Test of the new SRAM Force AXS 2025 groupset

A little over a year after the release of the new SRAM Red AXS, the American brand is also renewing its two other groups for the route and gravel, the Force and Rival. Popular in the mid-to-high-end segment, the SRAM Force AXS 12-speed group is already in its third iteration, barely two years after the launch of the previous version. It takes most of the features of the latest Red, including the ergonomics of the levers and the quality of the braking, while saving weight. We were able to testexplore this group in depth for a few weeks before its official release.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos ©3bikes.fr / ©SRAM

=> To see the video of the montage : CLICK HERE

With an official retail price of around €2000 to €2500 depending on the store for the complete group (levers, brakes, derailleurs, crankset, cassette, chain), the SRAM Force has been equipping bikes for around €6-7000 (sometimes a little more) for several seasons now. That is to say, mid-to-high-end racing bikes that are already very high-performance and close to the lightest models.

Direct competitor of the Shimano Ultegra Di2 on the market, the new SRAM Force AXS now has the same features as the new high-end SRAM Red groupset and mainly :

• Brake/gear levers with completely revised ergonomics.
• Adding “bonus” buttons (additional buttons for customizable functions) on the handles to change gears or control a compatible meter/GPS.
• A new braking system.
• A rear derailleur with oversized pulleys.
• A mono (1x) version with a solid chainring for aero.
• An XPLR version for gravel with a single chainring and a 13-speed 10-46 tooth cassette.
• 12-speed cassette options of 10-28, 10-30, 10-33 and 10-36.
• Double chainring options of 46-33, 48-35 and 50-37.
• A power sensor option.

All for a total weight of 2801 g, which is 340g more than the Red according to our measurements, and for an official price of just over €2000 less. Apart from slight differences in materials that affect the total mass, the color of the chainrings and the positioning of certain logos, the new Force looks very similar to the Red AXS. In fact, during one of our outings test and while the group was still under embargo, only one of our companions route noticed a change, believing it to be a revamped version of Red.

Summary of the weights and prices of the components of the new SRAM Force AXS groupset

Complete groupset sold with battery charger (€52). With power sensor crankset: +€400

Ergonomics and braking: a revolution

As for the Red, SRAM has redesigned the ergonomics of the grips and levers to adapt to all hand shapes, offering powerful, smooth and accessible braking, regardless of the position on the handlebars.The only difference with the Red concerns the designs on the rubber of the handle, specific to the Force and still different on the new Rival, which also benefits from this new ergonomics.

Otherwise, Independent reach and contact point adjustment allows precise customization of brake lever grip and actuation. When it comes to shifting, the two paddles behind the brake levers are customizable, as are the two bonus buttons at thumb height on the top of the grip. By default, the right paddle shifts down a cog on the cassette, and the left paddle shifts up. A long press shifts the entire cassette, and a simultaneous press shifts the chainring. But other combinations are possible.

These new handles are very comfortable, especially in terms of braking, easily accessible, powerful and modular, whether with the stockings on the handlebars or at the bottom of the handlebars, thanks to the shape of the levers and more rigid calipers. The latter leave more space for the discs, and friction, very rare, is limited to a few dozen meters after hard braking. Note that the brakes are also distinguished by their silence, even on routes wet.

The only downside: like the Red, there's still a slightly blunt part under the handle, which can be a bit annoying when gripping it depending on your finger position. On the other hand, the bonus buttons seem super sensitive. Depending on your thumb's position on the handle, it's possible to activate them without meaning to. This isn't a problem when they allow you to change a menu page on the meter, but it's a bit more annoying when they're set to change gears.

But overall, The progress in the areas of ergonomics and braking is very significant compared to the previous version of the Force.

Smooth and discreet gear changes

The Force rear derailleur, the centerpiece of the AXS ecosystem, is compatible with single and double chainring drivetrains. It fits all four cassette options, ranging from 10-28 to 10-36. The lower pulley is increased from 12 to 14 teeth, reducing chain tension for a smoother and more efficient drivetrain. This helps prevent chatter and ensures quiet and reliable operation, even on sections of route rough.

The front derailleur is significantly faster and more efficient than the previous version.. It is honestly very difficult to tell the difference on the route with the SRAM Red.

Overall, The transmission impresses with its flexibility and discretion, whatever the gear engaged. On the small 10-tooth sprocket, the chain winding seems even better controlled than on the first SRAM groups with this type of cassette, even if the efficiency always remains lower than that of the larger sprockets.

Regarding chain crossings, we didn't notice any noise or friction with the large chainring/large sprocket combination. However, the reverse combination isn't possible, as it's electronically limited. With 12 sprockets on the cassette and two chainrings, we therefore have 23 tooth combinations, not 24.

