New 2025 SRAM RIVAL AXS and FORCE AXS: Race-ready technology, now more accessible

Today is an important day for all road and gravel cycling enthusiasts: SRAM has officially launched the new 2025 RIVAL AXS and FORCE AXS groupsets . Two well-known names in the world of wireless electronic drivetrains, but now even more advanced, lighter, and more refined.

Let's look at the main innovations of these two groups and—most importantly— how they differ to help you choose the one best suited to your driving style.

New features common to FORCE and RIVAL AXS 2025

Both groups share many of the innovations developed for the top-of-the-range RED group, such as:

• Faster and quieter front shifting : thanks to a redesigned cage, optimized movements with Yaw technology and automatic adjustment during rear shifts.

• More ergonomic and lighter controls : new brake-gear levers with revised shapes to adapt to more hand sizes, better grip and less effort when braking (up to 80% less than hoods).

• Full compatibility with 2x AXS drivetrains and disc brakes.

• Bonus Buttons (FORCE only) : Buttons integrated into the controls to change gears, manage the Hammerhead Karoo cycling computer or activate an AXS dropper post.

SRAM RIVAL AXS 2026 – Wireless technology within everyone's reach

The new RIVAL AXS is designed for those who want to enter the world of electronic drivetrains without compromise. Its main features:

• New lighter levers (-72g compared to the previous version)

• Redesigned aluminum crankset , saving over 50g

• Lighter chain thanks to lighter plates

• Updated rear derailleur , with optimized materials to save 20g

• XPLR compatibility for gravel builds with 10-44 cassette

It is the perfect groupset for high-performance endurance, gravel or road bikes for those looking for reliability, precision and clean aesthetics , but with an eye on the budget.

SRAM FORCE AXS 2026 – Race-ready performance, no compromises

The new FORCE AXS 2025 is positioned as the ideal groupset for those who want the best SRAM performance without having to go up to the top of the range RED:

• New ergonomic controls with programmable Bonus Buttons

• Lightweight (-30g), stiff and high-performance carbon crankset

• Rear derailleur with RED-derived architecture , with larger pulleys

• Lightened chain with perforated plates

• Lighter (13%) and stiffer (11%) brake caliper , with more powerful and modulable braking

The FORCE AXS is suitable for demanding cyclists, racers or simply enthusiasts who want a groupset without compromises in terms of precision, weight and shifting speed .

1x13 XPLR setup: the gravel revolution

The new RIVAL and FORCE AXS are now also available in the XPLR 1x13 version , designed for the most demanding gravel and bikepacking:

• 1x13 drivetrain with 10-46T cassette: wide range and close gear changes

• Exclusive compatibility with UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) frames

• Full Mount rear derailleur : more robust, quieter and more precise

• Thread Mount crankset with integrated powermeter

• Bonus Buttons on FORCE XPLR for seatpost or cycle computer

A robust, lightweight, silent configuration perfect for tackling any type of adventure.

Integrated power meter

All new groupsets can be equipped with the next-generation AXS power meter :

• Bilateral (FORCE) or single leg (RIVAL) measurement

• Completely sealed system , with no exposed ports

• USB-C charging and full SRAM AXS app integration

• Available on road and XPLR cranksets

An increasingly popular option for those who want to accurately monitor their training or better manage their effort during a race.

More powerful braking and even more comfortable controls

With the new SRAM RED, Force, and Rival AXS shifters , the riding experience takes a quantum leap. After four years of development, SRAM has designed the most ergonomic and comfortable levers ever made, suitable for all hand sizes and optimized for powerful, modulable braking with just one finger .

The main new features:

• New lever design : thinner and longer, they avoid pinching and improve grip from all positions.

• More effective braking : The brake lever has been repositioned to increase mechanical leverage. The result? Up to 80% less effort from the hoods and 33% less from drops.

• Lighter and stiffer caliper : thanks to a new bolt architecture and a repositioned piston, you get a system that is 13% lighter, 11% stiffer , and with more power available right at the beginning of the lever travel.

• Bonus Buttons (RED and Force only) : buttons integrated into the controls, programmable via app, to change gear or interact with the cycle computer without ever taking your hands off the handlebars.

These innovations not only improve control in every situation — uphill, downhill, on rough terrain — but make the bike more responsive, more comfortable and safer , for a truly natural and distraction-free riding sensation.

Which one to choose?