I came THIS >< CLOSE to building my latest gravel bike with this groupset. Ultimately I ended up sticking with Shimano. Partly due the DOT brake fluid (and needing additional bleed stuff), needing to convert freehubs, and that it's so dang'd expensive.
11 speed is still the way to go, no 3rd party chains with 12 speed, increased wear (10 cog will cause more sheering forces), new hub bodies etc. Dot fluid does have it's pro's compared to shimano's mineral oil but mineral oil is just easier to live with. I'm still heavily in favor of 11 speed as well.
Built my Scott Addict Gravel with this exact set up, Also built up my latest road with Rival AXS. Both have been flawless and i will be using AXS for any future builds over Shinano easily. It might be slightly more pricey but well worth the extra time to save up. The gear ratio 30-36 on the scott got me up a 1k 16% rocky climb on a charity ride that loads of MTB riders failed so its well up to task.
Excellent review JOM! I just found your channel and have been devouring your videos. Great content (really liked the NoVA Loudoun county vids, that’s where I live!). Thank you very much!!!
great review, especially after the build series episodes. After running ekar for 2 years (built during lock down, many bike supply issues) i think its time to go electronic - week long+ ultra events are starting to play havoc with my thumb/fore finger from shifting. As covid has now (alomost) passed SRAM force & rival are starting to appear in the UK.
Excellent review, as always JOM, got my eyes on this groupset to build up my Pivot Vault (loved the review on that bike too). Hope delivery times will not be too long, fingers crossed 🤞🏽🤞🏽
I had to learn to not ride with my fingers against the paddles. I have always done that with years of mechanical shifters. With the very small push of the electronic paddles, I've accidentally shifted when I hit a bad bump that surprised me. I have tried to retrain myself to not ride with my fingers on the paddles.
I appreciate the shoutout to those of us who have a breakaway frame. So far I’m super happy with Force Wide on my Ritchey carbon Outback. But we go with cable actuated brakes. I am really happy with my Paul Components Klampers. Really serviceable and adjustable. And I can split the cable at the down tube when I break it down to fly across the globe. So just a single cable split. Electronic brakes are next!
Excellent taste in cars, Bill. I wish it was an 1971 / 1972 E38 or E49 Charger with Bathurst big tank. Rather, it is a 2002 Porsche 911 Turbo (manual) and #1 garage queen! 😀
Bill, you can see the car in this review I did of the Sea Sucker Talon Rack - ua-cam.com/video/NLMefGg7bco/v-deo.html - the anonymous thumbs down haters are a little jealous.
Lloyd, I understand your point, pricing also depends on factors such as the local market, if you have the full groupset and so on. Will take note of your comment for the future, thanks for chiming in!
SRAM call their version of synchro, sequential shifting. I thought about covering it in the review, maybe I'll do a separate video for that. I've never used SRAM or Shimano's version of it, but some riders swear by it.
@@GravelCyclist cheers for that, a video would be great! I use the synchro from Shimano all the time, it makes the 2x actually a 1x which is great for climbing 👌
Great Review, Jom. Any comfort issue with the Wide having a Q Factor of 5mm wider (stance)? If so, would this resolve with XTR pedals with the shorter axels?
For me the personally it is not the motion itself that I struggle in cold weather but rather that the shifting gets a bit dodgy or rather feel a bit dodgy when you no longer can feel the tactile click of the shifters. Noticed this with my xt drivetrain today with only -7° outside, usually these days I never ride when it is cold or bad weather at all but it was such a nice sunny day. But how is cold weather affecting the battery or responsiveness of the e-tap system?
eTap has been tested extensively by SRAM in many areas of the world, including Chicago, Illinois (insanely cold at times in Winter). I'm certain they have tested the system well into the negative Celsius temperature range.
There is a B-screw, but it is not in the usual location you expect on the derailleur, and nicely hidden from the driveside view. I believe I have a photo showing it somewhere in this article on my website (wp.me/p4V4se-a8e), or it is inside the embedded video there.
Jom, thanks so much for this review, a very positive one based on all of the riding you have done with it. One quick question, would you say the rear cassette noise is a lot more than a comparable GRX setup? Also, loved the data on battery life based on your experience. Best, Paul
Paul, a little noisier than GRX on the cassette, but as I said in the review, I think that's attributed to the way the cassette is constructed. I only ever notice it really on the work stand, riding about the place, never a worry.
Hello! What size of tire do you use for these review? I’m using 45mm and I'm afraid that, despite the fact that the manufacturer specifies a clearance of 45 mm, acceptable for the front derailleur in my case the front derailleur will scrape a lot of dirt off the wheels, because I’m riding not only tarmac and compacted gravel.
