SRAM

Summary

SRAM is an American bicycle component manufacturer known for pioneering trigger shifters, 1× drivetrain systems, and wireless electronic shifting. It produces complete systems for road, mountain, gravel, and e-bikes, and is recognized for simplifying mechanical systems and challenging industry conventions.

Overview

SRAM was founded in 1987 in Chicago, Illinois, with the launch of a single product: the Grip Shift. This twist-style shifter, first adopted by triathletes and later embraced by mountain bikers, introduced a faster and more intuitive shifting method. The innovation allowed SRAM to gain a foothold in a market dominated by Shimano and Campagnolo.

In the decades that followed, SRAM transitioned from a niche player to a full-line component manufacturer. Strategic acquisitions allowed the company to expand into nearly every bicycle component category. These included RockShox for suspension, Avid for brakes, Truvativ for cockpits and cranks, Zipp for aerodynamic wheels, Quarq for power meters, and Time Sport for pedals.

SRAM positioned itself as the performance-oriented, innovation-forward alternative to legacy brands. It popularized single-chainring (1×) drivetrains, introduced new hub and cassette standards (XD and XDR), and was first to market with a fully wireless shifting platform (AXS). Its drivetrain systems, braking technologies, and electronic integrations are now common across both elite racing and enthusiast bikes in road, gravel, and mountain disciplines.

How It Works

SRAM drivetrains follow an integrated system design, where shifters, derailleurs, chainrings, and cassettes are engineered to work in concert. In mechanical systems, shifting is managed by either trigger-style levers (MTB) or DoubleTap levers (road), which pull precise amounts of cable to actuate indexed gear steps.

The defining feature of SRAM’s mechanical philosophy is the 1× drivetrain. Instead of using a front derailleur, SRAM relies on narrow-wide X-Sync chainrings and wide-range cassettes (up to 10–52T) to deliver a broad gear range with fewer components. This simplifies shifting, reduces weight, and improves chain retention—particularly in off-road environments.

With the AXS platform, SRAM introduced wireless shifting across road and MTB. AXS components communicate via encrypted signals, allowing riders to shift electronically without cables. Coin-cell-powered shifters send commands to rechargeable derailleur units, which execute shifts with internal motors and self-contained electronics. Riders can customize shifting logic and button mapping using the SRAM AXS app.

SRAM Transmission, launched in 2023, removes the derailleur hanger entirely. Transmission derailleurs bolt directly to the bike frame’s UDH interface for improved stiffness and accuracy. This platform also supports shifting under full pedaling load, a critical advancement for e-MTB and trail riding.

Suspension systems under the RockShox brand integrate air spring and damper technologies with electronic features like Flight Attendant, which adjusts compression settings in real time. Braking systems range from hydraulic disc brakes for mountain and road to legacy mechanical calipers under the Avid brand.

Performance Characteristics

Drivetrain Efficiency

  • 1× systems reduce mechanical drag and eliminate unnecessary chain movement
  • Eagle drivetrains offer 500–520% gear range with tight chain control

Wireless Shifting

  • AXS eliminates cables, housing, and friction
  • Customizable through smartphone app (shift speed, button mapping)
  • Uses removable rechargeable derailleur batteries

Load Shifting (Transmission)

  • Derailleur mounts to UDH frame interface
  • Allows gear changes under power
  • Simplifies frame compatibility and tuning

Braking and Suspension

  • SRAM HRD and MTB brakes use DOT fluid and four-piston calipers
  • RockShox forks use DebonAir air springs, Charger dampers, and wireless sensors in premium models

Durability & Maintenance

  • Clutch derailleurs reduce chain slap
  • AXS components alert users to battery levels and service needs
  • RockShox service intervals are standardized and widely supported

Brand Divisions / Variants

  • SRAM Red AXS: Wireless road flagship groupset
  • SRAM Force / Rival AXS: Mid-tier and entry-level wireless drivetrains
  • Eagle: 12-speed MTB groups from XX SL to SX
  • Transmission: Direct-mount derailleur system for UDH-compatible bikes
  • RockShox: Suspension (Pike, SID, Lyrik, Zeb, Reverb dropper posts)
  • Zipp: Road wheels (404, 303, 858), cockpits, and aero components
  • Quarq: Integrated power meters (available in AXS cranks)
  • Truvativ: MTB and gravity cranksets, bars, and stems
  • Time Sport: Pedal systems for road and MTB

Notable Implementations

  • Trek Supercaliber XX SL Transmission
  • Canyon Grail with Force AXS
  • Specialized Epic EVO with GX Eagle AXS
  • Orbea Orca M21eLTD with Rival AXS
  • Santa Cruz Hightower with XO AXS Transmission
  • Zipp 404 Firecrest on Cervélo S5 builds

Related Terms

See Also on BBB

References

  • https://www.sram.com
  • SRAM AXS User Manual
  • RockShox Suspension Setup Guides
  • BikeRumor: Inside SRAM Transmission
  • Pinkbike: AXS Long-Term Review
  • Zipp Aero Testing White Papers
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