Via the AXS application, sequential or semi-sequential gear change modes can also be configured.For example, although rarely used, we configured the chainring change to trigger an automatic change of two sprockets with each chainring change, thus compensating for the development gap. Simple and intuitive, the application significantly improves the electronic transmission experience.

In terms of range, the rear derailleur battery lasted around 1000 km for the rear, but it should be noted that it was not 100% charged when the bike was put into service. The system sends a charging alert via the app, or the connected meter. Interchangeable front and rear batteries provide a practical solution in the event of a breakdown on the route, which increases the reliability of the system.

Refined cranks

Aesthetically, the pedalboard evolves slightlyt, with slightly wider cranks when viewed from the side, but also slightly thinner when viewed from above. The weight of the crankset with 172,5 cranks and 48-35 chainrings changes very little, with 704 g compared to 708 g for the previous version.

This one is still available in double with three chainring combination options (46-33, 48-35 and 50-37), and crank lengths of 160, 165, 170, 172,5 and 175mm. Note that the chainrings are only available in pairs, and it is impossible to separate them in order to respect the 13 tooth difference imposed by the system.

But above all, The Force AXS crankset is available in different versions, whether in duplicate or within the framework of this test, with Quarq power sensor (+ €400), in single chainring (with solid chainring of 44 to 50 teeth), in single and power sensor, or in XPLR version (single chainring of 38 to 46 teeth).

Associated with the DUB bottom bracket for filetage BSA, The pedalboard showed no issues with play, creaking, or lack of smoothness throughout this test. On the other hand, as with all other SRAM cranksets, we found that the shape of the crank arms conflicted with the heel of the shoe in our case. Nothing serious, but just cosmetic damage that could have been worse with winter shoe covers.

Always a 10-tooth cassette departure

SRAM continues with the technology called X-Range, designed to extend the range of developments on the cassette and launched since the brand offered its 12-speed groups. Just like the Red and Rival groupsets, the four Force cassettes offered all have a 10-tooth first sprocket, and ensure a gap of one tooth on the first five sprockets at least for the 10-28, 10-30 and 10-33 cassettes. The 10-28 cassette even has the first seven sprockets in succession (10 to 17), while the 10-36 only benefits from the first four. The extreme versatility of such a gap between the small and large sprocket comes at this price. Cassettes always designed to be mounted on a specific SRAM XDR cassette body.

As was the case with the test long duration of the SRAM Red group, we were not able to benefit for this test of the new Force AXS with a 10-28 cassette, but a 10-30, with 48-35 chainrings. In other words, for use in a region that is only moderately hilly but particularly windy, only the first nine or ten sprockets were used, and without needing the small chainring. And for often riding at around 32 km/h, the lack of a 16-tooth sprocket was once again a problem.

With a matte nickel-chrome plating, the Force cassette takes things up a notch, both in terms of finish and to ensure quiet and long-lasting operation. No unwanted noise was reported during this test over several hundred kilometers, and the gear changes have always been smooth, precise and fast.

A 12 and 13 speed compatible chain

The Force chain benefits from Flattop technology, just like the Red, to reduce its width, promote quiet operation and improve its strength and durability. It is compatible with both 2x12 transmissions as well as in the framework of this test, with the Force XPLR transmission in single chainring and 13 speeds at the rear. The internal links and rollers have a Hard Chrome coating to reduce wear and increase chain longevity.

We had noticed during our test long life of the SRAM Red that the chain was very durable and had hardly any wear after more than 4000 km. It's hard to be as categorical with the Force since we haven't ridden that much yet, but Since the design is identical, it is possible that the performance will be as good, at least for use on route. Note, however, that the Force chain is a little heavier than the Red, and above all almost half the price.

An important clarification when we know that all SRAM 12-speed components are compatible within themselves, whether between range levels, and even between different generations. This allows for exampleupgrade an old Force groupset with a new generation Force AXS upgrade kit (€1049), consisting of grips, brake calipers and a Hammerhead Karoo computer.

Bottom line: top-of-the-line performance and finish for the new SRAM Force AXS

While the new SRAM Force groupset saves a few dozen grams compared to the previous generation, according to our measurements, this is not where it stands out the most. It stands out as a major evolution, brilliantly incorporating the advances of the SRAM Red AXS in terms of ergonomics and braking power, while remaining more affordable. Concretely, it offers the same gut feeling. than the Red, for 340g more and almost €2000 less.

Its overall performance, customization via the AXS app and the versatility of the options (double chainring, mono, gravel XPLR) make it a top choice for demanding cyclists, with good value for money, combining cutting-edge technology, reliability and careful finishing.

Contact : sram.com

=> All our posts Tests