Hello, on the Ribble CGR SL, I rode the Panaracer Gravelking SK in 700c x 43mm. 45mm could definitely be pushing it with the eTap front derailleur battery. Good luck!
I mounted a SRAM mullet in my gravel bike, with Force eTap AXS levers and GX AXS rear derailleur. Have you had any issues with the levers when braking one-finger? I hit my other fingers in that case, being impossible to stop the bike. After some critical situations caused by this issue, I decided to change to Shimano GRX. With these levers I had no issues braking one-finger.
Hi Alberto, I've had no issues. I typically use the rear brake first (right hand setup), and bring in the left if needed. I guess it all comes down to personal technique.
You mentioned using other disc brake rotors such as Shimano with the SRAM system but recommended using the sram rotors. - what were the downsides, if any, to using Shimano rotors with sram system? I am hoping to be able to do this when swapping to a set of road wheels on my gravel bike that normally reside on my DA equipped road bike. Swapping cassettes is only 30 seconds with dt swiss axs hubs on both wheelsets so rotor swapping is what takes time.
There were no downsides, I just prefer the aesthetics of an all matching drivetrain / brake system. But, like you mention, swapping wheels with different rotors is what a lot of us might do, thus I thought it worthwhile to run the DA rotors on another wheelset during the review.
My 30 T chainring started to show significant degradation of the teeth after 6 months causing a crunching sound when climbing on steep hills. Anyone have similar problems?
BTW, there is also Rival eTap, cheaper, works the same, weighs a bit more, and is only missing the option to plug in a Clic or Blip shifter. Something to consider if budgetary concerns are a problem. I have a review of that groupset here - ua-cam.com/video/y6MoWWkbw_w/v-deo.html
@@GravelCyclist the rival is a disc only group. having a ultegra second tier, I’m looking for the same counterpart fro the other manufacturer that’s why force etap
I recently purchased a bike with this groupset. Having used Di2 for years I do like the 1 paddle design so far. I know it's been said the gearing will keep up on group rides but I have my concerns. Can anybody confirm you can keep up on group rides with this gearing?
@@thezonemtb Hello again... 43 x 10 is still a big gear, but you will notice the gear jump in terms of the differences between them in inches. For example, shifting to the 11, and the 12. However, if you have good cadence, you should be OK.
3 роки тому
Hey, thanks for great review. I have one question though. You mentioned possibility of 1x12 setup of this drivetrain? Is it really a viable option? I am asking because I am seriously considering buying certain bike which is equipped with this system.
It is a viable option, I have updated the video description to include two links to my website, the first one definitely has info on 1x. I believe SRAM makes a 1x 36T Force crankset as the lowest option, so you could have a sweet CX setup with a low gear of 1 to 1.
Whilst it's great that SRAM have gone for the wide range it's a massive shame that they're not really supporting mechanical gearing in the same way. A mechanical version of this groupset would (if priced right) be a bigger seller than GRX in my opinion - GRX was still quite conservative in terms of gear range.
@@GravelCyclist especially considering even Dura Ace is now 2 years behind other groupsets. 105 and equivalent grx level groupsets will be a further 2 years down the line.
I've been very fortunate in that respect, it hasn't been an issue, but it never helps anybody's cause that so many rotors are not straight out of the box. Even high end rotors suffer from this affliction, and I end up having a good mechanic friend straighten them out for me.
The ringing noise from SRAM cassettes is one of the things that drives me crazy with my bikes with equipped with SRAM.
I came THIS >< CLOSE to building my latest gravel bike with this groupset. Ultimately I ended up sticking with Shimano. Partly due the DOT brake fluid (and needing additional bleed stuff), needing to convert freehubs, and that it's so dang'd expensive.
11 speed is still the way to go, no 3rd party chains with 12 speed, increased wear (10 cog will cause more sheering forces), new hub bodies etc. Dot fluid does have it's pro's compared to shimano's mineral oil but mineral oil is just easier to live with. I'm still heavily in favor of 11 speed as well.
Built my Scott Addict Gravel with this exact set up, Also built up my latest road with Rival AXS. Both have been flawless and i will be using AXS for any future builds over Shinano easily. It might be slightly more pricey but well worth the extra time to save up.
The gear ratio 30-36 on the scott got me up a 1k 16% rocky climb on a charity ride that loads of MTB riders failed so its well up to task.
Glad to hear these groupsets are working well for you, and chapeau on knocking out that very steep 1k grade!
Excellent review JOM! I just found your channel and have been devouring your videos. Great content (really liked the NoVA Loudoun county vids, that’s where I live!). Thank you very much!!!
Thanks Jose!
great review, especially after the build series episodes.
After running ekar for 2 years (built during lock down, many bike supply issues) i think its time to go electronic - week long+ ultra events are starting to play havoc with my thumb/fore finger from shifting.
