SRAM RED eTap AXS 1x Hydraulic Disc Group with Power

As much as we would’ve enjoyed it, SRAM didn’t recommend running a 1x setup with the previous generation of RED eTap. The lack of a chain retention system or a clutch, meant that chains were slapping all over the place and not working to the extent of a ready-made drivetrain like SRAM Force 1. New for this year in the SRAM AXS line is a 1x option, built to handle everything gravel, road, and time-trial related. The SRAM RED eTap AXS 1x Hydraulic Disc Group with Power is your ideal pick when disc brakes and drop bars are a necessity.

The group functions similar to the first generation RED eTap. The controls offer one paddle on each side. The left shift paddle moves the the left shift paddle moves the chain left on the cassette (as a downshift), while the right shift paddle moves the chain right on the cassette (as an upshift). Hold a paddle and the chain will continue shifting in the desired direction. Tap both paddles simultaneously and the chain will shift between the large and small chainrings. While this is a notable departure from what other companies have implemented, shifting is very intuitive and it quickly becomes second-nature.

What’s changed is the addition of SRAM AXSTM app. Simply connect your phone to your AXS components, which allows riders to see battery status, change component behavior, personalize controls, get maintenance reminders, and update firmware. Want to use your eTap AXS controllers with a Eagle AXS drivetrain and Reverb AXS dropper seatpost? The AXSTM app allows you to do that.

Derailleurs have been completely updated. The rear derailleur is now just one choice to cover 10-26t, 10-28t, and 10-33t cassette options. This single derailleur features now features a quicker motor and larger cage pulleys for faster shifts, and SRAM’s Orbit damper. Essentially a low-friction clutch, this fluid damper helps quell chain slap over rough roads, while maintaining low weight. The front derailleur now offers ample clearance for a 700 x 42c tire, and has a cage profile optimized for the smaller jump in chainrings (13 teeth as opposed to 16 teeth of a standard 2x chainring) for faster shifts, regardless of chain load.

SRAM 1x chainrings have led the pack with their narrow-wide tooth profile, long wear, and quiet performance. While all SRAM RED eTap AXS 2x chainrings are all direct-mount, 1x chainrings use a direct mount interface or four-bolt spider depending on chainring size.

This bodes well for SRAM’s new power meter options, which are largely built into the new direct mount chainrings. SRAM claims accuracy within +/-1.5% with power measured from both left and right legs. They also claim no need for recalibration when swapping chainrings, and the direct mount aero chainrings offer improved aerodynamics over a standard crank-based power meter. 48 and 50t chainring options are fully integrated power into a direct mount aero chainring, while 36-46t 1x variants have spider-based power.

The SRAM RED eTap AXS 1x Hydraulic Disc Group with Power includes the rear derailleur, controls, brake calipers, rotors, power meter crankset, bottom bracket, cassette, chain, batteries and charger. With choices regarding crankset selection, chainring size, crank arm length, cassette size, disc brake standard, and bottom bracket standard, there are a number of options to suit your needs on your road bike, gravel bike, or time-trial bike. Please contact us regarding the specifics you are looking for and we will take care of you.

Have any questions about SRAM RED eTap AXS 1x Hydraulic Disc Group with Power? Send us an email any time to info@contenderbicycles.com, or give us a call during business hours