Force AXS D2

New Force AXS D2 groupset frequently asked questions.

• Can I pair my new Force AXS drivetrain to my Hammerhead head unit?
You can pair a SRAM AXS drivetrain to your Hammerhead Karoo 2 as you would pair any other sensor. (However, try to pair other sensors after you pair your or SRAM AXS drivetrain and not at the same ... See more
• Does the system need to know what size cassette I am using for the appropriate number of compensating rear shifts?
Yes. You can use the AXS app to input your cassette size for optimal operation in Sequential mode as well as in Compensating mode (manual front shifting + automatic rear compensating shifts). See more
• Is there a shifting mode where I can set up the rear derailleur to make automatic shifts to offset changing gears when shifting the front derailleur?
Yes. You can use the AXS app to select Compensating shifting mode. See more
• If I select the sequential shifting option, can I still command the front derailleur to shift manually if I want it to with my new Force AXS system?
Yes. Just execute a front shift as you would in full manual mode. See more
• Can I customize the settings of my new Force AXS drivetrain?
Yes. The SRAM AXS app allows riders to see battery status, change component behavior, personalize controls, and update firmware. See more
• Can I turn enhanced shifting on or off on new Force AXS without connecting to the AXS app?
You can toggle between either full manual shifting and the preselected enhanced shift mode (Sequential or Compensating) using the AXS buttons on the back of the shift paddles. This can be done whil... See more
• Can I change shifting modes with my new Force AXS system without going through the mobile app? For example, can I change shifting modes using my GPS head unit?
Head units cannot be used to change shift modes. The AXS app is used to select either Sequential or Compensating modes as the alternative to full manual. See more
• Can I set up my new Force AXS shifters to shift the front derailleur automatically for fully sequential-style shift logic?
Yes. All enhanced shifting modes are done using the AXS app. See details and tips here. See more
• With new Force AXS, how many gear selections are available with a 2x drivetrain?
For all road 2x AXS drivetrains, you have two gears up front and 12 in the rear. However, the small chainring/small cog combination is always locked out to avoid chain rasp against the inside of th... See more
• Can I digitally assign different functions to the buttons (e.g. move the derailleur outboard with a left shifter click)?
Yes, the AXS app allows you to customize your shift paddle functions as well as the functions of optional remote Wireless Blip shift buttons. See our article on how to customize your shift actions ... See more
• Has the battery life changed or improved?
Firmware updates have improved battery life across all AXS systems. See more
• Can you use the same eTap derailleur batteries for the new Force AXS derailleurs? Are the batteries changing with the new system?
The eTap derailleur batteries have not changed and will continue to be compatible with the new Force AXS system. See more
• What’s the difference between a Wide AXS front derailleur and a standard AXS front derailleur?
The Force AXS Wide front derailleur is spaced 2.5mm more outboard than a standard AXS front derailleur. This requires the use of a Force AXS crankset with a Wide spindle for correct chainline. The ... See more
• What is the max rear tire width compatibility for new Force AXS front derailleurs?
Max rear tire clearance for the new Force AXS standard front derailleur, depending on frame design, is 42mm (measured width) for 700c tires. Bikes with tires wider than this using a standard road w... See more
• Why do Force AXS rear derailleurs use the Orbit fluid damper instead of the Roller Bearing Clutch used on SRAM’s mountain bike rear derailleurs?
Road chain management requirements are different than MTB, so the derailleurs do not need to use the same mechanism. Our Orbit fluid damper is speed sensitive, so that cage movement resulting from ... See more
• Do the new Force AXS rear derailleurs still offer Orbit fluid damper?
Yes, the cage damper mechanism is the same Orbit fluid damper mechanism that was available in the previous version Force AXS Max 36T and XPLR rear derailleurs. This allows the derailleur to be easi... See more
• What is the max cog size that is compatible with new Force AXS rear derailleurs?
The Force AXS 36T Max rear derailleur will work with cassettes from 10-28T to 10-36T. The Force XPLR AXS rear derailleur will work with 10-36T and 10-44T cassettes only. See more
• Is there a different rear derailleur for 2x and 1x drivetrains for the new Force AXS drivetrain?
Yes and no. The Force AXS 36T Max rear derailleur can be used with a front derailleur for a 2x system and without the use of a front derailleur for a 1x system. The Force XPLR AXS rear derailleur i... See more
• Can I use the new Force AXS rear derailleur without the front derailleur to make a 1x drivetrain?
The Force AXS 36T Max rear derailleur can be used with a front derailleur for a 2x system and also without the use of a front derailleur for a 1x system. The Force XPLR AXS rear derailleur is 1x sp... See more
• What surface treatment/coating is SRAM using on Force AXS chains?
Force Flattop chains are nickel-plated outer links and have hard chrome inner links, making the chain extremely strong and durable. See more
• Can a SRAM 12-speed PowerLock be installed and uninstalled repeatedly, or does it need to be replaced with a new PowerLock after being removed one time?
SRAM 12-speed Flattop PowerLocks are a one-time use part that needs to be replaced after being removed. See more
• Are SRAM Road 12-speed Flattop chain PowerLocks different from SRAM Eagle 12-speed PowerLocks?
Yes they are. Eagle PowerLocks can be easily differentiated from Flattop PowerLocks. Eagle PowerLocks have the word, “Eagle” stamped on the side. SRAM Flattop PowerLocks are stamped “SRAM PLCK-D1”. See more
• How do I size a chain for a new 2x Force AXS drivetrain?
Wrap the chain around the large chainring and largest cassette cog with the flat edge facing away from the chainring and cassette. For 2x systems, add one inner link and one outer link where the ch... See more
• How do I size a chain for a new 1x Force AXS drivetrain?
Wrap the chain around the large chainring and largest cassette cog with the flat edge facing away from the chainring and cassette. For 1x systems, add two inner links and two outer links where the ... See more
• Are special chain tools, chain pliers, or chain whips required to work on new Force AXS drivetrains?
Complete tool information below. SRAM has confirmed the following tools are compatible with RED, Force, and Rival AXS Flattop chains: CHAIN BREAKER TOOLS:• Abbey Decade Chain Tool• Fabric Chain Spl... See more
• What type of freehub body is required for XG-1270 and XG-1271 road cassettes?
All road 12-speed XG-1270 and XG-1271 cassettes require the use of an XDR driver body. See more
• What cassette sizes are compatible with the new Force AXS rear derailleur?
The SRAM Force AXS 36T Max rear derailleur is designed to work with 10-28T, 10-30T, 10-33T, and 10-36T cassettes. The Force XPLR AXS rear derailleur is 1x specific and works with 10-36T and 10-44T ... See more
• When power meter-equipped new Force AXS 2x integrated road chainrings wear out, does the power meter have to be replaced?
Yes. The power meter on the new Force AXS 2x chainring sets is fully integrated with the chainrings for the lowest possible weight and the highest possible accuracy. However, these integrated chain... See more
• What size and type of tool is required to remove new Force AXS direct mount chainrings from the crank arm interface?
Direct mount chainrings use a Torx T20 bolt See more
• Is there a 2x version of the new Force AXS crankset that uses a 4-bolt spider?
Yes, but only the 43/30 Wide spindle version crankset with a 94mm BCD. See more