SRAM's eTap® wireless shifting system has a little secret. Nothing tawdry, but the fact is that the secondary and aero shifters, called Clics and Blips, are in fact wired. In standard road Red eTap shifters, the electronic controls and a small battery are housed within the shifter. With the compact and lightweight remote shifter Clics, which are essentially just buttons, a wire ports into the road shifter to communicate shifts to the system. For aero bike set-ups you won't be using road shifters, so SRAM created a control housing, the eTap Blip Box. You simply plug the wires from your Clics and/or Blips into the Blip Box, which allows you to set-up the function and use of each button. A single CR2032 battery delivers all the power you need, and a battery indicator light on the Blip Box keeps you updated on battery life. Your usage will determine the life of the battery, generally a range from 3-12 months.

SRAM developed the Blip Box to attach to a Garmin®-type 1/4 turn mount. Depending on the Blip Box orientation and the mount used, you can generally change the position on the mount for frame or stem mount, as well as aerobars. SRAM offers a great video on set-up and even the included instructions are thorough and easy to follow. The simplicity of SRAM's wireless system comes down to its AIREA™ wireless protocol, which uses pairing specific encryption to ensure your set-up is on its own unique frequency. Standard shifters and the Blip Box communicate with the derailleurs via this system, and you can fully customize the button functions to suit your preference. The 31 gram Blip Box is made of strong, lightweight composite, is simple to set-up and use. IN other words, it is a perfect addition to the SRAM eTap family.