SRAM Rival eTap AXS Long-Term Review: Wireless Electronic Shifting for Everyone!

"Experience a better bike ride. SRAM Rival eTap AXS features the technology modern riders want—intuitive wireless shifting, innovative gearing, integrated power measurement, AXS connectivity, and refined hydraulic disc brakes. It’s low on complexity, but rich with features." - SRAM

"It's clean, secure and reliable technology to match your modern bicycle. eTap wireless shift logic is simple and intuitive to ride: one button to go easier, one to go harder."

In this video, JOM of the Gravel Cyclist crew conducts a thorough long-term review of SRAM's newest drivetrain option, Rival eTap AXS. At a price point that makes this groupset seriously competitive with some mechanical drivetrains, it is a game-changer. Reliable 12-speed wireless electronic shifting for the masses, that stands up well over the long haul? See the review above!

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[justg]

If you don't like it, don't buy it. I love the up front honesty. No one needs electronic shifting. No one needs conditioned air in their vehicle. That said, I sure like being cool when I drive and the gentle tap of my Di2 shifter. Keep up the great reviews.

[meibing]

Shimano rider myself, but SRAM hit a sweet spot for the masses with a price that makes electronic shifting much more accessible.

[vongdong]

Gotta thank you for tipping me off on this groupset just before I was about to go di2. I just completed a mullet build a few weeks ago(been waiting on stock for shifters) and am super happy with it.

[Snicker]

Now this is a review! I'm looking at a Specialized Roubaix with this groupset and thinking of going WAY over my budget for my next bike, and since it has this set, I needed to know how it works. No filler, no unnecessary fluff, just the meat of the situation. Battery life, 1000 miles, OMG. Showing us how fast it can shift, I can't believe how quick that rear derailleur is. Oh, but it's so heavy, oh it's not the prettiest looking thing, bollocks! This review has me a LOT more confident about making the purchase of the Roubaix, especially since I'm gonna have to wait more months to buy a Canyon. Folks, it's a system that doesn't require any maintenance except keeping the batteries from going flat. This is a good thing. And if you don't like it, don't buy it! Thank you!

[freebe]

First time I tried it, I fell in love. It's like going from a typewriter to iPad. I bought a Scott Addict last week and I can't stop riding it. This is from a die hard stick shift driver.

[RogerWatson]

Just ordered a Gravel bike with FORCE AXS 2x12. I like the versatility of SRAM so I can rip that off and stick on an MTB Eagle set up expanding the range and losing the 2x chainset which I don't need where I live.

[nochancecw]

I almost never watch one video about a product but that was very solid. Nice review, all the info I wanted.

[MGRSD]

I just bought Red AXS for my road bike, but I love this honest take. If Rival is this reliable, it makes me feel good about my purchase. Thanks mate.

[Joecyclist]

Great review! I love my Force AXS on my two bikes and this group set looks like it carries on the tradition.

[stephenwest]

Great accurate review, I’ve got Rival AXS on my Ridley Fenix and it shifts effortlessly. I had a chain spotter fitted to protect the frame if the chain ever goes inboard and chews up the frame but that aside, it’s as it came from my LBS and I love it ❤️

[rcdogmanduh]

Great review, working on my next ride but not a lot of choices in the States right now!

[peterm.]

I own an AXS system and, while I don't know it all, I learned something -- front derailleur needs more frequent charging. I've enjoyed my SRAM components --- I tried to order another set, but it was on infinite hold, and I decided to wait and set up a mullet system when it becomes available.

[JMacSp]

I love electronic shifting (Di2), that groupset looks good and probably shift good too, but that's super heavy

[lowrights]

Excellent review, thanks for pointing out the need for Force shifters if you want to run satellite shifters

[GregorF-HansS]

Thanks for the thorough review. This is going to be a popular group set.
Never been a fan of the SRAM FD with the battery sticking up high. Looks awkward to me. I'd probably set it up 1x for that reason alone. We all know that if it doesn't look good, it cannot be fast.

[emmett]

Excellent review just bought a bike with this groupset absolutely love it

[mannyr]

Awesome review, love it...but I will wait for the trickle down version ($500.00) another 4 years 😁 maybe. The tech works but right now it is in its infancy still, and still a big overkilll on the pricing. Am sure it will become the standard in 8 to 10 years on all bike models and levels.

[alfiefranklin]

Brilliant video, thank you……….I’m getting the groupset!😊

[macdaddy]

Great review from a rider that rides hard. A defiant up grade for me in the near future!

[brianmccloskey]

I love your reviews Jom: great practical info and hands on feedback. The biggest plus of your website is the 'no bs' straight shooter approach that you take with all the various products. As a longtime Shimano user, (mostly Ultegra mechanical and Di2) I recently had the opportunity to ride an Open Up outfitted with Sram Rival eTap AXs. I have to say, I loved it. I wouldn't hesitate to put it on my next gravel bike purchase. Your indepth video reminded me why I wouldn't hesitate to go with Sram..