£2,192 | 2,896g
CHAIN RETENTION The Orbit fluid damper system in the rear mech seemingly did its job throughout the test period. I didn't drop a chain despite riding, at times, on some pretty dodgy road surfaces
INTEGRATED POWER METER While I question the logic of an integrated power meter that has to be discarded when you replace the chainrings, it has allowed SRAM to deliver a meter that's both lightweight and accurate
YAW FRONT MECH SRAM's AXS front mechs still use its YAW technology, which, unlike traditional derailleurs, rotates as it shifts, which is designed to eliminate chain rub and does away with the need for any trim facility
REDESIGNED HOOD The redesigned Force hoods are unquestionably slimmer than before. SRAM says this makes them a better fit for a wider range of hand sizes. The shifter paddles have been updated too, created to offer improved clearance across a range of hand positions
POWERFUL BRAKES I've always been impressed by the power of SRAM's hydraulic disc brakes and these were no different. The undulating terrain of the Peak District, with its long descents, really tests both the modulation and | stopping power of any braking system and Force more than met the challenge
It's been four years since SRAM Force AXS was released, when it gained an extra sprocket, becoming a wireless 12-speed groupset. This latest iteration sees fewer changes, but does deliver one-piece chainrings, an integrated power meter, redesigned hoods and new graphics.
Being designed as a 'do-it-all' groupset for both road and gravel use means an extensive line in chainset offerings, with both 1x and 2x of various sizes, as well as a patented 'wide' version, which features a wider chainline to accommodate wider tyres.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
CLASSIC BIKE COLNAGO SUPER
A trailblazing bike immortalised by Merckx and Saronni
"Strava activities are the only way I know some of my friends are still alive"
...or that Bernard is doing his weekly shop
AN EXPERT'S TAKE ON... SADDLE SELECTION
Crucial advice to guide your next purchase
JUST A NUMB#R?
Approaching a landmark birthday, Charlie Graham-Dixon explores how ageing affects cycling performance and what can be done to stay ahead of the curve
RURAL PERIL
More UK cyclists are killed on rural lanes than on busy city streets. Rob Kemp investigates why and what can be done to keep us safe while riding in the countryside
A BLESSED RIDE THROUGH THE FOREST OF BOWLAND
Forgoing cloak, cassock and cross, Trevor Ward goes in search of the holy roads that helped make a Tour winner
Dame Sarah Storey claims road and 19th gold double
More success for Team GB's Paralympians in Paris, but Storey slams women's time trial course
Roglič matches Vuelta win record
Slovenian takes fourth Tour of Spain title after hunting down O'Connor's lead, writes Adam Becket
Williams crowned Tour of Britain champion
Welshman leads home resurgence at the stage race to crown an Israel-Premier Tech clean sweep, reports Tom Davidson in Felixstowe
CLASSIC BIKE CLAUD BUTLER OLYMPIC ROAD
Iconic British brand's Holdsworth-era road bike