Is SRAM about to launch an Apex eTap AXS digital groupset?

SRAM could also be readying itself to launch an Apex eTap AXS wi-fi digital groupset, in line with paperwork filed with the US Federal Communications Fee (FCC).

Although many of the paperwork and images submitted to the FCC have been granted confidentiality, paperwork displaying the location of wi-fi ID labels on each proper and left-hand shifter hoods reveal these are SRAM Apex wi-fi digital shifters.

As reported by highway.cc, that these paperwork have been submitted to the FCC (the federal physique that regulates wi-fi communications inside the USA) signifies the shifters are designed to speak wirelessly with different gadgets.

The paperwork point out the shifters are able to speaking by way of two wi-fi protocols, Bluetooth Low Vitality (BLE) and Airea. Airea is SRAM’s proprietary wi-fi communications protocol, which it makes use of to manage drivetrain elements and different elements resembling dropper posts.

On prime of this, different paperwork filed embody two person manuals named “etap-axs-systems-manual_1 of two” and “etap-axs-systems-manual_2 of two”, confirming it’s a part of SRAM’s eTap AXS vary.

Given this, it’s possible honest to surmise this new groupset will comply with the naming conference of different SRAM wi-fi digital groupsets, and will likely be known as SRAM Apex eTap AXS.

SRAM

The place would Apex eTap AXS sit in SRAM’s vary?

SRAM has solely produced its wi-fi digital drivetrains on the Purple, Power and Rival stage till now. Given Apex mechanical sits beneath Rival mechanical, we anticipate an eTap model to fall in line beneath Rival eTap AXS, when it comes to value and efficiency.

The 10-speed mechanical model of SRAM Apex was initially designed as an possibility for budget-conscious riders, and was roughly equal to Shimano Tiagra.

Apex was up to date to carry 1×11-speed and hydraulic disc brake compatibility in 2016, however in any other case had been left largely undeveloped since its launch.

SRAM

The paperwork filed with the FCC don’t reveal the derailleurs or different elements, so it’s a guessing recreation as to what kind the remainder of the Apex eTap AXS groupset will take.

Each different eTap AXS groupset in SRAM’s catalogue is at the moment 12-speed, which means there’s cross-compatibility between all elements within the vary.

We would subsequently anticipate Apex eTap AXS to make a bounce from 10- to 12-speed as nicely.

SRAM

Given SRAM’s authentic Purple eTap groupset was 11-speed and it nonetheless has different 11-speed mechanical groupsets in its vary (resembling Power, Rival and Apex 1), it’s additionally conceivable that Apex eTap AXS is launched as an 11-speed groupset.

This could allow SRAM to make the most of its current catalogue of appropriate elements and elements, and differentiate it from its dearer groupsets.

When will SRAM Apex eTap be launched?

The paperwork filed with the FCC don’t point out a launch date, however it’s price noting that when SRAM filed comparable paperwork with the FCC previous to the discharge of Rival eTap AXS, the groupset was introduced only some months later.

This newest submitting might subsequently recommend a launch is imminent.

Given Shimano lately introduced Shimano 105 Di2 R7150, its least expensive digital groupset but, SRAM could also be eager to reply shortly with an much more accessible possibility.