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/high-end, the SRAM Force AXS 12-speed groupset 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

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-range/high-end racing bikes that are already very high-performance and close to the lightest models.

A direct competitor to the Shimano Ultegra Di2 on the market, the new SRAM Force AXS now has the same characteristics as the new high-end SRAM Red groupset and mainly:

• Brake/gear levers with completely revised ergonomics
• Adding “bonus” buttons on the handles to change gears or control a compatible computer/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, or 340g more than the Red according to our measurements, and for an official price of just over €2000 less.

Aside from slight differences in materials that affect overall mass, the color of the chainrings, and the positioning of some logos, the new Force looks remarkably 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.

Ergonomics and braking: a revolution

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

Additionally, independent reach and contact point adjustment allows for precise customization of brake lever grip and actuation. For gear changes, the two paddles behind the brake levers are customizable, as are the two bonus buttons at thumb height on the upper part of the grip. By default, the right paddle shifts down a cog on the cassette, and the left shifts up. A long press scans the entire cassette, and a simultaneous press changes chainrings. But other combinations are possible.

These new handles are very comfortable, especially in terms of braking, easily accessible, powerful and adjustable, whether with the stockings on the grips 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 is very rare, only limited to a few dozen meters after heavy 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 silence, fluidity and precision, regardless of 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 app, sequential or semi-sequential shifting modes are also configurable. For example, although rarely used, we configured the chainring shifting to automatically trigger a change of two sprockets with each chainring change, thus compensating for the gear difference. Simple and intuitive, the app significantly improves the electronic transmission experience.

In terms of autonomy, the rear derailleur battery lasted about 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 application, or the connected meter. Interchangeable, the front and rear batteries offer 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 slightly, 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 tray combination options (46-33, 48-35 and 50-37), and crank lengths of 160, 165, 170, 172,5 and 175 mm. 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 crankset 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.

Stay as it was 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.

The increase in the number of sprockets (11, 12, or even 13 speeds) is paradoxically accompanied by cassettes with more pronounced tooth gaps. By expanding the gear range, with lower minimum gears and higher maximum gears, manufacturers often neglect the intermediate zone, which is essential for maintaining a comfortable pedaling cadence on the flat at a sustained speed.

With a matte nickel-chrome plating, The Force cassette moves upmarket, whether in terms of finish or to ensure quiet and long-lasting operation. No background 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 single chainring and 13-speed rear drivetrain. The inner 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's 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 them, whether between range levels, and even between different generations. This allows, for example, to upgrade an old Force groupset with a new generation Force AXS improvement kit, 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.

With redesigned lever ergonomics, powerful and adjustable braking, as well as a smooth and silent transmission, this groupset positions itself as a serious competitor to the Shimano Ultegra Di2 in the mid/high-end segment. Despite some minor flaws, such as the sensitivity of the bonus buttons or a slight roughness under the handles, the 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.

At a price of around €2400, the SRAM Force AXS offers remarkable value for money, combining cutting-edge technology, reliability and careful finishing, for racing or gravel bikes seeking excellence without reaching the cost of a high-end groupset.

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

Power sensor: + 40 g + €400

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