The page compares the differences between the 12-speed SRAM Red AXS, Force AXS, and Rival AXS cassettes.
SRAM cassette sizes
The 12-speed SRAM Red AXS, Force AXS, and Rival AXS cassettes are available in various sizes, according to the table below.
- Red AXS cassettes have a higher gearing ratio and are targeted toward racers.
- Force AXS is the intermediate option with four cassette size options for racers and everyday riders.
- Rival AXS are available in lower gear ratios and suited for the steepest terrains and everyday riders.
| Red AXS | Force AXS | Rival AXS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | CS-XG-1290-D1 | CS-XG-1270-D1 | CS-XG-1250-D1 |
| 10-26T | Yes | Yes | |
| 10-28T | Yes | Yes | |
| 10-30T | Yes | ||
| 10-33T | Yes | Yes | |
| 10-36T | Yes | Yes | |
| Retail price (USD) | $377 | $195 | $132 |
| Retail price (EUR) | €401 | €200 | €132 |
| Where to buy | Amazon Competitive Cyclist Wiggle | Amazon Competitive Cyclist | Amazon Competitive Cyclist Wiggle |
SRAM cassette weight comparison
While SRAM cassettes are one-piece, the way the cassette is constructed varies.
- Red AXS cassettes are machined out of a single steel block.
- Force AXS cassettes use a mini cluster design, where the four smallest cogs (10, 11, 12, 13) are machined from a single steel block. The remaining eight cogs are pinned together.
- Rival AXS cassettes have a pinned design where all 12 cogs are pinned together.
The Red AXS cassette is ~50g lighter than its’s Force AXS equivalent, while Force AXS is ~30g lighter than its Rival equivalent. There is no crossover between Red and Rival AXS cassettes.
| Cassette size | Red AXS | Force AXS | Rival AXS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-26T | 175g | 222g | |
| 10-28T | 183g | 236g | |
| 10-30T | 283g | ||
| 10-33T | 211g | 266g | |
| 10-36T | 310g | 338g |
SRAM cog sizes
The first six cogs (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15T) have one-gear jumps for all cassette sizes except 10-36T.
The wider the cassette range, the bigger the gear jumps for the larger cogs.
| Cassette size | Cog sizes | Range |
|---|---|---|
| 10-26T | 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 26T | 260% |
| 10-28T | 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 24, 28T | 280% |
| 10-30T | 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 24, 27, 30T | 300% |
| 10-33T | 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 24, 28, 33 | 330% |
| 10-36T | 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 24, 28, 32, 36 | 360% |
Alex Lee is the founder and editor-at-large of Mr. Mamil. Coming from a professional engineering background, he breaks down technical cycling nuances into an easy-to-understand and digestible format here.
He has been riding road bikes actively for the past 12 years and started racing competitively in the senior category during the summer recently.