The new 2024 SRAM Red AXS hoods are deeper than the previous generation or the current SRAM Force AXS models. While it offers additional hand comfort and improved hand placement, it increases the reach to the brake levers and shifters. While lever reach has been adjustable for as long as I can remember, the all-new Red AXS makes it even easier to adjust.
Due to the longer hoods, there is a higher probability that your hand size and bar shape will require some adjustments — as I did. I have been riding the new Red AXS aboard both the Orbea Orca and Trek Madone SLR and each one has different bars with different reach and drops. The Orca had the new Zipp SL 80 Race handlebar and the fit was a little aggressive, which resulted in up-tilted hoods to eke out as much comfort as possible. A byproduct of that was that the brake levers and shifters were placed further outward than I was used to. In fact, I whiffed hitting the shifters a few times on my first ride, which led me to making quick reach adjustments.
Initially, I measured the gap between the front of the drops to the levers at 2 inches. Using the easy reach adjustment brought them in to about 1-5/8 inches. Subsequently, I did move them outward to about 1-3/4 inches, which was just right. On the Madone’s Aero RSL bar/stem, I haven’t had the need to move them inward quite as much, but did move them in about 1/8 inch for fine-tuned comfort. Check out how easy it is to adjust below.
Why did I shorten the Red AXS reach?
Ultimately, my primary reasoning for reducing the reach was to make reaching the shifters easier. I found myself trying to shift but missing the buttons due to the increased reach. That was a clear reason, but a second issue was also solved. It turns out that my resting hand position in the hoods resulted in my braking finger compressing the levers ever-so-slightly. While I don’t think it compressed enough to cause the pads to touch the rotors, it was enough to make me wonder. So, as I made the shifters easier to access, it also eliminated the second issue at the same time. All of this was done without causing finger interference during hard braking efforts.
While reach adjustment has long been a feature of SRAM Red AXS, the latest iteration makes it even easier and more likely that you will use it. So, have a crack at it and see how it changes the on-bike fit and comfort for you. Look for a full review of the new Red AXS groupset soon.
