Sram Red Axs E1 Groupset

Sram Red Axs E1 Groupset

Pursuing the Ultimate Lightweight

In the past, the RED eTap AXS was often compared to the R9270, and the weight was one of the biggest issues. In this era of pursuing extreme lightweight, the RED felt like a warrior wearing medieval armor - strong but still too heavy. However, the brand-new RED AXS E1 has seen a noticeable slimming down. The crankset, cassette, caliper, and even the chain have all undergone a weight-loss program, resulting in a reduction of 154g compared to the previous generation. This transformation has allowed the RED AXS E1 to regain the top spot in the shifting performance rankings, achieving the perfect ultimate lightweight.

More Ergonomic Shifters

If I have to point out the most impressive upgrade, the shifters would be at the top of the list. Departing from the bulky shifter body of the past, the new design allows riders to grasp it more easily. Compared to RIVAL and FORCE, the RED AXS E1 shifters are more ergonomic, significantly reducing the pressure on the palm. The brake lever reach can be adjusted through the holes on the front of the lever, with a total of four stages, making the selection more intuitive and convenient. It's worth mentioning the quick-action buttons on the shifters, which can be customized according to the rider's usage habits after connecting to the AXS app, providing riders with more diverse choices.

Exceptional Braking Power

The black technology of the RED AXS E1 shifters doesn't stop there. The optimization of braking power is the most profound and direct improvement. From the internal structure, the brake spring and hydraulic valve hidden in the lever body are a bit longer than the previous generation, allowing an 80% reduction in brake effort when pulling the lever up, and a 33% reduction when pulling down. This realizes the dream of one-finger braking, which is a great blessing for riders with relatively small hand strength. Even in emergency situations, they can perform braking actions quickly, enhancing the overall riding safety.

Smoother than Ever

One of the biggest problems with SRAM in the past was chain drop, which both recreational riders and World Tour racers had encountered when under heavy pedaling. However, with the upgraded front derailleur and the new-generation chain, the issue of chain drop will be significantly reduced. The new front derailleur has a slimmer and longer shape, and the chain guide plate extends further backwards, eliminating the delay between upshifting and downshifting. The shifting efficiency has also been improved, resulting in an undeniably smooth and effortless feel.

More Seamless Chain Management

The X-Sync pulleys have a more square-shaped tooth profile, which means they can better accommodate the new flat-top chain. Paired with the Orbit fluid damper, it can reduce unnecessary chain fluctuations caused by minor vibrations, resulting in more direct power transmission. Although this upgrade is relatively subtle, when you are riding on rough terrain for an extended period, the energy saved can be quite significant. For professional riders who meticulously pursue every watt, and for us weekend warriors, not wasting a single watt is crucial.

More User-Friendly Specifications

The long-awaited short crankarms have finally arrived, making the RED AXS E1 more suitable for riders' current needs. In the past, the only options were 165-175mm, which made it difficult for riders with shorter legs. The addition of 160mm and 162.5mm options not only liberates the riders' legs but also reduces muscle load by increasing the cadence. The upgrade of the rear cassette to a maximum of 36T is also a blessing for riders. Imagining a setup of 46/33 chainrings and a 10-36 cassette, riders will no longer fear the 27% steep climbs of the Grand Tourmalet, as a high cadence can easily overcome such challenges.