Learn More About How SRAM eTap AXS™ Functions

Posted by SRAM | SRAM Technical_Roundup on 3rd Feb 2021

CONTROL. PERSONALIZE. MONITOR.

AXS™ is SRAM’s bike component integration system that connects electronic bicycle components and software. The SRAM AXS™ app allows riders to see battery status, change component behavior, personalize controls, get maintenance reminders, and update firmware.

Below are links to product manuals for the SRAM eTAP AXS™ groupsets. We have highlighted some key set up points to assist with tuning the SRAM eTAP AXS™ group perfectly. There is also information to choose the proper DUB Road BB for your frame and an overview of the AXS™ app.

If you have any further questions, SRAM Technical Support (STS) is here to help, just call 1-800-346-2928

eTap AXS™ Systems Manual User Manual
Road DUB Bottom Bracket User Manual
DUB: Choose a Road Bottom Bracket
Video | SRAM AXS System Overview
Video | SRAM RED eTAP AXS™

Front Derailleur Setup

SRAM eTAP AXS™ front derailleurs utilize the same Yaw™ technology as the previous SRAM RED eTap FD.

The front derailleur has two stages of set up, the initial set up is performed with the chain removed and the second is with the chain installed.

Before the chain is installed:

Make sure the derailleur is in the outboard position
Align the tip of the tallest chainring tooth with the height set up line on the cage (on the inside of the cage) of the front derailleur. It is important to have your eyes at the level of the height marking
Rotate the front derailleur to align the guide marks on the derailleur to the large chainring
Shift into the inboard position and align the low limit until the tip of the outer cage aligns with the large chainring
Once the position is correct, tighten the derailleur to 6N.M
Install one of the three wedges to support the front derailleur

Once the chain is installed:

With the front derailleur in the outboard position and in the 10 tooth on the rear derailleur. Adjust the high limit (top screw) the derailleur until there is a .5mm gap between the inside of the outer cage and the chain
With the front derailleur in the inboard position and the largest cassette position (26, 28, 33, or 36) adjust the low limit (lower screw) until there is a .5 - 1mm gap between the front derailleur cage and the chain

Click here for video link.
Click here for setup with FD Tool.
Do you need an FD Tool?
For complete installation instructions, please consult the user manual here.

Chain Length and Installation

SRAM eTAP AXS™ uses a 12 speed chain with Flattop™ technology. This is a directional chain and requires a Flattop™ compatible chain breaker for correct installation. Your standard 9/10/11 chain breaker could be incompatible and cause damage to this chain. The new RED and FORCE chains offer a larger roller size than our MTB chains.
12 speed Eagle chains are NOT compatible with SRAM eTAP AXS™ derailleurs or cassettes.

Click here for the video link.

For complete installation instructions please consult the user manual here.

Setting the correct chain length is imperative for proper chain tension and shift speed. Chain length is determined by wrapping the chain around the largest chainring and the largest cassette cog (not through the derailleur). Find the point of overlap and then add the correct amount of links per set-up below:

1x systems | Add two inner links and two outer links (plus the PowerLock® )
2x systems | Add one inner link and one outer link (plus the PowerLock® )
12 speed PowerLocks® are a one time use item, just like the 10 and 11 speed PowerLocks®.

Click here for the video link.

For complete installation instructions please consult the user manual here.

Rear Derailleur Setup

The SRAM eTAP AXS™ rear derailleur works with a variety of different cassette sizes. Note the Max Tooth marking near the derailleur fixing bolt for proper sizing. Proper chain-gap adjustment is essential for optimal shift function and speed. All groupsets will ship with a Chain-Gap Gauge to assist with the correct adjustment. This adjustment is done with the chain on and is measured from the upper guide wheel and the tallest cog on the rear cassette. The chain-gap can also be adjusted without the tool using the measurements given in the user manual.

Click here for the video link.
For complete installation instructions please consult the user manual here.

Cassette Installation & XDR

The SRAM XG-1290 and XG-1270 cassettes utilizes the existing XDR driver body. The XDR driver body is 1.8 mm longer than the original XD driver body. This utilizes the additional space used by a traditional 11 speed Road Freehub, making conversion easy to existing road wheels.

Learn more about the differences between XDR and XD driver bodies here.

We advise using a 12 speed chain whip or installing Flattop links onto your existing chain whip. If you cannot, use the largest cog as the point of contact for the whip to avoid damage to the adjacent cogs.

Click here for the video.
For complete installation instructions please consult the user manual here.

Bike Build Checklist

Bike Build Checklist on SRAM Tech's YouTube channel is great review for mechanics unboxing and building bikes. The checklist provides six areas of review prior to delivery for a test ride.

Click here for video.

SRAM AXS™ App

The SRAM AXS™ app allows riders to see battery status, change component behavior, personalize controls, get maintenance reminders, and update firmware.

There are two shift modes that can be used:

Sequential: Front derailleur shifts automatically as you shift through the rear cassette to use the next available harder or easier gearing combination
Compensating: Rear derailleur compensates after a front shift to keep cadence
Once these options are set, the rider can turn them off with the AXS™ button on the shifters, please review the manual for more information.

The app can also manage and change controls on the system. Shifting can be changed for any of the paddles in the system. Blips now are not just an extension of the shifter that they are attached to but can be assigned specific tasks for any shift function within the system.

All firmware updates to the groupset are performed via the AXS™ app. It is imperative that you do not close that app while updates are downloading and installing.

The app can be downloaded through the app store and Google play.
Click here for the video link.

SRAM AXS Web is an online tool for riders to help better understand how to get even more out of their AXS™ systems.

Click here for the video link.