New SRAM Force eTap AXS WIDE - The Shimano GRX Di2 Killer?

The new SRAM Force eTap AXS WIDE is here. A wider range, so you can get even further out there.

A little back story first. When SRAM first launched the long-awaited Force eTap AXS, it brought the wireless electronic 12 speed shifting that SRAM Red AXS was known for, but at a more affordable price-point. A direct swipe at the dominance of Shimano's Ultegra Di2.

While it was a great choice for 2x road setups, it only went up to 1:1 shifting on both 2x and 1x setups. Ok for a lot of riding, but not enough climbing gearing for the types of terrains that gravel riding can throw at you.

The saving grace was SRAM's "Mullet" build option, pictured above, with that signature "rainbow" cassette. Made possible by the eTap AXS compatibility between SRAM's road and mountain etap groupsets, you could pair a 1x road setup, with a 10-50t Eagle cassette out back. This gave you the much needed lower gearing, while still giving you some top end with that 10t cog.

This configuration quickly became one of our best selling Grimes. The SRAM Red version being the one that was recently featured on the cover of Road Bike Action:

But, it will still missing that wide range 2x setup that Shimano GRX nailed. Well, that setup is no longer missing, and that makes us happy! Who knew math and ratios would be so exciting.

SRAM Force eTap AXS now includes a 10-36t cassette and 43/30t sub-compact chainring option. That setup provides you with a wider range than GRX and a range that matches up on both the low and top ends to a 42T by 10-50T Mullet build. Damn nice.

SRAM provided us with some gearing charts that visually drive home the point:

Those are some nice, WIDE charts. I also made my own (although not as pretty) chart showing how it compares to a Mullet build:

The new SRAM Force eTap AXS 43/30t crank and matching wide front derailleur also offer increased tire clearance, which was also a pesky problem with 2x eTap bikes. 650b x 47c tires would rub the front derailleur.

We look forward to building up a Grimes with this new eTap WIDE setup and providing some real world feedback. Based on our past experience with SRAM's eTap, we're sure it's going to be a blast.

We'll also be taking pre-orders on Grimes with SRAM Force eTap WIDE. Shoot us a message here if you want to get on the wait list. We're finalizing pricing now and getting delivery ETAs.

New bike parts are always exciting!

-Hector

Killer photos by John Watson, Jamie Kripke and SRAM.

And if you're into the full nitty-gritty, here are the details on each part:

Force XG-1270 Cassette - NEW 10-36t Version

The SRAM Force XG-1270 10-36t cassette is optimized for the precise shifting of eTap AXS and features our X-Range gearing technology. Smooth, quick shifting from 10t on up.

• Compatible with all 2x and 1x eTap AXS crankset, chainring, and front derailleur options
• X-Range gearing gives you more range and a smoother gear progression, so you’re always in the right gear
• Must be used with 36t max Force eTap AXS rear derailleur
• MINI CLUSTER construction reduces weight and increases durability
• Designed for XDR driver bodies
• All Zipp wheels starting from 2015 are XDR ready

Force eTap AXS Rear Derailleur - NEW 36t max version

Whether you ride 2x or 1x, tarmac or gravel, the new SRAM Force eTap AXS 36t max rear derailleur is made to take you further. Its additional low range cassette compatibility is complemented by Orbit damper technology for quiet, secure chain management over rough roads. It also capitalizes on large X-SYNC bearing-equipped pulleys for outstanding durability and efficiency.

• Compatible with all 2x and 1x eTap AXS crankset and chainring options
• Max 36t derailleur is compatible with 10-36, 10-33, and 10-28t cassettes
• Orbit chain management technology keeps the drivetrain quiet and secure
• SRAM AXS enabled, allowing easy control personalization
• Large X-SYNC pulleys for durability and efficiency
• Compatible with existing eTap batteries

Force eTap AXS Wide Front Derailleur

Designed specifically for wide spaced cranksets with 43/30t chainrings, the SRAM Force eTap AXS wide front derailleur provides consistent, smooth shifting performance for drivetrains with lower gearing. Its wider position on the bike also accommodates fatter tires for venturing far beyond the well beaten path.

• For wide cranksets with 43/30t chainrings
• Clearance for 700x45c and 27.5x2.1" tires
• Compatible with any frame designed for 2x drivetrains
• Crisp and accurate front shifts
• AXS enabled for easy personalization
• SRAM Yaw trimless cage technology with an optimized cage profile for new chainring combinations
• Compatible with existing eTap batteries

Force 43/30t Wide Crankset

Explore the most challenging routes on the newest crop of versatile and fun drop bar bikes with the SRAM Force 43/30t wide crankset. Shifting is smooth, accurate, and dependable using our proven X-Range gearing based around a tight 13t difference between the small and big chainrings. The wider stance of the chainrings expands 2x drivetrain bike capabilities by providing clearance for fatter tires.

• Requires Force wide front derailleur
• X-Range gearing technology gives you more range and a smoother gear progression, so you’re always in the right gear
• Crisp and accurate front shifting
• Wide chainline crankset for bikes with up to 700x45c or 27.5x2.1" tire widths (43/30t chainrings only)
• Longer DUB crank spindle accommodates both Road and MTB width frame bottom bracket standards for unmatched cross-compatibility across brands
• DUB bottom bracket adds durability and simplicity