Converting from mechanical to wireless electronic doesn't require a complete groupset purchase. SRAM's Red AXS E1 Upgrade Kit bundles the shift-brake levers, both derailleurs, a battery, charger, and the Roam handlebar controller into a single box. You keep your existing crankset, cassette, chain, brake calipers, and rotors, which makes sense if those components still have life left or you've already invested in preferred options.

The E1 designation refers to SRAM's current lever generation, which positions the reach adjustment and contact point settings differently than the previous D1 design. Ergonomics aside, the internal hydraulic routing and shifting electronics remain functionally identical across both generations. The levers pair with any SRAM AXS hydraulic disc brake caliper, but the calipers themselves aren't included here—you'll need those separately if you're building from scratch or upgrading from rim brakes.

Rear derailleur fitment matters on this kit. The included medium cage handles cassettes up to 36 teeth, which covers SRAM's 10-33T and 10-36T road options. If you're running the 10-28T cassette exclusively, you could technically use a short cage, but the medium cage works across that range too. The Orbit fluid damper inside the parallelogram eliminates chain slap over rough surfaces without adding drag during normal pedaling—useful if you're riding mixed terrain or poorly maintained roads.... Read More