Both my wife I migrated to the Domane Rival eTap. I love the simplicity and can imagine riding with gloves with make shifting a non-issue. My only issue is the axs app, which needs some work. Even though we have separate profiles, I couldn't add both groupsets to the app on a single mobile device. What I had created mysteriously disappeared. Since I track the batteries and updates for the family I now have to use 2 separate devices.
I need to thank Sram and Shimano for going down the electronic Group sets phasing out mechanical group sets and making their middle to top tier extremely expensive. I’ve gone back to campy - very reliable looks great and is the best mechanical group set I’ve ever owned. No batteries required but a good review.
The problem is affordability. Campagnolo don't really do the lower end stuff well, SRAM have Apex but it's old. Shimano going Di2 only on Ultegra and DA does make one wonder if they're going to drop in a gruppo between 105 and Ultegra...new 600EX?
I've ordered the full group (coming from 105 R7000) but haven't had a chance to ride it because it's very hard to get all of the parts in. Seems SRAM is sending most of the units to the manufacturers for complete bikes. I'm still waiting on the shifters but have everything else. The fact that you can get electronic shifting, greater gear range and a power meter for less than the now "old" Ultegra Di2 is amazing. Unless you are racing at a high level, I doubt the weight should be a factor. Can't wait to test it out once all my parts come in.
I have this groupset and love it.. my only issue has been that the SRAM app isn't good at showing the correct battery levels.. my Wahoo ROAM is and alerts me to low batteries etc
I am getting into a Cervelo Caledonia-5 and had a choice between the Rival and Force groupsets (coming from a Trek Madone with Ultegra), this video was very helpful about going with Rival.
This video answered my question about whether it's really a high quality groupset, or just a bunch of flashy features. Thank you! I've ordered a Canyon Endurace with this groupset, including the power meter. It's supposedly going to arrive in late April or early May, but it's been so hard to find a new bike here in my size I'll believe it when I see it. I've never tried electronic shifting before so I'm really excited to try that out. I've also gotten used to having power numbers on my trainer, so I'm looking forward to having that out on my rides, too. Oh and this will be my first bike with disc breaks, too. I haven't done an outdoor ride since December (too much snow) - spring can't get here soon enough!
and? can you say something about sram rival? ive ordered canyon endurace too with sram rival axs and it ll be my first electronic Group too. are you enjoing electronicshifting?
I’m loving it! I ended up getting a Scott Addict with SRAM Rival, since a local bike store had it in stock sooner than the Canyon would arrive. The electronic shifting is fantastic, you will never want to go back to mechanical. So quick an reliable. One feature I didn’t even know I would love so much is linking it up to my Wahoo computer and having it display what gear I’m in. One downside is that the groupset is a bit on the heavy side - but I’m not too worried about a few hundred grams. I did have some issues with the disc brakes at first. One of the pistons was sticking and not extending properly - which led to frequent alignment and noise issues. Very annoying and took me a while to figure out, but have fixed it now and I’m enjoying the disc brakes a lot more. Last thing I’ll say is that the 12 speed cassette is fantastic. The Scott Addict especially is set up with a super relaxed gear ratio for climbing, and I use the lowest gear all the time. It’s great for when you want to stick to low intensity training, or when you need to make it up that last climb of the day. It is pretty easy to max out on descents, but honestly it’s probably better not to descend too fast anyway unless you’re in a pro race. I think more riders would probably get more enjoyment out of endurance bikes due to relaxed geometry and gear ratio.
Are they planning for a long cage rear derailleur? 10-36 seems a bit close range for a 1x set up, especially as their old 1x ran with 10-42 as standard. Or do they expect you to use a MTB RD instead?
Greetings from Portugal! Great review 😉 I'm looking to buy a new road bike and it will be my second road bike. I would like to purchase one with electronic gears, 12speed and powermeter option. Because the total plafond is around 4800-5000€ I'm looking for bikes with SRAM Rival Axs. In your opinion, it will make such a big difference buying the version with the spider power meter versus purchasing the one with power meter left crank arm - I have a little imbalance between L and R Leg (the left produces a little bit more watts ~4-6W) By the way, it'll be my first bike with electronic gears, so I'm bit worried about the battery life...I know with SRAM you can take a spare battery if one loss all the battery...but in the long use, those batteries tend to "die" like others components (cellphones, GPS, etc.) how often do you recommend to charge them to get the most of them in the long term ? Keep up the good work and good rides👍👍
Been using force axs 2x hydraulic for last 2 years and works flawlessly. Had derailleur battery go low but never ran out. Recommended charging them every 5/6 weeks. I had battery life anxiety when first using it but that quickly went. Shifter batteries last roughly 18 months.
@@nemeanf27 In your opinion, it will make such a big difference buying the version with the spider power meter versus purchasing the one with power meter left crank arm - I have a little imbalance between L and R Leg (the left produces a little bit more watts ~4-6W)
Spider based power meters generally are more accurate than a single sided crank arm one. Majority of people have one leg stronger than the other so just measuring power by one leg and multiplying by 2 won't give better accuracy compared to a spider based one.