As covid has now (alomost) passed SRAM force & rival are starting to appear in the UK.
Excellent review, as always JOM, got my eyes on this groupset to build up my Pivot Vault (loved the review on that bike too). Hope delivery times will not be too long, fingers crossed 🤞🏽🤞🏽
I had to learn to not ride with my fingers against the paddles. I have always done that with years of mechanical shifters. With the very small push of the electronic paddles, I've accidentally shifted when I hit a bad bump that surprised me. I have tried to retrain myself to not ride with my fingers on the paddles.
Good vídeo.
I just wish you could do a review on the Archer Components semi wireless shifting sistem.
At least we could rely on that review.
I may reach out to Archer...
I appreciate the shoutout to those of us who have a breakaway frame. So far I’m super happy with Force Wide on my Ritchey carbon Outback. But we go with cable actuated brakes. I am really happy with my Paul Components Klampers. Really serviceable and adjustable. And I can split the cable at the down tube when I break it down to fly across the globe. So just a single cable split. Electronic brakes are next!
Brake by virtual wire, what could possibly go wrong? :) I LOVE my Breakaway, it is one bike that is never ever going to be sold (Ritchey CX Ti).
Great review as usual Jom. Side question: what is under the cover in your garage? I imagine maybe a 1974 Ford Falcon XB GT "Pursuit Special"...
Excellent taste in cars, Bill. I wish it was an 1971 / 1972 E38 or E49 Charger with Bathurst big tank. Rather, it is a 2002 Porsche 911 Turbo (manual) and #1 garage queen! 😀
Very nice Queen indeed! I would prefer that!
Bill, you can see the car in this review I did of the Sea Sucker Talon Rack - ua-cam.com/video/NLMefGg7bco/v-deo.html - the anonymous thumbs down haters are a little jealous.
Great review as usual Jom. Wireless makes the prospect of going electronic far more interesting. 911 under the cover ?
Well spotted about the 911 :)
thanks for the review... but mate, those spacers above the stem clamp??? Hope that's a very long plug.
Stem has been cut shorter since then, and, a long plug. All is well.
Hey Jom, you need to discuss prices on this group set. It seems fantastic but it is one of the most expensive out there.
Lloyd, I understand your point, pricing also depends on factors such as the local market, if you have the full groupset and so on. Will take note of your comment for the future, thanks for chiming in!
Unfortunately it costs as much as an entry-level gravel bike. But I agree, mechanical shifting in the winter with heavy gloves is annoying.
Hi Jom great review!!! Does this system also have the synchronized shift option like the Di2 system has?
SRAM call their version of synchro, sequential shifting. I thought about covering it in the review, maybe I'll do a separate video for that. I've never used SRAM or Shimano's version of it, but some riders swear by it.
@@GravelCyclist cheers for that, a video would be great! I use the synchro from Shimano all the time, it makes the 2x actually a 1x which is great for climbing 👌
Great Review, Jom. Any comfort issue with the Wide having a Q Factor of 5mm wider (stance)? If so, would this resolve with XTR pedals with the shorter axels?
Hi Dave, I prefer the lowest q-factor possible, and those short axle XTR pedals do help. They are my go to pedal.
For me the personally it is not the motion itself that I struggle in cold weather but rather that the shifting gets a bit dodgy or rather feel a bit dodgy when you no longer can feel the tactile click of the shifters. Noticed this with my xt drivetrain today with only -7° outside, usually these days I never ride when it is cold or bad weather at all but it was such a nice sunny day. But how is cold weather affecting the battery or responsiveness of the e-tap system?
eTap has been tested extensively by SRAM in many areas of the world, including Chicago, Illinois (insanely cold at times in Winter). I'm certain they have tested the system well into the negative Celsius temperature range.
Gravel Cyclist I think what he's referring to is fingers going numb and not feeling the click of the shifters. It happens to me.
Was there a B screw adjustment on the RD?
There is a B-screw, but it is not in the usual location you expect on the derailleur, and nicely hidden from the driveside view. I believe I have a photo showing it somewhere in this article on my website (wp.me/p4V4se-a8e), or it is inside the embedded video there.
Jom, thanks so much for this review, a very positive one based on all of the riding you have done with it. One quick question, would you say the rear cassette noise is a lot more than a comparable GRX setup? Also, loved the data on battery life based on your experience. Best, Paul
Paul, a little noisier than GRX on the cassette, but as I said in the review, I think that's attributed to the way the cassette is constructed. I only ever notice it really on the work stand, riding about the place, never a worry.
@@GravelCyclist Thanks Jom!
Hello! What size of tire do you use for these review? I’m using 45mm and I'm afraid that, despite the fact that the manufacturer specifies a clearance of 45 mm, acceptable for the front derailleur in my case the front derailleur will scrape a lot of dirt off the wheels, because I’m riding not only tarmac and compacted gravel.
