SRAM Red AXS E1: first look
A new generation of SRAM Red AXS has launched today, featuring improved lever ergonomics, a lighter actuating brake lever and additional shifting buttons on top of the shifters. It’s also all backwards-compatible with all previous versions of SRAM AXS groupsets.
While still an electronic 12-speed road groupset, the updated version of SRAM’s flagship road gruppo (dubbed E1 as it’s the fifth generation of electronic SRAM Red) now has rear derailleur capacity for a 36T cassette, a new front derailleur installation tool, and comes with a new generation of Hammerhead Karoo cycling computer as standard.
We sent our intrepid reporter* Tom McQuillan along to the launch event for SRAM Red AXS to check it out.
The new SRAM Red AXS crankset offers a subtle update to the styling of the previous version. This is the 2x version equipped with a Quarq power meter (though not branded as such), and is available with chainring options of 50/37T, 48/35T and 46/33T for an RRP of $2065.00 AUD. The same chainring options are available for the non-power meter-equipped version, which retails for $1205.00 AUD. As with the previous version of SRAM Red, the chainrings are not interchangeable, meaning that worn chainrings will necessitate the purchase of a new crankset.
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The front derailleur now features an auto-trim function, and comes with a new setup tool to make correct installation easier. The front derailleur will retail for $775.00 AUD, and you can pick up a chain for $155.00 AUD for the 114-link version, and $170.00 for the 126-link version.
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The previous generation’s standard rear derailleur could accept a maximum rear cog of 33T, with another version sold that could take up to a 36T cog. There’s only one version of the new generation rear derailleur, which can handle a 36T rear cog as standard.
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The most noticeable change with this new generation of SRAM Red is the reworked ergonomics of the shift/brake lever. The piston for the hydraulic brake is now mounted more horizontally in the body of the lever, resulting in a lower height at the top of the hood and a new brake lever position that SRAM claim will require 80% less force to actuate the brakes from the hoods. There’s also now a ‘bonus button’ on each shifter, which can be programmed to shift the derailleurs, or connect to an ANT+ device such as a GPS computer to switch screens, or even start and stop a ride.
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The traditional shifter paddle has also subtly changed shape, becoming slightly wider and longer to enable shifting from a wider variety of hand positions.
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Two new cassettes have been added to the range, with a 10-30T and 10-36T joining the existing 10-28T and 10-33T options. The three smallest cassette options have an RRP of $775.00, with the larger 10-36T option retailing for $810.00 AUD.
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Each shift/brake lever retails for $1160.00 AUD, and comes as a complete unit along with its matching brake caliper.
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If you purchase a whole SRAM Red AXS groupset, you’ll also get a new Hammerhead Karoo 3 computer thrown in - the first Hammerhead unit to hit the market since the company was purchased by SRAM. Most folks who’ll be purchasing at this price point will already have a GPS head unit, and this looks like a ploy by SRAM to increase uptake of a unit that’s struggled to eat into the market share of Garmin and Wahoo.
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The whole groupset built up on this Baum Orbis+ made for pretty tasty (and expensive!) viewing.
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*Disclaimer: CX Down Under editor Tom McQuillan attended the launch of the new generation of SRAM Red not as a media member, but as part of his day job working at PSI Cycling - the exclusive importer of SRAM components in Australia. CX Down Under is not affiliated with PSI Cycling or SRAM Australia, and does not receive any financial benefits from sales of SRAM products.