“Budget” is a relative term, much in the same way that a Porsche is a budget sports car when compared to a Ferrari or McLaren! I’ll admit it is hard to swallow but then I’m old enough to remember buying a proper, Tour de France level racing bike for $1500 back in the 80s. ;)
@@kbd13-n9c a wireless rim brake Rival is not on the Sram website and multiple reviews say it's a disk only AXS groupset. Is it possible that you LBS has a Force or Red set of levers & calipers with the Rival AXS front / rear mech / cranks? That combination would work.
@@MrJwmurph yes I agree but braking performance is so much better on disc bikes, but I feel you I had a hard time saying goodbye to my Willier rim brake bike.
You might want to read: road.cc/content/feature/cross-chaining-it-really-all-bad-213468 "we would encourage your readers to ride big-big if they like, as long as they don’t experience chain rasp on the front derailleur cage. SRAM drivetrains, specifically the Yaw front derailleurs, are designed to accommodate this. "
Both my wife I migrated to the Domane Rival eTap. I love the simplicity and can imagine riding with gloves with make shifting a non-issue. My only issue is the axs app, which needs some work. Even though we have separate profiles, I couldn't add both groupsets to the app on a single mobile device. What I had created mysteriously disappeared. Since I track the batteries and updates for the family I now have to use 2 separate devices.
I need to thank Sram and Shimano for going down the electronic Group sets phasing out mechanical group sets and making their middle to top tier extremely expensive. I’ve gone back to campy - very reliable looks great and is the best mechanical group set I’ve ever owned. No batteries required but a good review.
The problem is affordability. Campagnolo don't really do the lower end stuff well, SRAM have Apex but it's old. Shimano going Di2 only on Ultegra and DA does make one wonder if they're going to drop in a gruppo between 105 and Ultegra...new 600EX?
I've ordered the full group (coming from 105 R7000) but haven't had a chance to ride it because it's very hard to get all of the parts in. Seems SRAM is sending most of the units to the manufacturers for complete bikes. I'm still waiting on the shifters but have everything else. The fact that you can get electronic shifting, greater gear range and a power meter for less than the now "old" Ultegra Di2 is amazing. Unless you are racing at a high level, I doubt the weight should be a factor. Can't wait to test it out once all my parts come in.
yeah SRAM aren't the only one struggling with supply right now! hope your shifters arrive soon
Got Rival Axs on my Ridley Fenix Slic and it is just fantastic, the app a bit iffy with updates etc but as for the groupset….wonderful !!
lots of alloy bikes have carbon seatposts, it's generally not an issue
Hmmm…not sure that reply was for me but nice to hear from you guys anyway 👍😊
I have this groupset and love it.. my only issue has been that the SRAM app isn't good at showing the correct battery levels.. my Wahoo ROAM is and alerts me to low batteries etc
I am getting into a Cervelo Caledonia-5 and had a choice between the Rival and Force groupsets (coming from a Trek Madone with Ultegra), this video was very helpful about going with Rival.
This video answered my question about whether it's really a high quality groupset, or just a bunch of flashy features. Thank you! I've ordered a Canyon Endurace with this groupset, including the power meter. It's supposedly going to arrive in late April or early May, but it's been so hard to find a new bike here in my size I'll believe it when I see it. I've never tried electronic shifting before so I'm really excited to try that out. I've also gotten used to having power numbers on my trainer, so I'm looking forward to having that out on my rides, too. Oh and this will be my first bike with disc breaks, too. I haven't done an outdoor ride since December (too much snow) - spring can't get here soon enough!
crossing our fingers here that your bike shows up in a timely manner!
and? can you say something about sram rival? ive ordered canyon endurace too with sram rival axs and it ll be my first electronic Group too. are you enjoing electronicshifting?
I’m loving it! I ended up getting a Scott Addict with SRAM Rival, since a local bike store had it in stock sooner than the Canyon would arrive. The electronic shifting is fantastic, you will never want to go back to mechanical. So quick an reliable. One feature I didn’t even know I would love so much is linking it up to my Wahoo computer and having it display what gear I’m in. One downside is that the groupset is a bit on the heavy side - but I’m not too worried about a few hundred grams.
I did have some issues with the disc brakes at first. One of the pistons was sticking and not extending properly - which led to frequent alignment and noise issues. Very annoying and took me a while to figure out, but have fixed it now and I’m enjoying the disc brakes a lot more.
Last thing I’ll say is that the 12 speed cassette is fantastic. The Scott Addict especially is set up with a super relaxed gear ratio for climbing, and I use the lowest gear all the time. It’s great for when you want to stick to low intensity training, or when you need to make it up that last climb of the day. It is pretty easy to max out on descents, but honestly it’s probably better not to descend too fast anyway unless you’re in a pro race. I think more riders would probably get more enjoyment out of endurance bikes due to relaxed geometry and gear ratio.
