SRAM Rival eTap AXS vs Shimano 105 Di2
If you are looking for a new bike and switching to electronic shifting you’ll be looking at which groupset is best. The SRAM Rival eTap AXS and Shimano 105 Di2 groupsets are two of the most popular electronic groupsets on the market. They're both feature-packed, reliable, and offer great value for money. But which one is the best for you?
In this blog post, we'll put the SRAM Rival eTap AXS against the Shimano 105 Di2 in a battle to see which one comes out on top. We'll take at their features, performance, and price to help you make an informed decision.
Shimano 105 Di2
Photo credit: bikerumor.com
Shimano's 105 Di2 groupset is the company's entry-level offering for riders who want the benefits of electronic shifting without breaking the bank. The 105 Di2 shifters are compatible with all current Shimano drivetrains, including Dura-Ace, Ultegra, and 105. The shifters offer the same ergonomics and functionality as Shimano's higher-end offerings, making them a great choice for budget-conscious riders who don't want to sacrifice performance.
The biggest advantage of Shimano's 105 Di2 groupset is its price point. At $899, it's significantly cheaper than SRAM's Rival eTap AXS groupset, which retails for $1,649. That said, the 105 Di2 group does have some drawbacks compared to its more expensive siblings.
For one, it lacks some of the bells and whistles that come with Ultegra and Dura-Ace Di2 groupsets, like programmable shift buttons and multi-shift modes. Additionally, the105 Di2 shifters aren't compatible with SRAM drivetrains, so you'll need to use a Shimano drivetrain if you want to take advantage of this groupset.
The battery
The battery has a capacity of 500mAh, which is enough to power the shifters for approximately 2,000 shifts. The battery can be recharged using a standard micro-USB charger, and it has a LED indicator that shows you how much charge is remaining.
The integrated battery is a great feature, but it does have some drawbacks.
First, it's not as easy to remove and replace as the removable batteries on SRAM's eTap AXS groupset. This means that if your battery dies while out on a ride, you'll need to call a tow truck or find another way to get home. Additionally, the integrated battery adds some weight to the groupset, which may not be ideal for riders who are looking to shave every possible gram.
Photo credit: Shimano.com
Shifting Performance
Shifting performance is where Shimano's 105 Di2 really shines. The shifters are incredibly responsive, and they offer near-instant shifting when used with Shimano's latest generation of drivetrains.
SRAM Rival eTap AXS
Photo credit: Sram.com
SRAM's Rival eTap AXS is the wireless groupset designed for riders who want the benefits of SRAM's wireless technology without spending too much. The Rival eTap AXS groupset includes a SRAM Force eTap AXS shifter, SRAM Rival 1 crankset, SRAM Rival 1 chain, and SRAM Rival 1 cassette.
The Rival eTap AXS shifter is similar to the Force eTap AXS shifter, but it uses a different switch layout that is more ergonomic for riders with smaller hands. The main difference between the two groupsets is in the cranksets. The SRAM Rival 1 crankset is compatible with both BB30 and GXP bottom brackets.
The Battery
The Rival eTap AXS groupset uses the same battery as the SRAM Force eTap AXS groupset. The battery is a removable 18650 lithium-ion battery, which has a capacity of 700mAh. The battery can be recharged using a standard micro-USB charger, and it has a LED indicator that shows you how much charge is remaining.
The battery life is estimated at approximately 1,200 shifts, which is less than the Shimano 105 Di2's 2,000 shift estimate. However, the Rival eTap AXS's battery life will vary depending on how often you use the multi-shift function.
Photo credit: road.cc
Shifting Performance
The shifters are incredibly responsive, and they offer near-instant shifting when used with SRAM's latest generation of drivetrains. The shifters
Pros and Cons
There are a few key differences between SRAM Rival eTap AXS and Shimano Di2.
First, SRAM's system is wireless, meaning there are no cables to connect the shifters to the derailleurs. This can make installation a bit easier and also means there are no exposed cables to get damaged or snagged on something.
Second, SRAM offers 12 speeds while Shimano only offers 11. This extra gear could come in handy when climbing or riding at high speeds.
Finally, SRAM's shifters have built-in brake levers while Shimano's do not. Some riders prefer this because it can save a little space on the handlebars and make shifting gears a bit more intuitive.
So, what are the pros and cons of each system? Here's a quick rundown:
SRAM Rival eTap AXS:
Pros: Wireless, 12 speeds, built-in brake levers
Cons: More expensive than Di2, may require more frequent battery changes
Shimano Di2:
Pros: More affordable than SRAM Rival, 11 speeds
Cons: Requires cables, no built-in brake levers
Conclusion:
Both SRAM Rival eTap AXS and Shimano Di2 offer great features and performance, and are great options as your first electronic groupset without spending to much. If you're looking for a wireless groupset with built-in brake levers, SRAM Rival eTap AXS is a great option. However, if you're looking to save money, Shimano Di2 is a great choice.