New SRAM eTap AXS shifters have been spotted: is a new SRAM groupset on the way, and what can we expect from it?

A friend of road.cc spotted that Baloise Trek Lions cyclocross cyclists were competing using shift-brake levers that weren't current generation SRAM Red a couple of weekends ago.

Interesting. SRAM Red is obviously due for an update. SRAM has updated both Force and Rival since the previous iteration, 12-speed SRAM Red eTap AXS, was debuted in 2019, so might it be testing a new design with its top riders before a 2023 launch?

The levers in question resemble those used on SRAM's third-tier Rival eTap AXS groupset, but with carbon fibre brake levers instead of the standard LFRT (long-fibre-reinforced thermoplastic). Take a look at the image below, which shows the new lever on the left and the Rival lever on the right.

We couldn't learn anything more by gazing at images, so we dispatched road.cc roving newshound Ryan Mallon to the Dublin round of the cyclocross World Cup last weekend, secretly hoping to acquire the dirt on a completely new groupset. Here's what we discovered...

SRAM originally debuted SRAM Red eTap wireless shifting on 2015. Since then, the technology has been improved and expanded to include the Force and Rival groupsets, but the shifters have always communicated wirelessly and the derailleurs have always been powered independently, each with its own rechargeable battery.

The SRAM eTap AXS, pronounced 'access,' is an updated version of the original eTap system. Riders can mix and match wireless components from various groupsets, view battery status, adjust component behaviour, personalise controls, receive maintenance reminders, and update the firmware.

Entry-level Apex has been a bit of a misfit in SRAM's lineup in recent years. It was upgraded from 10-speed to 11-speed in 2016, although SRAM has since pushed all of their other road groupsets up to 12-speed. Apex has been neglected for far too long.

Aside from that, it's a matter of how much of Rival's technology SRAM is willing and able to transfer to Apex eTap AXS. Rival's electronics are identical to those of Red and Force - the same motors, switches, batteries, and so on - so it will be fascinating to see if this carries over to Apex.