How to Install, Adjust, and Maintain the Rival eTap AXS Shifters

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in AXS, eTap, Rival, Shifters, SRAM

When it comes to road bike performance, your shifting system plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth, precise gear changes. SRAM’s Rival eTap AXS Shifters [paid link] are a part of the wireless eTap AXS series, offering riders an intuitive and seamless shifting experience. However, like any other bike component, proper installation, adjustment, and maintenance are essential to keep your system working at its best.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of installing, adjusting, and maintaining your Rival eTap AXS shifters [paid link], ensuring that your gear changes are always spot on.

Tools Required:

Installing the SRAM Rival eTap AXS Shifters

Installing the Rival eTap AXS [paid link] shifters requires a few critical steps to ensure both shifters function correctly. The process is relatively straightforward, but care should be taken to ensure everything is set up precisely.

1. Mounting the Shifters on the Handlebars

The first step is to attach the shifters to the handlebars. The Rival eTap AXS [paid link] shifters use a clamp-style design that fits most modern handlebars.

  • Slide the shifters onto the handlebars in the desired position.
  • Tighten the clamp bolts with a 5mm Allen wrench [paid link], ensuring they are secure but not over-tightened (use a torque wrench [paid link] to tighten to the recommended spec).

2. Attaching the Brakes (If applicable)

The Rival eTap AXS [paid link] shifters are integrated with hydraulic disc brakes or mechanical brakes, depending on your setup.

  • If using hydraulic disc brakes, ensure that the brake calipers and hoses are connected correctly.
  • If you’re using mechanical disc or rim brakes, ensure the cables are routed correctly to the brake levers and calipers.

3. Positioning the Shifters

Position the shifters at an angle that is comfortable for your hand position. A general rule of thumb is that your index finger should easily reach the shifter button when your hands are on the handlebars.

Adjusting the Rival eTap AXS Shifters for Optimal Performance

Once your Rival eTap AXS shifters are mounted, the next step is ensuring they are properly adjusted. These wireless shifters are relatively low-maintenance, but precise adjustment is key for smooth shifting.

1. Pairing the Shifters to the AXS System

The Rival eTap AXS uses wireless communication, so pairing the shifters to the AXS system is crucial.

  • Turn on the system using the AXS button on the shifters.
  • Follow the instructions on the SRAM AXS app (available on both iOS and Android) to complete the pairing process with the derailleur and battery.

2. Adjusting the Front and Rear Derailleurs

The Rival eTap AXS shifters are paired with the eTap AXS derailleurs, which need to be adjusted for smooth shifting.

  • Rear Derailleur Adjustment:
    • Make sure the derailleur hanger is aligned.
    • Adjust the derailleur position using the AXS app or the manual override on the derailleur itself.
    • Test the shifting through all gears, ensuring that the derailleur moves freely without hesitation.
  • Front Derailleur Adjustment:
    • Shift into the smallest chainring, and adjust the front derailleur height so that it’s about 1-2mm above the largest chainring.
    • Fine-tune the trim settings to ensure the chain doesn’t rub when shifting.

Note: The Rival eTap AXS system uses the same eTap shifting logic, so the shifters automatically trim the front derailleur when shifting to prevent rubbing.

3. Fine-Tuning the Shifter Reach

Adjust the reach of the shifters to ensure that you can easily activate them, especially if you’re riding with gloves or have smaller hands.

  • The Rival eTap AXS levers have a tool-free reach adjustment dial, located near the clamp area.
  • Turn the dial to adjust the lever’s distance from the handlebars, making sure it’s comfortable for your grip.

Maintaining Your Rival eTap AXS Shifters

Maintaining the Rival eTap AXS shifters is essential to keeping them in peak condition. While the system is low-maintenance, a few regular tasks will ensure smooth and consistent shifting performance.

1. Battery Maintenance and Charging

The Rival eTap AXS shifters rely on rechargeable batteries, which need to be monitored and charged regularly.

  • Battery Charging:
    • Use the eTap AXS battery charger to charge your batteries. A full charge usually lasts several weeks, but it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the battery level [paid link] via the AXS app.
  • Storage:
    • If you plan on not using your bike for an extended period, remove the batteries and store them in a cool, dry place to prolong their lifespan.

2. Cleaning the Shifters

Keeping the shifters clean is crucial, especially after riding in wet or muddy conditions.

  • Use isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth to wipe down the shifters and remove dirt and grime.
  • Avoid using high-pressure water, as it can damage the wireless components.

Tip: If you use your bike in particularly dirty conditions, consider removing the batteries and cleaning the internal components as well to ensure longevity.

3. Lubing Cables (If Necessary)

While the eTap AXS system uses a wireless design, if you’ve paired it with mechanical cables or inner cables (in specific setups), you may need to lubricate them periodically.

  • Apply a light lubricant to the cables before installation and periodically check for fraying or wear.

Troubleshooting Common Rival eTap AXS Shifter Issues

Though the Rival eTap AXS shifters are designed for reliability, there are some issues you might encounter over time. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

1. Shifter Not Responding

  • Check Battery Power: Ensure the batteries in the shifters are charged. A dead battery is the most common cause of unresponsiveness.
  • Wireless Connection: Make sure the shifters are paired correctly with the derailleur via the AXS app. If there is no signal, unpair and repair the system.

2. Missed Shifts or Skipping Gears

  • Derailleur Adjustment: Check that the derailleur is properly aligned and that the indexing is correct. Fine-tune using the AXS app or manually adjust the derailleur to avoid misalignment.
  • Chain or Cassette Wear: Inspect your chain and cassette for wear. Excessive wear can cause skipping or mis-shifting, even with the best components.

3. Shifters Feel Loose

  • Tighten the Clamp: Make sure that the shifter clamp is properly tightened to the handlebars. If loose, it can cause erratic shifting performance.

Conclusion

Proper installation, adjustment, and maintenance of your SRAM Rival eTap AXS shifters are essential to keeping your shifting system running smoothly for years. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to ensure that your shifting is always precise, responsive, and reliable. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cyclist, maintaining your shifters correctly can help you achieve the best performance on the road.