SRAM Force AXS Gets a Major Overhaul: What We Know so Far
Excited whispers are circulating in the cycling world after images surfaced online, hinting at a important redesign of SRAM’s Force AXS groupset. These leaked photos, shared on the popular forum WeightWeenies, suggest a shift in focus towards ergonomics, bringing the second-tier groupset closer in feel to the high-end Red AXS.
The changes aren’t limited to just the shifters. Other components like brake rotors and derailleurs also appear to have received updates. Interestingly, a Hammerhead Karoo computer was spotted in the images, raising speculation about a potential bundle deal or even its inclusion as standard equipment with new force AXS builds.
The shift in shifter design is a especially noteworthy detail. “The change from the previous generation of SRAM Red to the current one was drastic in one key area: the shifter hoods,” we noted in a previous review. “The shifter hoods underwent a transformation, improving in our experience both the ergonomics and the braking performance,”
while the arrival of a new Force AXS generation has been anticipated, the specific details remain largely shrouded in mystery. The absence of leaked images showcasing a revamped crankset has fueled speculation that SRAM might be introducing a new crankset alongside this groupset upgrade, perhaps as a bundled offering or even standard equipment for bikes built with the new Force AXS.
Keep an eye out for official announcements from SRAM as we eagerly await confirmation of these exciting developments and a closer look at the entirely revamped Force AXS groupset.
SRAM Force AXS Gets a refresh
SRAM’s Force AXS groupset, a favorite among endurance and gravel riders, is getting a notable update. while the overall design language remains, key components receive refinements that promise to enhance performance and user experience.
The moast noticeable change is in the shifters. They boast a sleeker, slimmer profile, particularly the hoods. This aesthetic shift also means a longer reach compared to the previous generation, a factor that may necessitate adjustments in bike fit for some riders.
Adding to the customization options, these new force AXS shifters retain the reach adjust port found on the front of the lever, a thoughtful inclusion for riders with smaller hands.
Like its predecessor, the updated Force AXS groupset continues to embrace wireless and electronic technology, ensuring smooth, seamless shifting performance.
Word on the street suggests that the braking internals within the new Force AXS groupset will mirror those found in SRAM’s range-topping Red groupset, a change that is likely to be welcomed by riders. This design overlap is a strategic move by SRAM, catering to the growing demand for top-tier performance across its product lineup.
SRAM’s latest Force AXS groupset proclamation is generating buzz, even though the changes might not be as dramatic as some hoped.
The front derailleur, says SRAM, is largely unchanged.”Save for a logo placement change, the front derailleur looks almost identical to the current generation of SRAM Force,” they state. However, the rear derailleur seems to be getting a makeover. SRAM hints at weight savings, achieved by streamlining the parallelogram plates and incorporating cutouts, mirroring the design approach seen in their premium Red groupset.
Perhaps the most noticeable change is the new jockey wheels. These lighter, more skeletal units, inspired by the Red model, are another strategy in SRAM’s quest to shave grams from the overall weight of the groupset.
SRAM’s upcoming Force AXS groupset promises exciting updates, blending performance enhancements with weight-saving measures. While it borrows some cues from the top-tier Red AXS, it carves its own path with distinct design choices.
One notable difference lies in the braking system. Unlike the Red AXS, which utilizes the lighter Paceline X rotors, the Force AXS appears to stick with the standard Paceline non-floating rotors. The calipers,too,deviate from the heavily machined,polished aesthetic of their Red counterparts,retaining a darker,glossier gray finish.
Adding to the intrigue, whispers suggest the new Force chain will feature a flat top profile, but with strategically placed hollows machined into the outer plates. This clever design aims to reduce weight without compromising strength or durability.
SRAM’s latest Force AXS groupset is turning heads, and for good reason. While the technical specifications speak volumes, a particularly intriguing detail is the inclusion of a Hammerhead Karoo 3.
This isn’t exactly commonplace. The inclusion of a Hammerhead Karoo 3, a popular cycling computer, with the SRAM Red groupset was unusual. Now, these images suggest that SRAM intends to replicate this strategy with the Force AXS groupset.
This move makes sense considering hammerhead is now part of the SRAM family, alongside renowned brands like RockShox and Zipp.
Combining the performance of SRAM’s renowned components with the sophisticated features of the Hammerhead karoo 3 could be a powerful strategy. SRAM might potentially be aiming to increase market share and challenge the established dominance of Garmin and wahoo in the cycling computer segment.
The big reveal of the new SRAM Red AXS groupset left some key questions unanswered, setting the stage for even more excitement in the cycling world. Notably absent where details about the accompanying cassette and crankset, leaving enthusiasts eager to uncover the next chapter in SRAM’s innovative story.
While a leap to a 13-speed cassette isn’t entirely impossible,it’s highly probable that SRAM would initially reserve this technology for its flagship Red groupsets. as one industry insider remarked, “It is indeed entirely possible that it could jump to 13sp, it is highly unlikely that SRAM would roll out that technology on anything other than its Red groupsets initially.” This suggests a strategic rollout, introducing cutting-edge features to the top tier before broader adoption.
The absence of images of the crankset fuels speculation about weather SRAM will stick with its popular 1x system or offer a 2x option. SRAM’s unwavering commitment to 1x across both on-road and off-road cycling, however, hints at a continued focus on simplicity and efficiency. As a company spokesperson stated, “SRAM is a champion of the 1x system, both on and off-road, and so native 1x compatibility is expected to remain.” This likely means that a 1x-ready crankset will be the go-to choice, catering to the growing number of riders drawn to the streamlined nature of single-ring drivetrains.
Another intriguing question mark surrounds the groupset’s potential for gravel riding. The success of the SRAM Red XPLR AXS, a gravel-specific version of the Red AXS, suggests that SRAM might expand its off-road offerings. While there’s no concrete details yet about a dedicated gravel-focused groupset companion to the new Red AXS, it remains a possibility.Only time will tell if SRAM will cater to the growing gravel cycling community with a specialized groupset, further solidifying its position at the forefront of cycling innovation.
How do teh design choices of the SRAM Force AXS groupset differ from those of the SRAM Red AXS groupset?
Credit: Cycling Weekly)
The anticipated SRAM Force AXS groupset, whilst drawing inspiration from the top-tier Red AXS, carves its own path with distinct design choices.Unlike the Red AXS, which utilizes the lighter Paceline X rotors, the Force AXS appears to stick with the standard Paceline non-floating rotors. Additionally, the Force AXS calipers deviate from the heavily machined, polished aesthetic of their Red counterparts, retaining a darker, glossier gray finish.
Whispers also suggest that the new Force chain will feature a flat top profile,but with strategically placed hollows machined into the outer plates. This ingenious design aims to reduce weight without compromising strength or durability. The SRAM Force AXS groupset promises exciting updates, blending performance enhancements with weight-saving measures, and establishing its own identity while benefiting from the technology and design advancements of the premium Red AXS groupset.