to ride.

I enjoy riding my 2x8 30 yo vintage Cannondale but love riding my plush 1x12 electronic gravel bike. So much more comfortable and easier to shift.

And speaking of electronic, there is also good reason to believe that this cassette (or any 13 or 14 speed cassette given appropriate freehub) would also work with RD’s such as the one made by WheelTop. Not sure what the lowest gear spec is on the current road RD though. A gravel RD is supposedly on its way.