Adding to the appeal is another feature typically associated with the cyclist willing to break their budget is an option for a crank-integrated power meter that adds precision data analysis from Quarq and a Rival-worthy pricepoint. Yep, adding a power meter to your new SRAM Rival eTap AXS groupset is relatively cheap - just $350 for the power meter and crankset. And get this, the power meter itself is compatible with other SRAM AXS drivetrains, uses a standard Lithium AAA battery, and adds just 40 grams (plus whatever your battery weighs) to the overall weight.

SRAM Rival eTap AXS is the definition of trickle-down technology. As RED and Force groupsets saw upgrades and improvements over the past couple of years, Rival has become the beneficiary of much of the R&D going into the upper-tier components. The same tech with less expensive materials translates into a really impressive groupset that only a few years ago would have been the best on the market - but now available at a fraction of the price.

With a complete package price roughly similar to SRAM Force mechanical - which includes the hoods and brake levers, front derailleur, crankset with Quarq power meter, rear derailleur, cassette, and chain - SRAM Rival eTap AXS is designed for accessibility. In fact, the Rival eTap parts can be used in a mix and match manner with any other AXS components including controllers from mountain bike groups if you want to get creative and build a flat bar road bike with eTap AXS capabilities.

The new groupset comes in both 1x and 2x drivetrains and, as with all other AXS products, is 12-speed specific which enables you to have some fun creating your ideal drivetrain. Mullet builds are no problem as long as each component belongs to the SRAM AXS family.

A flat-top chain is part of the deal and is claimed to reduce noise, increase durability, and cut down on wear and tear of gears.

All told, the SRAM Rival eTap AXS checks in at approximately 2,823 grams with some variance depending on crank length, cassette size, and crankset gearing. Add a few grams for the AAA battery (for the power meter) and brake rotors (which are not included in the Rival eTap AXS kit) and you’ve got an entire wireless electronic shifting 12-speed groupset that weighs right around 3,000 grams. For comparison, SRAM’s next step up, the Force eTap AXS groupset weighs close to 2,800 grams and a cost of about twice what Rival eTap AXS comes in at.

For gravel enthusiasts, or those who want a really big gear ratio, you can use a mountain bike GX AXS cassette and rear derailleur with a Rival AXS crankset, and boom, you’ve got a cassette with up to 52 teeth in back ready to eat up tough climbs.

Power meters and electronic shifting used to belong only to those willing to spend a pretty penny to get it. Now, premium technology is within the reach of a new range of cyclists and, as SRAM says, this shifts everything.

Have any questions about SRAM Rival eTap AXS? We have it in store; give us a call or send us an email any time to info@contenderbicycles.com.