Introducing SRAM Eagle AXS and RockShox Reverb AXS (Wireless Electronic 12-Speed Eagle Drivetrain, Wireless Electronic Reverb Dropper Seat Post, and more...) [Video]

SRAM and Rockshox really took the whole “New year, new me” thing to the next level with the release of Eagle AXS and REverb AXS. Chances are you didn’t just stumble upon this blog, so yes the rumors are true, a wireless Eagle 12-Speed Drivetrain is now available to the public. SRAM has presented us with Eagle AXS (access) BUT it doesn’t stop there.

Rockshox has simultaneously released a wireless version of the Reverb Dropper Seat Post, the Reverb AXS Dropper Post. AND although we are not a road specific shop and specialize primarily in high-end mountain bikes, we should still cover the new eTap AXS for all those roadies out there. Riders will now be introduced to a world of components that will revolutionize convenience, ease-of-use, installation, and ultimately performance in comparison to what the world of mountain biking has been used to all these years.

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SRAM Eagle AXS

So as the years have passed by, we have seen SRAM evolve into being what might be considered the best drivetrain manufacturer in the world of mountain bikes. Although there are still many speculators who remain die-hard Shimano fans, there is no denying the fact that SRAM has stepped up the bar further than any other manufacturer. With the introduction of the first 1x12 Eagle drivetrain, the future looked as bright as it could be in recent years. Eagle has dominated the market since 2016 and the question was constantly “how could they make it any better?”

As mountain biking became more and more simplistic, manufacturers began to experiment with wireless components and many mountain bikers started looking at road bikes as an example to clear out the clutter. SRAM had offered their eTap Drivetrain for quite some time and many mountain bikers drooled over the idea of owning a wireless drivetrain for their XC, Trail, or Enduro rigs. Our dreams became a reality when a photo posted by photographer Michal Červený of Nino Schurter’s bike broke the internet.

Although just a prototype, we knew something good was in the works. No date was announced for release, no specs, costs, colors, nothing was leaked and SRAM maintained to keep the mountain bike world wondering what was to come of this eTap Eagle kit we saw on Nino’s bike. Until now.

SRAM has finally released the “eTap Eagle” kit we once referred to it as, but with a catchy new name, color options and all-around cool factor. The all-new SRAM Eagle AXS Drivetrain will be offered in both an X01 and XX1 version. Eagle AXS will offer riders complete personalization of their drivetrain while removing the complexity of a standard drivetrain. Simplicity like we have never experienced on a mountain bike before. A completely wireless derailleur and shifter can be manipulated through SRAM’s very own AXS app. The performance a rider will experience will be the biggest difference as typical conditions like cable tension, shifting under load and rough terrain will not delay or ruin your shifting performance.

Installation

Installation is fairly simple! Bolt on the derailleur and shifter, set the limit screws, press the pairing buttons and hit the trails! It is designed for a perfect chainline and there is no additional effort you need to give besides setting up the AXS app on your phone.

SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS

The XX1 Eagle AXS Kit will continue to support Sram’s proven 10-50T 500% cassette with a flashy new coating! Oil slick, jet fuel, whatever you want to call it, this color will be breaking necks on the trail left and right. To stress, the XX1 AXS kit is XC focused as it features a carbon derailleur cage, titanium hardware, and a rainbow finish that really screams I have a light and expensive bike! You can use this on a trail or enduro bike although the X01 AXS kit is recommended for those disciplines. Retail for this drivetrain will be $2000 USD.

SRAM X01 Eagle AXS

SRAM’s X01 Eagle AXS will still offer the same 500% gear range we are used to and as a more cost-efficient option to riders who don’t want to break the bank, The X01 AXS Group will offer a clean and almost stealthy drivetrain for those riders not looking for a super flashy bike. As mentioned above the X01 Eagle AXS group is Enduro specific as it features a heavier, yet more durable forged-aluminum cage and stainless hardware. Retail price for this set up is $1900 USD.

Battery and Charging

The AXS kit does use a battery and it is easily removable as it just clips in and out. It will last for about 20 hours of riding and it is recommended that you charge the battery at that point. The battery can be swapped between Eagle AXS, Reverb AXS, and RED eTap AXS at any point. To check the life of the batteries, press the button on the derailleur. A green light will signify a full or close to full charge as red will signify a half charge or even lower. One worry is sitting time, which you don’t have to worry about as the system has a power save mode when the bike is not in use. Lastly, the battery is completely dust and waterproof so you don’t need to worry about that. NO, you should not ride your bike into the ocean or a pool to see if it still works underwater.

RockShox Reverb AXS

RockShox has received mixed emotions on their current dropper post, the Reverb. Offering a hydraulic dropper when others offered a mechanically actuated post set them apart from the crowd. The Reverb initially offered better function and reliability than other posts on the market but as time grew on, the Reverb fell further and further down the ranks. The hydraulic cable featured on the Reverb was what made it popular and ultimately destroyed it’s popularity. So what did Rockshox do? Eliminate the cable.

As bikes become more minimalist, eliminating cables only seems natural. Magura introduced a wireless dropper many years ago and with good feedback. It only made sense for other companies to follow, however, no one did. Magura was left in a field of their own with the Vyron Dropper Post. Now there is competition, and being such a staple in the bike industry, SRAM is going to be a force to be reckoned with as the Reverb AXS is built with the next generation of mountain bikes in mind.

The RockShox Reverb AXS is built with a low friction internal floating piston for a quicker actuation and less downward saddle force and will be smoother and more reliable than previous models. Just like Eagle AXS, the system will not be affected by riding conditions or cable conditions. With the all-new Vent Valve Technology, that squishy feeling Reverbs were once known for is no more.

“We also know, sometimes the inevitable happens. Over time, air and oil may mix, resulting in that annoying post “squish” and the need for additional service. Vent Valve Technology allows you to do this simple service within a few steps, without any disassembly of the post. Depress the valve, compress the post, good to go. The air is channeled back into the air chamber leaving the oil where it belongs and you back to more confident reliable performance.” – RockShox

Specs

Seat Post Diameter: 30.9mm, 31.6mm, 34.9mm
Travel: 100mm, 125mm, 150mm, 170mm
Clamp: Discrete Clamp or Matchmaker Compatible
Price: $800 USD

SRAM RED eTap AXS

SRAM has offered a wireless road drivetrain for quite a while now. It has proven to be one of the best road drivetrains on the market and from a bystander’s view, is the reason we now have a wireless 12-speed for mountain bikes.


Introducing a completely new line up for the eTap Drivetrain, riders will see a new  Rear Derailleur, Chain, Cassette, Brake and Shift System, Crank, Chainrings, etc. The best stuff on earth just got better!