When SRAM reached out and showed interest in having my opinion on the Rival AXS 2×12 groupset, I was immediately interested. I have been riding 1x setups almost exclusively for years, especially with the amount of gravel riding I do.
Going back to a front derailleur was going to be a pretty significant change, but that was exactly why I could not say no. I was genuinely curious to see how I would adapt to 2x again and, more importantly, if a modern electronic 2x setup could make me question my preference for 1x.
About SRAM
Founded in Chicago in 1987, SRAM has grown from a small company with a single product into one of the biggest names in cycling components. The brand now covers pretty much every side of cycling, from road and gravel to mountain biking, with drivetrains, brakes, suspension, wheels and other components found on bikes around the world.
Innovation has always played a big role in SRAM’s approach. Over the years, the company has introduced technologies that have changed the way we ride and interact with our bikes, from its early Grip Shift days to wireless electronic drivetrains and the AXS ecosystem we know today. SRAM is also behind brands including RockShox, Zipp, Quarq, TIME and Hammerhead, creating an impressive family of cycling brands under one roof.
The Sram Rival AXS
Sitting below Force and RED in SRAM’s road lineup, Rival AXS brings wireless electronic shifting to a more accessible price point while retaining many of the features found on the higher end groupsets. The 2×12 system uses SRAM’s X Range gearing philosophy, combining smaller front chainrings with a 12 speed cassette starting with a 10 tooth cog to provide a wide range with smaller jumps between gears.
Rival AXS features fully wireless shifting, hydraulic disc brakes and customization through the SRAM AXS app. SRAM also offers a DUB PWR spindle based power meter option, making Rival AXS a complete package for riders looking for the benefits of an electronic drivetrain without stepping up to Force or RED.
Testing the Rival AXS 2×12
For this test, the Rival AXS 2×12 groupset was installed on the LCKD N LDED Nordet allroad frameset with a 46/33 crankset, SRAM’s DUB PWR spindle based power meter and a 10-36 cassette. This gave me plenty of range for the mix of tarmac, light gravel and elevation I had planned.
Even though I had not ridden a 2x setup in years, it came back pretty quickly. I immediately appreciated the smaller jumps between the gears on the 10-36 cassette. Compared with the wide range 1x setups I normally ride, finding the right gear and keeping my preferred cadence was simply easier.
The 46/33 and 10-36 combination proved to be incredibly versatile. The 46 gave me plenty of gearing for faster sections, while the 33 combined with the 36 tooth rear cog gave me the range I needed for the climbs. From tarmac to light gravel and plenty of elevation, Rival AXS delivered above and beyond what I expected.
I also noticed the improved braking right away. One-finger braking from the hoods requires noticeably less effort while still delivering plenty of power and control, especially on descents. The DUB PWR power meter was another welcome addition, giving me power and cadence data without adding complexity to the setup.
And the numbers have been pretty interesting. My Strava stats speak for themselves. I have put down some of my strongest performances while testing this groupset. I will not give Rival AXS all the credit for that, but having the right gearing and being able to stay closer to my preferred cadence definitely helps.
Final Thoughts
After years of riding 1x, the Rival AXS 2×12 reminded me why 2x still makes so much sense. I still love the simplicity of 1x, especially for gravel, but for a bike that spends most of its time on tarmac with some light gravel and plenty of elevation, the 46/33 and 10-36 combination is hard to fault.
Going back to 2x also made me rediscover something I had been missing without really realizing it: the smaller jumps between gears and the ability to keep my cadence exactly where I want it.
I went into this test wondering if I would enjoy going back to 2x. The answer did not take very long to find.
