Whether you want to run a 1x or 2x 12-speed drivetrain SRAM's Force eTap AXS Flat Mount HRD Electronic Groupset is ready to deliver supreme performance with stealthy good looks, while leaving you enough cash to get that wheel upgrade you dream about. Road, cross, gravel, tri, whatever, Force eTap AXS can be set-up for your needs. The crank and ring design is simpler and more flexible than the 12-speed Red AXS line, and the functionality across the board is essentially the same. Yes, Red AXS has all the premium hardware and build features, and only you can decide what the cost value is to you, but we believe Force AXS will be the choice for most cyclists who have been dreaming about wireless eTap shifting and hydraulic disc brake use. The 1x option will be more popular for cross, gravel, and general purpose builds, while the 2x will still be the stronger preference for road riders or those who prefer more options on rougher terrain with lots of climbing. SRAM has engineered the drivetrains with their X-Range philosophy, and the 10T small cog cassettes provide the foundation for incredible versatility, even with the 1x set-up.

Following the success of their 11-speed e-Tap boxed kits, SRAM makes it easier to buy the essential wireless components for each desired AXS set-up. The disc brake Force eTap AXS Electronic Groupset is available in 1x or 2x drivetrain versions. With the former, you get the Force eTap AXS HRD levers, rear derailleur and one rechargeable battery. For the 2x you also get the front derailleur and a second battery. Both groups include the USB-based battery charging system. The entire eTap AXS system is supported by the AXS app, which allows you to connect, set-up, update, and monitor your Force AXS via BLE connection with your smartphone or computer.

The nature of eTap's original shift logic was pre-configured and not customizable. AXS gives you that capability and the clean, easily used AXS app. SRAM. The Force AXS 12-speed components, sure to be a go-to group for gravel and cross, are meant to be streamlined, so there is only one rear derailleur option, which can handle any and all of the 1x or 2x crankset set-ups, as well as any of the available 12-speed road cassette sizes. The rear derailleur utilizes many familiar SRAM technologies for 12-speed, including increased gear range via X-Range, larger X-Sync pulleys, and the new Orbit cage and chain control system. Orbit is a new type of clutch system that utilizes a fluid damper that will not add any pressure on the cage spring at low speed or light loads, making shifting and rear wheel removal easier, but is more active at speed, keeping the chain controlled. This is surely a a key for 1x use, but actually helps drivetrain efficiency and shifts with 2x as well.

The Force eTap HRD Shift/Brake levers feature the HydroHC™ brake platform and streamlined lever body with excellent ergonomics and efficient brake lever pull. Personalize for your tactile and hand size preferences using Reach Adjust™, as well the the Contact Point Adjustment™ for the pads. The disc calipers are lightweight aluminum Flat Mount set-ups, featuring SRAM's Bleeding Edge system and resin pads. Choose between 160mm Center Lock OR 6-bolt Centerline XR Disc Rotors, the best SRAM offers and designed for road and allroad use.

Each lever body contains a CR2032 battery for sending signals to the eTap AXS system and has a single port for a Blip accessory shifter. The AXS app allows you determine to your preference which shift action is controlled by which button. Reach Adjust also allows to customize the physical lever set-up for different size hands. You'll notice that the eTap shift paddles are larger with better ergonomics for pure tactile comfort and response.

When you choose the 2x option the boxed group includes the above and the braze-on mount Force eTap AXS Front Derailleur. Besides the simplicity of crisp eTap shifting, the FD also carries forth SRAM's Yaw trimless cage technology, now with an optimized cage profile for new chainring combinations and streamlined body structure that works better with wider frames and increased tire clearance. The battery is protected and sealed against the elements while delivering precise shift after precise shift.

SRAM's AXS 12-speed eTap system utilizes the same battery system as the 11-speed version, which may or may not be a selling feature, but is surely useful for those who have both set-ups. The batteries charge in about 60 minutes via a USB powered and connected dock. LED lights on the cradle give you quick visual feedback. Battery life varies with the number of shifts, but the easily installed/removed batteries make regular charging at home or work a simple exercise. Remember that the 1x group comes with one battery set-up, while the 2x version comes with two.

With the electronics supplied here, you will still need the 1x or 2x crankset and bottom bracket of your choice, a 12-speed Flattop chain and 12-speed Force or Red XG cassette. Keep in mind that if you want or need more range you can combine 1x drivetrain components with Eagle 12 AXS mountain options. We can easily see the Force 1x AXS groupset becoming a go-to product as the technology is the same as Red, with down-spec in materials, but at a much more reasonable price. 1x drivetrains suit gravel, cross, and commuter bikes perfectly and these are all growing categories. Take advantage of SRAM's wireless eTap AXS shifting and 12-speed excellence and hydraulic disc braking for much less money than Red eTap AXS, and get all the same technology with Force. Return to Top