The SRAM Rival eTap AXS [paid link] is a standout wireless electronic groupset that offers precision shifting and modern gearing for road and gravel riders alike. However, to maximize its performance, riders must fully understand its compatibility landscape. Whether upgrading an existing setup or starting from scratch, using incompatible parts can lead to frustrating performance issues.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about SRAM Rival eTap AXS [paid link] compatibility—including what integrates flawlessly, what fails without compromise, and what can work with modification.
Understanding the SRAM AXS Ecosystem
SRAM Rival eTap AXS [paid link] belongs to SRAM’s 12-speed AXS wireless platform. This ecosystem includes the higher-end Force and Red eTap AXS [paid link] lines and is unified by shared electronic protocols, gearing logic, and drivetrain spacing. All AXS components use the same communication protocol, making cross-compatibility possible in many cases.
Crucially, Rival eTap AXS is designed around X-Range gearing, which changes how gearing is distributed—smaller chainrings and wider cassettes optimize cadence and efficiency.
Compatible SRAM AXS Components
Shifters and Derailleurs
Rival eTap AXS shifters [paid link] work seamlessly with all SRAM AXS rear and front derailleurs (Rival, Force, and Red). This interchangeability is possible because all components use the same electronic language and shifting logic.
However, mixing components should still consider the mechanical characteristics of each series. For instance, Force and Red derailleurs are lighter and may offer slightly better shifting responsiveness, but they will not change gear ratios or transmission architecture.
Cassettes
Rival eTap AXS is optimized for 12-speed SRAM cassettes mounted on an XDR [paid link] driver body. Compatible options include:
- Rival 12-speed cassettes (10-30T and 10-36T)
- Force and Red 12-speed cassettes (with identical spacing)
- SRAM XG-1270 [paid link] and XG-1290 [paid link] cassettes
All these cassettes maintain the same cog-to-cog spacing and work natively with Rival’s rear derailleur geometry.
Chains
All SRAM 12-speed AXS road chains—dubbed FlatTop chains—are fully compatible across Rival, Force, and Red. These chains are narrower than previous generations and require corresponding chainrings and cassettes to function properly.
Cranksets and Chainrings
Rival AXS cranksets come in both standard and Wide versions. Compatibility rules include:
- All AXS road cranksets (Rival, Force, Red) are interchangeable as long as you maintain chainline consistency.
- Wide versions (43/30T with 47.5mm chainline) require a Wide front derailleur and compatible bottom bracket spacing.
- Power meter upgrades are compatible using the Rival AXS power meter [paid link] spindle, but only with specific cranksets.
Incompatibilities to Avoid
Mechanical and 11-Speed Components
The Rival eTap AXS groupset is not compatible with any 11-speed or mechanical SRAM components. This includes:
- Mechanical derailleurs
- 11-speed cassettes and chains
- Pre-AXS cranksets
Attempting to combine these will result in mismatched spacing, incorrect chain width, and unreliable shifting.
Non-XDR Cassettes
Standard HG (HyperGlide) freehub bodies will not accept 12-speed AXS cassettes due to their 10-tooth smallest cog. Riders must ensure their wheel hub uses an XDR [paid link] driver.
MTB Components (Eagle AXS)
While SRAM Eagle AXS uses the same wireless protocol, it’s intended for mountain bikes. Eagle derailleurs, chains, and cassettes are not natively compatible with Rival eTap AXS shifters [paid link] or drivetrains, unless using a mullet build—which we cover below.
The Mullet Build: When MTB and Road Combine
A popular customization of the Rival eTap AXS system is the mullet drivetrain, combining:
- Rival or Force AXS shifters
- Eagle AXS rear derailleur
- Eagle 12-speed cassette (10-50T or 10-52T)
- Eagle chain and MTB crankset
This hybrid setup is ideal for gravel or adventure bikes needing wide-range gearing. However, it sacrifices front shifting entirely—no front derailleur is used.
Keep in mind:
- Shifter firmware must support mullet logic.
- Mullet compatibility is not officially supported across all frames.
- Proper chain length and B-tension adjustment are critical.
Bottom Bracket and Frame Interface Considerations
Rival cranksets use DUB [paid link] spindle standards, making them compatible with:
- BSA
- PF30 [paid link]
- BB30
- T47
However, your frame’s bottom bracket shell width must match the chainline version of the crankset (Standard or Wide). Installing a Wide crankset on a standard frame without the Wide front derailleur results in poor front shifting or total incompatibility.
Firmware and App Integration
All SRAM AXS components, including Rival, require regular firmware updates via the SRAM AXS mobile app. Mixing components from different AXS families means firmware versions must be kept current to avoid communication errors.
Using the app also allows configuration of shift logic, button mapping, and battery health checks across any AXS-compatible setup.
Summary of Compatible and Incompatible Pairings
| Component Category | Compatible With Rival AXS | Incompatible With Rival AXS |
|---|---|---|
| Shifters | Force AXS, Red AXS | Mechanical 11-speed |
| Derailleurs | Force AXS, Red AXS, Eagle AXS (mullet) | Mechanical or 11-speed |
| Cassettes | SRAM AXS 12-speed (XDR [paid link]) | HG cassettes, 11-speed |
| Chains | SRAM FlatTop only | Eagle or mechanical chains |
| Cranksets | AXS road cranksets | 11-speed cranksets |
| Bottom Brackets | DUB [paid link] standard | Non-DUB [paid link] setups |
Conclusion
The SRAM Rival eTap AXS platform delivers remarkable flexibility, but understanding what components are compatible is key to building a reliable and high-performance drivetrain. Staying within the AXS ecosystem ensures flawless integration, while carefully considered modifications—like a mullet setup—can expand capabilities for specific use cases. Avoiding mismatched components prevents shifting issues and preserves drivetrain longevity.
If you’re planning a new build or an upgrade with SRAM Rival eTap AXS, always verify compatibility at each step to ensure smooth riding from the first shift onward.