@@stevenqirkle wow thank you for your opinion. im waiting for my canyon with rival axs and cant wait when im reading your opinion!! thx u
Looking forward to parts shortages sorting themselves out so I can get my bike kitted out with this.
you and us both!
I think you can use the blips with Rival and even the new lower cost Apex.
meh, im sticking w rim brakes, cable shifting, and tubes inside... i started buying up 11sp shimano ultegra level consumables to last until i die
But there is a red cassette on this bike, isnt it?
hi , wanna to ask , is possible i change to bigger chainring on Rival eTap AXS ?
Are they planning for a long cage rear derailleur? 10-36 seems a bit close range for a 1x set up, especially as their old 1x ran with 10-42 as standard. Or do they expect you to use a MTB RD instead?
You can get a Rival XPLR rear mech which will cope with the new 10-44 cassette for gravel.
Would need to run it 1 X though.
Greetings from Portugal!
Great review 😉
I'm looking to buy a new road bike and it will be my second road bike. I would like to purchase one with electronic gears, 12speed and powermeter option. Because the total plafond is around 4800-5000€ I'm looking for bikes with SRAM Rival Axs. In your opinion, it will make such a big difference buying the version with the spider power meter versus purchasing the one with power meter left crank arm - I have a little imbalance between L and R Leg (the left produces a little bit more watts ~4-6W)
By the way, it'll be my first bike with electronic gears, so I'm bit worried about the battery life...I know with SRAM you can take a spare battery if one loss all the battery...but in the long use, those batteries tend to "die" like others components (cellphones, GPS, etc.) how often do you recommend to charge them to get the most of them in the long term ?
Keep up the good work and good rides👍👍
Been using force axs 2x hydraulic for last 2 years and works flawlessly. Had derailleur battery go low but never ran out. Recommended charging them every 5/6 weeks. I had battery life anxiety when first using it but that quickly went. Shifter batteries last roughly 18 months.
@@nemeanf27 thanks for your feedback 👍 do you have any other considerations about the other questions I've asked? 🙂
What else would you like to know about SRAM axs ?
@@nemeanf27 In your opinion, it will make such a big difference buying the version with the spider power meter versus purchasing the one with power meter left crank arm - I have a little imbalance between L and R Leg (the left produces a little bit more watts ~4-6W)
Spider based power meters generally are more accurate than a single sided crank arm one. Majority of people have one leg stronger than the other so just measuring power by one leg and multiplying by 2 won't give better accuracy compared to a spider based one.
$1600 is not a budget groupset!
it's not a top-end groupset either, though
Price it against R8000 Di2 or Force with no power meter and you'll see it is indeed pretty "budget."
“Budget” is a relative term, much in the same way that a Porsche is a budget sports car when compared to a Ferrari or McLaren! I’ll admit it is hard to swallow but then I’m old enough to remember buying a proper, Tour de France level racing bike for $1500 back in the 80s. ;)
What is the weight of Rival and Force?
Total system weight for Rival AXS is ~3,150g, and Force is ~2,950g
@@roadcc That's a nobrainer on the pricepoint.........
Are you saying a £3k bike has a SRAM Red cassette???
it's not standard spec, just what our review bike came with
I have the 2022 Vitus Vitesse Evo Cr.. with this groupset... it also has a Red Cassette which surprised me!
So is it SRAM RIVAL AXS or SRAM RIVAL ETAP AXS?
technically it's SRAM RIVAL ETAP AXS, but there isn't a SRAM RIVAL AXS to get it confused with that isn't ETAP, so you should be good
If it were available in mechanical rim brake I'd consider upgrading right now!
It is! The owner of my LBS uses it.
@@kbd13-n9c a wireless rim brake Rival is not on the Sram website and multiple reviews say it's a disk only AXS groupset. Is it possible that you LBS has a Force or Red set of levers & calipers with the Rival AXS front / rear mech / cranks? That combination would work.
Surely rim brakes are a downgrade?
@@matthewlewis2072 Not if you currently have them and are happy with your frame!
@@MrJwmurph yes I agree but braking performance is so much better on disc bikes, but I feel you I had a hard time saying goodbye to my Willier rim brake bike.
Robert Downey Jr. and Liam Neeson!
they'd probably take that, to be honest
As an Rival user i can say front derauler and crankset are complettely usseles. Never again
Meh, my left leg is much weaker. I’ve had thrombosis in at thrice.
10 teeth is the biggest mistake sram made. they singled out their self .
6:05 why on earth are cross chaining!?
AXS is designed with ratios that allow you to stay in the big ring more, because front changes are less efficient. also, the pros love big/big :-)
@ 6:03 big no no, you should know better than that.
You might want to read: road.cc/content/feature/cross-chaining-it-really-all-bad-213468
"we would encourage your readers to ride big-big if they like, as long as they don’t experience chain rasp on the front derailleur cage. SRAM drivetrains, specifically the Yaw front derailleurs, are designed to accommodate this. "
@@roadcc Lol, well pardon me for not taking Sram engineering advice seriously.
Shimano engineers would rather commit seppukku than give false advice.