SRAM

Force eTap AXS 1x HRD Groupset - 2023

SRAM's Force eTap AXS 1x HRD Groupset kills two birds with one stone as it offers gravel riders, all-road cyclists, and cyclocross racers with a long-awaited eTap 1x offering, afforded by its Orbit rear derailleur damper, as well as it falling under its second-tier Force level which saves a good chunk of change. It still keeps that simple eTap shifting logic, and add the ability to customize it with its AXS app. This intuitive new groupset also adds a 10-tooth cog to its cassette, thanks to its XD-R freehub, allowing for a wider range cassette and the shifters can even play with its AXS Eagle mountain bike components for cyclists who take their rigs off the beaten path on a regular basis. And that's not even touching on its ease of set up and travel since there's no shift cables or housing to deal with. Just like its mechanical offerings, Force is built of less exotic materials, meaning it's slightly heavier than Red, however, since the electronics are the same as its premier group, shifting action is nearly indistinguishable.

This group includes right and left Force eTap AXS HRD brake/shifters with flat mount calipers, rear Force eTap AXS derailleur with battery, a battery charger, 2 Centerline XR 6-bolt 160mm rotors, and a charging cord. You will still need to purchase a SRAM 12-speed DUB or GXP crank, cassette, chain, and appropriate bottom bracket.

One of the most exciting new features with the group is its AXS integration. Once you connect the group to the AXS app via Bluetooth on your smartphone or tablet, you can easily personalize the groupset including button customization and numbers of up or downshifts when the buttons are held down. Additionally, it allows you to view battery status, get maintenance reminders, and update the firmware. AXS even lets you mix and match eTap road and Eagle mountain bike components for a completely customized ride.

The HRD shift/brake levers offer the same fully wireless, simple, and intuitive electronic shifting with fully hydraulic disc braking as the previous eTap with some new features. The before mentioned AXS integration allows for customization and the shifting paddles are now larger with a new texture for an improved feel while receiving two Blip ports on each lever for remote shifters. Fit and lever preferences are easily adjusted with SRAM's Contact Point Adjustment and Reach Adjust technologies and when it comes time to bleed, SRAM's Bleeding Edge technology with special ports at the caliper and lever allows for easy and clean maintenance.

The rear derailleur gets the Red AXS trickle-down changes, namely in its Orbit silicon fluid damper chain management system providing a quiet, secure, and smooth ride even over the bumpiest terrain. Simply put, it reduces chain bounce without placing additional resistance on the derailleur's spring when under slow or light movement so you still receive easy shifting and rear wheel removals. Its updated motor and signal provide faster and more precise shifting. Large X-SYNC pulleys with ceramic bearings provide extra efficiency and durability while riding and it's compatible with existing eTap batteries. One last thing, it uses the same cage length for 10-26, 10-28, and 10-33t cassettes so you can make changes to your gearing based on the terrain, all while using the same rear derailleur.