SRAM Apex AXS £1,299 | 2,9769

As wireless electronic shifting reaches SRAM's fourth-tier groupset, Anne-Marije Rook finds out if AXS represents a new high for Apex

- Anne-Marije

Trickle-down technology is a beautiful thing, and it may have taken SRAM eight years to get here, but this season the American component manufacturer (finally) introduced a wireless electronic groupset at the entry-level.

For those unfamiliar with SR AM’s product hierarchy, ‘Red’ identifies the top-tier products, followed by ‘Force’. Then there’s ‘Rival’ and ‘Apex’ as the entry-level groupsets.

When SRAM first introduced its wireless, electronic shifting back in late 2015, it only did so at the top-tier level, Red eTap. A hydraulic disc brake version soon followed, as did a so-called WiFLi rear derailleur, which was compatible with a wider range of gears. The eTap AXS (pronounced ‘access’) ecosystem in use today was introduced in 2019 with again, the Red and Force level first, followed by a third tier, Rival AXS, in 2021. With this Apex AXS release, a full four-tier line-up of SR AM wireless electronic products is now on offer.

While an Apex-level electronic groupset had always been part of the long-term plan, it took a back seat to the brand’s priority to meet the demands for, and production of, innovations like hydraulic brakes, 1x drivetrains and wide-range gearing. With those technologies now mastered and widely adopted, Apex has finally got the electronic treatment. Wireless electronic shifting is meant to simplify the riding experience so riders can focus on their ride, not their equipment.