Did This German Gravel Bike Simply Leak SRAM Apex AXS?

Like biking clairvoyants, product managers typically know the longer term. Effectively, the product specification future for the following few years that’s. And each occasionally, they let a glimpse of that future by chance slip out as web sites get up to date for upcoming fashions.

Which may be the case with VSF-Fahrradmanufaktur and their GX-700 gravel bike – at the moment listed on their web site with a “SRAM Apex AXS 12-Pace” construct. Solely, that drivetrain doesn’t but exist.

Clearly, the picture of the bike on their website present a mechanical SRAM Rival1 group so that they haven’t leaked any images of what could be SRAM’s most reasonably priced wi-fi group, stealing that present title from Rival AXS.

The specs although clearly checklist out what could be a 12-speed SRAM AXS drivetrain full with a SRAM XPLR PG-1231 11-44t cassette. A Sram Apex 12-speed chain is listed which can be an attention-grabbing addition if it proves to be an affordable 12-speed substitute chains for SRAM’s greater finish drivetrains. The Apex AXS parts additionally embrace AXS shifter, and flat mount disc brakes with 160mm rotors entrance and rear.

Notably, the construct features a SRAM Apex 1 crankset which is at the moment not listed as 12-speed appropriate on SRAM’s web site. That implies that there could also be a brand new 12-speed appropriate chainring coming for SRAM’s present Apex 1 crankset.

The opposite factor to notice? Not one of the references to the group embrace the phrase ‘eTap’. Now that might merely be an omission… or does it sign another kind of change for the wi-fi shifting teams to lower value?

With this a lot element, it appears unlikely that this isn’t a glimpse on the future. Although how far sooner or later, we’ll have to attend and see. Assuming this brings down the price of wi-fi digital shifting even additional, will it make the system extra interesting than ever?

Due to Patrick for the tip!