NEW SRAM Red AXS: ride review, details & pro mechanic insight

The new 12-speed SRAM Red AXS electronic-hydraulic road group features a completely overhauled lever design that is considerably more powerful and more comfortable than before, and SRAM also shaved weight throughout the group for a total claimed weight of 2,496g.

I have ridden a few hundred miles and 20,000 feet or so of elevation on the group, and I share what I like and what I don’t like here.

Also, I hire Jim Potter, owner of Vecchio’s bike shop, to build up the group and give me his take on the group in particular and SRAM in general.

More videos on SRAM Red AXS to come! But this is a good overview of what’s new on the new SRAM Red AXS.

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Gear I use for shooting (not sponsored!):

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The Ride is supported in 2024 by:

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0:00 overview
4:00 pro mechanic
15:54 FasCat
17:26 new lever details
21:00 other part modifications
23:37 weight
24:16 ride impressions
30:02 what I don’t like
32:16 bottom line

[ricmcgillgopro]

Another through and fair review. The new hood design looks great and I'm anxious to see what the overall consensus is over time. You've once agin set the bar for review quality and depth. What drone are you using these days? The Colorado shots of you are really nice. Thanks so much for all you do.

[fookie-fone]

That ENVE road bike is absolutely stunning. Love the color!

[Cyclingchoice]

Shimano grx nailed this style of hood shaping few years back, good to see sram take this styling to road. Not the sharpest looking shifters but should be more functional and comfortable like grx.

[joehiatt]

Funny when I listen to bike mechanics removing simple parts or disassembly, I work on my cars, cycles & home & compare that to a bicycle which is a joke to work on, no crawling under tight spots or heavy lifting with a bike, working on a bike is relaxing

[kenmunozatmmrrailroad]

Such a pleasure to hear a summary from a mechanic on an actual customer install- great video👍🏽

[johnrodgers]

Love SRAM. I initially bought it for a custom bike with decouplers for travel (no cables or wires) makes the process easier.
The simplicity of right hand moves chain right and left hand moves chain left was good for my brain on the limit which is not infrequent.
I have the most current Force group on my newest bike and love it (actually 1x on a road bike…the horror😮).
Great review!

[cbenson]

Excellent actual review with bonus content from Jim. Well done.Def going to swap my older red hood/levers for the new ones.

[mauricebrocco]

Excited to get “old heavy “axs sets on big sale

[lazarosnikolaidis]

Hello again and thanks for your superb review of new Red, Ben!
Your videos are so straight forward and reply all our questions.
Nice touch to include the opinion of a pro builder.
Always useful/wonderful stuff, fun and informative the same time. 👍
P.S.: Your bike looks fantastic with the new Red!!👌

[kailashblades]

First frame of the video is certainy a way to get someone's attention! Great video and commentary. I think the new lever layout is a big step forward and is something that I would love to see the other manufacturers jump on board with.

[pjohns]

Thanks for a comprehensive and common sense review. Your viewpoint matters and is helpful to all riders. This video should be required for everyone thinking about purchasing a new high end road bike!

[m.talley]

Great content creation - especially bringing a top notch mechanic into the review. Full real world picture on ownership. Do long-term follow-up and put Mr Potter in anytime it makes sense.

[Iene]

This is the place where i come for a real life review. Thanks for the testing. For me, this group is not a big step up but good changes nonetheless

[davidparsons]

Thanks for sharing that cycling route. We have traveled thru Grand Junction and always spent just a night.
My age and cycling experience this just may be a great Ride for me.
As usual your video is a class above the rest!

[davekashuba]

Thanks for a full, proper review instead of reading a stat list.

[galenkehler]

Nice deep dive, great description.
The new lever shape is almost identical to the TRP hylex, which is a great thing, ive been running those for a few years and theyre the best of anyone for hood shape ane braking ergonomics

[alexmurdock]

Fantastic. I've always been a Sram fan. The ergonomics of the lever is the best on the market IMO (never owned a Di2 group tho).

[brianmcinnis]

This reminds me of how much I want to have my Melee painted. First world problems…😅 Thanks for the fantastic review, as always, Ben.

[speedbrian]

Great Review, I appreciate covering the hood shape in great detail. I have 2 bikes with Force AXS, Im going to replace my road bike later this year and have been interested in maybe going with the new RED. I'm an old man hack of a cyclist my only reason to go Red over Force is ergonomics. My son is sponsored by Sram for DH racing so i get a decent discount and the cost difference isn't absurd.

[lukepowell]

I have always wanted a closer look at that frame and wondered what it was seeing a blue bike hanging on the wall. It looks amazing and I love the blue paint job!