SRAM Force eTap AXS vs Shimano Ultegra Di2- Which Is The Better Road Bike Groupset?
If you're in the market for a new bike, then you're going to want to take a close look at all of your options before you buy. In this article, we'll be comparing SRAM Force eTap AXS and Shimano Ultegra Di2 to help you determine which is the better choice for you - and don't worry, we've got plenty of information to cover!
SRAM Force eTap AXS
SRAM Force eTap AXS is the latest groupset from SRAM, and it's one of the most advanced road bike groupsets on the market. It's packed with features that make it a great choice for serious road cyclists, and it's compatible with a wide range of SRAM and Shimano components.
The biggest selling point of SRAM Force eTap AXS is its wireless shifting technology. The shifters use Bluetooth to communicate with the derailleurs, and they can be paired with a smartphone or tablet for easy firmware updates. The system is very intuitive to use, and it offers a huge range of shifting options. You can even customize the shift patterns to suit your riding style.
Another big advantage of SRAM Force eTap AXS is its 12-speed cassette. This gives you a wider gear range than most other groupsets, making it easier to find the perfect gear for any situation. The cassette also has an open design that helps to keep mud and debris out, which is ideal for riding in dirty conditions.
One downside of SRAM Force eTap AXS is its price tag. It's one of the most expensive groupsets on the market, but it's also one of the best. If you're looking for the ultimate in performance and features, then SRAM Force eTap AXS is definitely worth considering.
Battery:
SRAM uses disposable coin cells in the shifters and separate removable rechargeable batteries for the derailleurs. The coin cells last months or years (SRAM reckons around two years, but it’ll depend on usage) while the derailleur battery life is typically a matter of weeks.
If one derailleur battery goes flat, you can always swap the batteries round temporarily, choosing which derailleur you need to shift.
Setup and connectivity:
The SRAM Force eTap AXS, you don’t need any extra hardware to interact with your groupset, as wireless connectivity is built-in. You just need to install the AXS app on your phone and connect directly to the shifters and derailleurs to change settings and keep tabs on battery life.
Shimano Ultegra Di2
Shimano Ultegra Di2 is one of the most popular road bike groupsets on the market. It is known for its reliability, smooth shifting, and easy to use.
One of biggest selling point of Shimano Ultegra Di2 is its price. It is significantly cheaper than SRAM’s top of the line groupset, SRAM Force eTap AXS.
The Shimano Ultegra Di2 is a 2x11 speed groupset while SRAM Force eTap AXS is a 2x12 speed groupset. This means that Shimano Ultegra Di2 has one less gear than SRAM Force eTap AXS. But this comes with a great benefit which is the compatibility with many other components. As well as lower maintenance costs, a new chain or casette will be cheaper for the Di2 option.
Battery:
Shimano runs everything off a single, central high-capacity rechargeable battery that usually lasts months (Shimano claims at least 2,000km, typically 2,500 to 3,000km according to how often you shift) and is charged in-situ.
The slight danger with Shimano is that the battery requires charging so infrequently that it’s easy to forget about it completely, but it’s straightforward enough to check the state of charge via the indicator light on the main junction box so it’s on you if you flatten it.
Setup and connectivity:
Ultegra Di2’s approach to connectivity is rather less straightforward. You can either make use of a wired connection via the Di2 charger (but this is Windows only; there’s no iOS option), or you can get the EW-WU111 Bluetooth adapter, at additional $80 component that is not included with most Di2-equipped bikes.
Pros and Cons
There are a few key things to consider when decide which road bike groupset is best for you. Price, performance, and weight are usually the biggest factors. Another big factor is compatibility- make sure the groupset you choose is compatible with the rest of your bike. Here, we'll compare SRAM Force eTap AXS and Shimano Ultegra Di2, two of the most popular road bike groupsets on the market.
SRAM Force eTap AXS:
Pros:
-Completely wireless- no cables to worry about routing or replacing
-Very easy to set up and use. You just need a smartphone.
-Shifts are extremely precise and smooth
-Battery life is very good- can last up to 500 miles on a single charge
Cons:
-More expensive than Shimano Ultegra Di2
-Heavier than Shimano Ultegra Di2
-Not as widely compatible with other components as Shimano Ultegra Di2
Shimano Ultegra Di2:
Pros:
-More affordable than SRAM Force eTap AXS
-Lighter weight than SRAM Force eTap AXS
-More widely compatible with other components than SRAM Force eTap AXS
Cons:
-More difficult to setup. There is no App to calibrate the change
I'm usually a big fan of Shimano but both options will not disappoint. These are top-notch components and worth to make the switch from mechanical if you are a serious rider.