NEW SRAM Red eTap Wireless Groupset – First Look At The Tech!

SRAM have lifted the lid on their groundbreaking new wireless groupset. It's called SRAM Red eTap and Si Richardson talks us through the details.

It was all the way back in May of 2014 when Tom Last first spotted an electronic SRAM Groupset at the Tour of California.

SRAM have spent the following 15 months refining this revolutionary completely wireless groupset. Well now, it's finished, and Si Richardson was the lucky person from GCN to take a first look, and bring you all the details.

The derailleurs communicate with the shifters using 128 Bit AES encryption. All components therefore need their own batteries but SRAM have designed them to be easily removable.

The method of shifting has also changed, with each hand responsible for either shifting up or down the cassette, and when both levers are pressed simultaneously the front derailleur is activated.

About GCN:

The Global Cycling Network puts you in the centre of the action: from the iconic climbs of Alpe D’Huez and Mont Ventoux to the cobbles of Flanders, everywhere there is road or pavé, world-class racing and pro riders, we will be there bringing you action, analysis and unparalleled access every week, every month, and every year. We show you how to be a better cyclist with our bike maintenance videos, tips for improving your cycling, cycling top tens, and not forgetting the weekly GCN Show. Join us on YouTube’s biggest and best cycling channel to get closer to the action and improve your riding!

Welcome to the Global Cycling Network | Inside cycling

Thanks to our sponsors:

Leave us a comment below!

Music - licensed by Cue Songs

[AndoJohn]

As someone who is familiar with AES, just a quick primer. AIREA, SRAMs special tech is what does the communicating. AES garbles up the data that is sent, this is what prevents you from hacking into your mates gears on the final sprint, but it doesn't have anything to do with the wireless communication.

[rael]

Although not wireless, this so called shift logic of pressing the right button for a harder gear, the left button for an easier gear, and both for a front shift, well I had this idea 7 years ago - long before the advent of electronic shifting. Wanted to present it to Campy or Shimano but I guess the folks their don't want to change their shifting principles. Kudos to SRAM for a job well done!

[japsniper]

I love the idea of electronic wireless shifters on my bike. Also the way SRam have changed shifting makes more sense to me. I won't be an early adopter for sure, but I look forward to seeing this tech become more affordable in the coming years and start to trickle down so us mere mortals can afford it.

[MagliaNera]

I have been waiting for this distribution of roles among L-R... great!

[oisiaa]

I don't like the shifting logic. I often (nearly always) shift the front and the rear at the same time. Shift to the small ring...two or three clicks on the rear to give a similar ratio. Reverse for upshifts. You can't do that with this setup. You'll always have a crazy big cadence jump by shifting just the front by itself.

[EvilBambo]

been waiting for this, finally I can try electronic shifting on my Cannondale mech-only frame

[llandor]

Looks like I'm going to hold off until I get a sponsorship for my daily commute / win the lottery. Looks nifty though.

[garyhall]

The idea just like the rest is very good, but you come to that final sprint and wind the power up and you make that one final gear change and go from big ring to the low

[kchappelle]

I’m waiting for a bike that rides itself. Then I can just stay home and watch the ride virtually on the telly.

[collinholleran]

This is soooo awesome I need one of those

[wagerudolf]

Just waitting for:

- Wireless Brake system
- Crankless system

[GeorgeFarrowGreen]

great cannot wait to get this in my TT bikr

[juanerasmog]

Encryption is great to avoid unwanted manipulation of the shifting, but how long will it take for people to figure a way of using signal jammers to basically stop this group set from working?
Imagine a couple of signal jammers along a major climb in the Tour...
If you though that the vigilantism of "fans" punching "dopers" at the tour was bad, why on earth will you give them the chance of messing with your gears?

[connorryan]

you guys should have a mechanical sram groupset and a wirless groupset and do a long-term compair to see if there is any point of buy the wireless

[TheCatAteMyShoe]

My new Liv/Giant Envie Advanced Pro 1 has e-shifters. They're actually pretty easy to use.

[repairdrive]

Interchangeable batteries are a nice feature!

[jaybizzle]

That junction box and added buttons look like a massive after thought, compared to the shimano version this really is unsightly! but on the whole take my money!!

[alogli]

the bike even has the sram type garmin mount, just for completion. that's thorough :D

[headofturtle]

I need a heavy duty set for my mountain bike that would be sick

[superfisto]

I might get this when it goes on sale for <$1000.