SRAM has launched a significant update to its Rival AXS electronic groupset, aiming squarely at the popular Shimano 105 Di2 with a focus on improved performance, lower weight, and a more competitive price tag. This revamped wireless electronic groupset brings features and looks inspired by SRAM’s higher-end Red AXS, promising a premium feel and function for mid-range road bikes.
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The key takeaways? The new Rival AXS is now lighter and less expensive than its main rival, Shimano 105 Di2, while also featuring drastically improved shifters and a sleeker design throughout.
What’s New and Why It Matters
The previous generation of Rival AXS was SRAM’s first foray into electronic shifting at this price point. While functional, it faced stiff competition when Shimano introduced the wireless 105 Di2, which was lighter and often appeared on more affordable complete bikes. SRAM’s latest Rival AXS is a direct response, bringing upgrades across almost every component to regain the edge.
New SRAM Rival AXS electronic groupset installed on a modern road bike.
Revolutionary Shifters
Perhaps the most noticeable improvement is the design of the shifters. Borrowing heavily from the top-tier Red AXS, the new Rival shifters feature a smaller, more ergonomic hood shape. SRAM reoriented the internal hydraulic piston, allowing for a significantly lower profile and slimmer width.
This isn’t just about looks; the improved shape offers better grip and control, especially when braking from the hoods. The new lever shape with an indent and slight outsweep also makes braking feel more direct and controlled. Plus, these new shifter/brake units save a combined 72g per pair compared to the previous version. At this price point, it’s also impressive to see carbon brake levers included, adding to the premium feel. While they miss the extra ‘bonus’ buttons found on Red and Force AXS, they do add adjustable reach, a handy feature absent before.
Ergonomic new SRAM Rival AXS electronic shifters with a lower profile design.
New SRAM Rival AXS road bike shifters featuring carbon brake levers for improved feel.
Sleek New Crankset
Gone is the older, plainer crankset. The new Rival AXS crankset takes inspiration from SRAM’s mountain bike components, featuring an angular design with a distinctive cut-out section on the arms and a sculpted back. Made from aluminum, it looks far more modern and expensive than its predecessor.
The chainrings now adopt the one-piece, two-ring design seen on Force and Red AXS. SRAM states this boosts stiffness and contributes to weight reduction. While this one-piece design looks clean, it does mean you’ll need to replace both rings as a single unit when they wear out. SRAM has priced replacements at £120 / $140, which is slightly more than buying Shimano’s 105 rings individually, but not prohibitively so, especially compared to the price gap at the higher-end Red/Dura-Ace level. A spindle-based power meter option is also available, maintaining compatibility with the AXS ecosystem.
Close-up of the redesigned SRAM Rival AXS crankset with angular arms and direct mount chainrings.
Refined Derailleurs
The rear derailleur keeps a similar look but gets updates like a new cage profile and an improved clutch spring tensioner for better chain control over rough surfaces. Shifting feels quick and precise, locking into gear smoothly whether you’re shifting up or down the cassette, even under pedaling load.
The front derailleur sees a more significant change. It features a new cage profile and updated firmware that includes an auto-trim function. This subtle adjustment of the cage position eliminates chain rub, a common annoyance with many drivetrains. Upshifts are quicker, and downshifts are more controlled, avoiding the harsh chain drop of some older designs. Combined with the new one-piece chainrings, the front shifting performance is greatly improved and easily rivals Shimano’s performance in this area.
Detailed view of the SRAM Rival AXS rear derailleur housing the wireless AXS system.
SRAM Rival AXS front derailleur and chainrings optimized for smooth and precise electronic shifting.
Powerful, Controlled Brakes
The hydraulic disc brake calipers are also new. Featuring a two-piece, ribbed design similar to Force and Red AXS, they are stiffer and have a lower profile. When paired with the improved shifters, braking performance is a significant upgrade. You get more power and much better modulation – the ability to control your speed precisely – thanks to the improved ergonomics and caliper design.
The brakes engage smoothly with minimal lever effort and offer excellent stopping power. After bedding in, they also remain quiet, avoiding annoying rotor rub often found with disc brakes. Single-finger braking, even from the hoods, is now a comfortable and effective option.
Compact SRAM Rival AXS hydraulic disc brake caliper with a two-piece design.
The Weight and Price Advantage
A key competitive point against the previous Rival AXS and Shimano 105 Di2 was weight and price. SRAM has successfully addressed both.
Comparing similar setups (46/35 chainrings, 10-33t cassette, 160mm rotors for Rival AXS vs. 50/34 chainrings, 11-34t cassette, 160mm rotors for 105 Di2), the new Rival AXS weighs in at 2,960g, while 105 Di2 is 2,992g. That’s a 32g saving for Rival AXS.
Even more impactful is the price. As a full aftermarket groupset, the new Rival AXS is significantly cheaper than 105 Di2, coming in around £154 / $126 less. Even adding the power meter option, Rival AXS is still slightly less expensive.
Performance on the Road
Testing showed the new Rival AXS is impressively capable. Shifting was consistently smooth, accurate, and reliable over nearly 300 miles of riding across varied surfaces. The chain remained controlled thanks to the rear derailleur’s clutch, even on rougher patches.
Front shifts, a weakness of some older systems, were excellent – quick, smooth, and with zero chain rub thanks to the auto-trim feature. Braking offered ample power with refined control, particularly noticeable from the hoods due to the new shape.
The available gearing, such as the 48/35 chainrings paired with the 10-33t cassette, provides a versatile range suitable for both challenging climbs and fast descents, offering a slightly lighter low gear and a taller high gear compared to a typical Shimano 105 setup.
SRAM Rival AXS rear derailleur and cassette showing the wireless electronic shifting components.
Easy Setup
One of the major benefits of SRAM’s AXS wireless system is the straightforward setup. There’s no internal wiring to route through the frame (except for brake hoses), making installation much simpler than wired electronic groupsets. You simply bolt on the components, fit the chain, and pair everything wirelessly via the AXS buttons. Some care is needed for front derailleur alignment, but SRAM provides a tool to assist with this. Once paired, you can use the AXS app or a compatible GPS head unit to customize settings and track ride data.
The Bottom Line: Is Rival AXS Now King?
For some time, Shimano’s 105 Di2 held a clear advantage over the previous generation of SRAM Rival AXS, mainly on weight and often showing up on more competitively priced complete bikes.
However, this major update flips the script. The new SRAM Rival AXS is now lighter, significantly cheaper as an aftermarket purchase, and brings substantial performance improvements, particularly in the crucial areas of shifter ergonomics and braking feel. The enhanced front shifting and more refined overall package make it a truly compelling option.
While it remains to be seen exactly how pricing will play out on a wide range of complete bikes, initial indications and the lower aftermarket price suggest that bikes equipped with the new Rival AXS could offer exceptional value.
Considering the performance, features, and now the competitive weight and price, SRAM Rival AXS is no longer just a ‘rival’ to 105 Di2. It has arguably taken the lead in the mid-range electronic road bike groupset category.
