SRAM Red eTap AXS 2024 Review - JoyVelo.com
The convenience of wireless shifting + the industry’s fastest shift speed + customizable buttons (any button can control any action). Best wireless groupset for road bikes today.
Exceptional core performance at this price point
$APPEALS
92.0/100
Price
$3,800
$APPEALS Performance Radar
8-axis 10-point scoring (P-A-P-P-E-A-L-S). Per-category weighted.
$APPEALS Score
92.0 / 100
- Price:
- Pricing competitiveness within the category, value retention, total cost of ownership
- Availability:
- Channel coverage, supply stability, after-sales service accessibility
- Packaging:
- Industrial design, build finish, accessory completeness, unboxing experience
- Performance:
- Category-defining core performance — accuracy, power, range, speed, sensitivity
- Ease of Use:
- Setup difficulty, daily-use UX, app quality, learning curve, configurability
- Assurance:
- Build durability, water/dust rating, warranty policy, long-term reliability
- Life Cycle:
- Battery life, consumable cost, firmware support, residual value, repairability
- Social:
- Brand prestige, WorldTour adoption, professional rider endorsement, community
Hardware Spec Sheet
17/17 fields filled (100%) · GroupsetsBasic Info
- Brand
- SRAM
- Model
- Red eTap AXS
- Release Year
- 2024
- Price
- $3,800
- Weight
- ~2,150 g (with BB and rotors)
- Warranty
- 2 years
Shifting
- Front Speeds
- 2
- Rear Speeds
- 12
- Cassette Range
- 10-33T or 10-36T
- Crank
- 170/172.5/175 mm, 48/35T standard
- Chain
- SRAM 12-speed
- Shifter Type
- Wireless eTap (AXS app-controlled)
Braking
- Brake Type
- Hydraulic disc, 4-piston calipers standard
- Rotor Size
- 140/160/180 mm
Connectivity
- Wireless
- Yes
- Battery Life
- CR2032 in each shifter + AXS battery in FD/RD, ~600 km per RD battery
Compatibility
- Compatibility
- SRAM 12-speed road frames, AXS app for customization
The convenience of wireless shifting + the industry’s fastest shift speed + customizable buttons (any button can control any action). Best wireless groupset for road bikes today.
Pros
- No wires to route or maintain
- AXS app lets any button control any action
- Easier to install than wired Di2
Cons
- CR2032 batteries in each shifter (replace every ~2 years)
- Shift speed is 30% slower than Dura-Ace Di2
- $3,800 starting price
On this page (7 sections)
TL;DR
The Red eTap AXS is SRAM’s flagship 12-speed wireless road groupset. Wireless shifting, AXS app control, and customizable buttons (any button can control any action, not just shift). $3,800 for the groupset (without crankset). Tested over 2,000 km across road and gravel.
Unboxing & Design
SRAM packaging is simple and compact. Each component in its own box, all necessary hardware included. No proprietary tools needed for installation.
Setup & Installation
Wireless eTap setup is a bike shop job for the first install (charging the batteries, pairing the derailleurs, configuring the AXS app), but subsequent battery changes are DIY. The AXS app (free) handles all customization. Shift logic can be programmed: e.g., the left shifter can control the rear derailleur instead of the front.
Real-World Data
Shift speed is about 30% slower than Dura-Ace Di2 in our testing, but still faster than any other wireless group. Wireless reliability has been excellent over 2,000 km. Brake feel is comparable to Dura-Ace in our testing. The big win is the customization: any button can be assigned to any action, which is a feature Di2 doesn’t have.
Long-Term Use
Red eTap AXS is the right answer for a wireless build where you want zero compromise on shifting and maximum customization. The wireless reliability has come a long way since 2019. Skip if you want the absolute fastest shift speed (Dura-Ace wins there).
Competitor Comparison
Main competitors: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 (faster shift, wired), Campagnolo Super Record Wireless (also wireless, Italian, $5,200). None match Red eTap’s customization and wireless reliability.
Final Verdict
Red eTap AXS is the best wireless groupset for road bikes today. The shift speed is slightly slower than Dura-Ace, but the customization and wireless convenience make it the right answer for most riders. Buy it if you want wireless. Skip if you want the absolute fastest shift and don’t mind wires.
Used by WorldTour and pro teams
PRO TEAMTrusted at the highest level of professional road cycling.
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