Hello, on the Ribble CGR SL, I rode the Panaracer Gravelking SK in 700c x 43mm. 45mm could definitely be pushing it with the eTap front derailleur battery. Good luck!
I mounted a SRAM mullet in my gravel bike, with Force eTap AXS levers and GX AXS rear derailleur. Have you had any issues with the levers when braking one-finger? I hit my other fingers in that case, being impossible to stop the bike. After some critical situations caused by this issue, I decided to change to Shimano GRX. With these levers I had no issues braking one-finger.
Hi Alberto, I've had no issues. I typically use the rear brake first (right hand setup), and bring in the left if needed. I guess it all comes down to personal technique.
"You can climb virtually a telephone pole".
Never heard that line before. 😂
You should try it sometime, balancing is the worst part :)
😂😂😂😂
Accumulating all these parts as they come available but realizing a possible problem.
My Niner RDO has no braze on for FD.
Options ??
Clamp-on adapter for the front derailleur may be an option...
have sram given up on mechanical 12 sp?? lots of ppl have no interest in electronic shifting, even w price parity
I too am surprised SRAM has not developed mechanical 12-speed.
Great Video, Great Review! Keep it up.
You mentioned using other disc brake rotors such as Shimano with the SRAM system but recommended using the sram rotors. - what were the downsides, if any, to using Shimano rotors with sram system?
I am hoping to be able to do this when swapping to a set of road wheels on my gravel bike that normally reside on my DA equipped road bike. Swapping cassettes is only 30 seconds with dt swiss axs hubs on both wheelsets so rotor swapping is what takes time.
There were no downsides, I just prefer the aesthetics of an all matching drivetrain / brake system. But, like you mention, swapping wheels with different rotors is what a lot of us might do, thus I thought it worthwhile to run the DA rotors on another wheelset during the review.
Hi
Can I use 43/30 front chainrings using the standard Front Derailleur of the force axs eTap I have on my bike, provided with default 46-33?
Hello Matteo, I have not tried this, but as the chainring difference in teeth is the same, it may work? Sorry that I don't have an answer for you.
The answer is yes! Low hearing and low q factor. obviously tire width the limitation. 3t blog covers this
My 30 T chainring started to show significant degradation of the teeth after 6 months causing a crunching sound when climbing on steep hills. Anyone have similar problems?
Could be worthy of a warranty claim?
well done you convince me to swap my mech ultra to the force etap...
BTW, there is also Rival eTap, cheaper, works the same, weighs a bit more, and is only missing the option to plug in a Clic or Blip shifter. Something to consider if budgetary concerns are a problem. I have a review of that groupset here - ua-cam.com/video/y6MoWWkbw_w/v-deo.html
@@GravelCyclist the rival is a disc only group. having a ultegra second tier, I’m looking for the same counterpart fro the other manufacturer that’s why force etap
I recently purchased a bike with this groupset. Having used Di2 for years I do like the 1 paddle design so far. I know it's been said the gearing will keep up on group rides but I have my concerns. Can anybody confirm you can keep up on group rides with this gearing?
46 x 10 is a huge gear, I've had no problems keeping up with a fast roadie ride.
@@GravelCyclist Sorry I didn't say that mine came with the 43/30 chainring.
@@thezonemtb Hello again... 43 x 10 is still a big gear, but you will notice the gear jump in terms of the differences between them in inches. For example, shifting to the 11, and the 12. However, if you have good cadence, you should be OK.
Hey, thanks for great review. I have one question though. You mentioned possibility of 1x12 setup of this drivetrain? Is it really a viable option? I am asking because I am seriously considering buying certain bike which is equipped with this system.
It is a viable option, I have updated the video description to include two links to my website, the first one definitely has info on 1x. I believe SRAM makes a 1x 36T Force crankset as the lowest option, so you could have a sweet CX setup with a low gear of 1 to 1.
Whilst it's great that SRAM have gone for the wide range it's a massive shame that they're not really supporting mechanical gearing in the same way.
A mechanical version of this groupset would (if priced right) be a bigger seller than GRX in my opinion - GRX was still quite conservative in terms of gear range.
Agree with you 100%, SRAM would sell the pants off a mechanical 12-speed system.
@@GravelCyclist especially considering even Dura Ace is now 2 years behind other groupsets. 105 and equivalent grx level groupsets will be a further 2 years down the line.
Seen a lot of people commenting on ther fact that SRAM disc brakes seem to have far more rub caused by the pads being so close to the rotor
I've been very fortunate in that respect, it hasn't been an issue, but it never helps anybody's cause that so many rotors are not straight out of the box. Even high end rotors suffer from this affliction, and I end up having a good mechanic friend straighten them out for me.