SRAM Red AXS

SRAM improves shift quality and tackles braking woes of old in its latest road bike groupset, reports Joe Baker

- Joe Baker

£4,248 | 2,496g

A fter months of rumour and speculation, the next generation of SRAM Red AXS is finally here. The new groupset broke cover in full at the Tour de Romandie three weeks ago, among claims of much-needed improved braking performance, front derailleur shifting, and a new aesthetic. At just 2,496g, it also overtakes Dura-Ace as the lightest disc- brake road bike groupset.

I have been riding the new groupset for the last six weeks, so with hundreds of kilometres on the new cogs, I feel wellplaced to answer two important questions. Has SRAM fixed the issues of old? And has it finally surpassed Shimano? Well, SRAM has drastically improved on key points, but as a package I don’t think it quite usurps Shimano. Let me tell you why.

Shifting gear

The most striking part of the new SR AM Red AXS groupset is the total aesthetic and ergonomic redesign of the shifters, down, in no small part, to the repositioning of the hydraulic brake master cylinder. SRAM’s outgoing groupset featured a bulbous hood design that was, well, polarising to say the least, with many pros even opting for custom shifters that were smaller in diameter. This was because the master cylinder sat vertically in the top of the lever hood. Now, this has been moved down within the body of the shifter, making a massive difference to both comfort and ergonomics. The shifters also now feature auxiliary buttons just above where your thumb sits, which can be programmed to shift or otherwise through the SR AM AXS app.

Riding on the hoods is now brilliantly comfortable, as the new design provides a well-sized handhold that offers plenty of control.